Back in March, when I was just starting to go out again after my marriage ended, I shared two outfits I wore on a first date…
Here’s the answer: For my first dates, I wanted to dress casually and a little modestly. It was all new and scary. But kind readers nudged me to be a little more daring. “I love black jeans, but maybe pair them with a black blouse, maybe with an extra button undone for a sexier vibe.” MDB added, “Black kind of looks like server attire.” Haha, I get it.
But I’ve taken that advice to heart since then. After dating some good-looking guys and seeing how kind and open people are (especially at this age), I feel like I’ve warmed to the idea of being more vulnerable, and I’ve become a little braver when it comes to dressing in a way that shows I care and put in effort. (Does that make sense? It makes sense in my head.)
For a recent drinks party, she wore a polka dot dress she found on eBay and Chloe flats. (Dancing arms courtesy of Anton.)
When I had dinner with my cute dad at Sailor I paired a short skirt with a white blouse (similar here and here ) and strappy sandals.
And at the beginning of this post, on my evening walk, I was wearing a Levi’s jean skirt that I’ve had for 10 years (!), an old floral shirt, and brown sandals I bought on Poshmark.
Fashion can sometimes feel frivolous and irrelevant, but don’t you think it really does sometimes reflect an emotional temperature, a state of mind, a stage in life? It reminds me of an interview I did with the costume designers for Girls and Fleabag. Sometimes the way the characters dress expresses what they’re thinking and feeling. Not always, but sometimes it does! Claire! Very French!
Now, I’m really curious. What do you wear when you go to dinner, or a walk, or a movie? What makes you feel like yourself? I’d love to know.
P.S.: The perfect sneakers for long walks and a look back at your first post-divorce date with a big salad.
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