Have you used the last few months to do something you always wanted to do? Learn a language? Start that DIY project that you never had time to do before? Sorted out your wardrobe?
With shops, restaurants and all social areas closed for months, we all interacted less and less. But what happened in the dating world?
A national lockdown with millions confined to their homes and physical distancing enforced should have been a major disaster for the dating world but in fact, the opposite happened.
“While users initially shied away from using the apps at the start of lockdown, online dating has since exploded, with the average number of daily messages sent across all of Match’s platforms increasing by nearly 30 per cent in April, compared with the end of February” said Sharmistha Dubey the new chief executive of Match Group, owner of dating groups including Tinder, OKCupid and its namesake Match.com in an interview with the Financial Times.
Style Doctors has also seen an increase in more people looking for ‘dating’ outfits during and after lockdown.
We’ve been helping more people than ever develop their dating personal style with a view to create the best impression both online and offline.
New to dating
Style Doctors works with Little Black Book, an award winning personalised dating service and matchmaking agency in London. The company provides a personal dating service for people who would like an alternative to online dating.
"Lockdown has been a time for reflection and as we have crept out to the new world, it would seem a lot of people have changed their priorities: for many, casual dating is out and committed relationships are in. At Little Black Book we’ve had a deluge of new enquiries from single people who are ready to start a whole new chapter in their lives. They’ve had enough of the apps and choosing the wrong people to date and they want our help to find them the right life partner" says Little Black Book founder
Together with our partners at Style Doctors, our matchmaking and coaching packages set our members on the right track with a renewed sense of confidence.
What to wear on a date
Designer clothes head to toe? A new watch that says ‘I made it’? As stylists, you may think that we’d recommend these material things. But first and foremost, confidence and a smile are two of the most important things to embody on any date. Both of which are free and the best way to finish off any outfit!
Location, Location, Location
Think about where the date will be. This will and always should be a major deciding factor in what you wear. Are you going on a Thames rib ride? Perhaps a silk dress and those Gucci sandals may not be the best option. A picnic in Hyde Park? Think about how your outfit might look (and feel) when sitting on a picnic blanket or deck chair.
Making sure you’re suitably dressed for the occasion, will in turn make you feel more at ease and relaxed.
Comfort v Style
Now, you always want to strike the perfect balance here and too much of one is never good. You want to feel comfortable whatever you’re doing. You never know how the date might go and you might end up walking for miles along the river (so leave the 6 inch heels at home). Likewise, you never want to feel under-dressed either.
Colours
Colours are a great way to communicate a message before you even speak, so think about your colours carefully. Red, for example would suggest that you are confident, passionate and in some cases fiery! Blue on the other hand is calming, balanced and soothing.
Also keep in mind what your outfit might look like after eating, drinking and doing any type of activity.
For this reason, we don’t recommend white as it can quickly stain which might not put you in the right mood.
Quality Control
Now, we’re not saying that you need a completely new outfit for a date but that feeling you get when you wear something new gives you an added confidence. Even if it’s just a new bag or jacket with one of your favourite outfits, it can have a big impact on the way you feel.
Whether you have a date planned or new to the dating game, one thing’s for sure – if you feel good, you’ll come across as confident and attractive!
