To Shave or Not to Shave: Are You Really Ready for the First Date?

by Mary Powers.

So you finally gave in and posted an online profile. You were so concerned about choosing the right photo and striking the perfect balance between “casually breezy” yet “intellectual”, that you’d forgotten the whole point of this was to actually meet someone. So when you sifted through your responses and came across someone who might actually be a decent match for you, you panicked.

Which is what you’re doing now, standing in your closet, planning for your date. He looks pretty cute, seems nice and is funny. At least online. We all know how face-to-face meetings can render one mute.

The big questions are still looming, though:

1. What should I wear?

Well, it depends on where you’re going. If you’re heading out for drinks, be sure to wear something wine-colored. This way, if you’re nervous and spill your drink on yourself, he may never even notice. (Unless you’re planning to spill it on him, in which case, you may want to suggest that he wear something wine-colored as well.) Try not to let the ladies out too much. If you must reveal something, reveal your lovely elbows. Or a finely-turned earlobe. Wearing something too low-cut will immediately send the message you may not be willing to send just yet. (And it’s not “tennis anyone?”) And besides, you really don’t want to spend all evening being the eyeball police and keeping them out of your cleavage.