How to dress for your date

There’s been a sea change in store windows. No longer are models baring their
midriffs. Pants are rising higher and skirt hems are dipping lower. Demure
styles, decorated fabrics, tailored, tweedy jackets and nipped-in waists define
the new look. While women over 40 raise a cheer to discover clothes they can
really buy again, it’s time to reassess your dating wardrobe.

If you’ve been away from the dating scene for a while, you may need a major
overhaul. Or, you could make do with a few new pieces. It depends on what
you’ve got and where you’re going. Let’s look at the possibilities.

Coffee: Your first meeting with an online acquaintance should be someplace
public where you’re not committed to a lengthy time. No business suits, please;
you’re not interviewing for a job. And no paint-splattered blue jeans; you’re
not refinishing a chest of drawers. Casual slacks with a fine wool sweater
should do the trick.

Dinner: Find out where you’re going. Straight-leg jeans with tailored shirt and
cardigan sweater are fine for a burger joint or the neighborhood pizzeria. If
you’ll be sitting down to a white linen tablecloth, you’ll feel more
comfortable in a pencil skirt with a silk blouse. Enliven your outfit with
accessories like antique-looking cameo pins or a beaded purse. Mixing and
matching is the way to go. Sarah Jessica Parker’s star turn as Carrie Bradshaw
on Sex in the City taught women that it’s okay to pair expensive designer togs
with funky finds from thrift shops.

Movie: No one can see you in the dark, so you want to be comfortable. Dress in
layers so you can add and remove coverage according to the indoor climate,
which can change as the air-conditioning kicks in or the crowd fills up the
theater.

Party: This is the classic opportunity to call your hostess and ask what she’s
wearing. Casual and dressy are easy enough. It’s “dressy casual” or “casual
dressy” that are confusing. Pair some dressy pants with a casual top and a
chunky necklace, or a dressy silk blouse with tight black jeans and high heels.

Opera: It’s not often, but sometimes you find yourself in a ritzy setting like
a big charity gala. What you want is a resale shop where people who go to a lot
of fancy dress balls recycle their gowns. You can frequently find a great
bargain on designer wear. Black is always slimming, but color is coming back.
Simple, classic styles won’t date you like big shoulder pads and elaborate
sequins that scream “Dallas” will.

Just make sure that whatever you wear fits — no fat rolls over your waist, no
tents hiding your curves. And make sure it’s clean — no shoulder stains from
baby spit-up. Check for moth holes, split seams and missing buttons.

Need help? A trusted salesperson at a high-end boutique can help you find what
looks best on you. Armed with that knowledge, you can find similar items at
less pricey shops.