As the old saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. And this is never more true than when it comes to showing up on a first date. But if you’re working on a tight budget, the challenge of looking a million dollars without spending a million dollars is very real. If you’ve got an all-important first date on the horizon, here are a few ways to make the best impression without spending a small fortune.
Cheap ideas for a first date
If you’re tasked with planning the date, your first challenge will be picking a location that’s fun, original, and impressive without breaking the bank. There are plenty of daily finance tips online that will help you plan a first date, but here are a few of the best ideas for a first date that won’t cause you money stress.
Romantic meal
It’s the go-to option for a first date, but there’s good reason for that. Heading out to a nice bar or restaurant is a perfect way to get to know each other. For those who are a little nervous, sharing a bottle of wine can be a good option to help you loosen up while sitting in such close proximity will force the conversation to keep flowing as you get to understand one another.
While this may not sound like a cheap option for a first date, many eateries offer discounts if you’re dining on a weekday rather than a weekend. This includes finer establishments which may offer deals like 50% off from Monday to Thursday, or a free bottle of wine with two main meals.
Go to the cinema
Another place where you’ll often find cheaper prices during the week is the cinema. This is a great option if you’re on the shy side as conversation will obviously be at a minimum when watching a movie.
It also offers an obvious topic of conversation for the journey home or post-cinema snacks. Heading to a dessert parlour to debrief the film can be a great option to extend the date if it’s going well.
Cook up a nice meal
If you’re talented in the kitchen, staying in and cooking up a nice meal for your date can be a great way to impress your date and save on costs. Cooking is a far cheaper option than going out for food, and it also offers a more intimate environment as you won’t be joined by other diners and staff.
You can also dress down a little bit in the comfort of your own home, so won’t need to worry about heading out to pick a new pair of fancy shoes which will only add to the cost of the evening.
A relaxing evening stroll
If you’re really on a budget and you’re looking for free options rather than cheap options, heading out for a nice walk together can be an intimate first date idea. Pick a nice scenic route and a day when the weather is on your side and head out together to engage in deep conversations without any other distractions.
This can be a great way to get to know each other, and a more relaxed setting may help you to be yourself and make a great first impression.
Cheap outfit ideas for a first date
Picking a location or activity for a first date is only half the battle to making a great first impression. To really impress your date you’ll need to find an outfit that perfectly complements your body and your style. But don’t discount the importance of feeling comfortable on a date. Feeling comfortable means you have one less thing to worry about meaning you’ll be able to act like yourself and come across more naturally.
What to wear on a first date depends on your style, the time of year, and also where you’re heading for your first date. But there are a few staple outfits that every guy can turn to for a first date.
Black Jeans and Shirt
Black jeans are a versatile option that goes well with a range of other items and colours. Depending on where you’re heading for your first date, you can dress up or dress down your black jeans with what you choose to pair them with.
They’re also available from pretty much any brand that offers menswear products meaning there’s an option for all budgets.
For a nice evening meal, a pair of black jeans will go perfectly with a smart polo shirt or oxford shirt. In colder months, adding a smart overcoat can be a great option. For more casual date nights, picking up a hoodie in a men’s hoodie sale can be a great way to style your black jeans.
Trousers and Blazer
If you’re heading somewhere fancy, you might need to stick to a stricter dress code. Men are often required to wear trousers rather than jeans in finer establishments. If you’re planning an outfit that fits with a tight dress code, you can’t go wrong with a trousers and blazer combination paired with a crisp white shirt. Leaving the tie at home ensures you won’t be overdressed.
Contrasting coloured trousers and blazers helps your outfit appear more casual and stylish, whereas matching colours may leave you looking a little too corporate. For cheap options, check out fast fashion stores who’ll stock trousers and blazers at a cheaper price than you’ll find at a specialised suit store.
When it comes to colours, keep things simple. Black suit trousers are a great option as they can be reused with many different coloured blazers. When it comes to your blazer, try to avoid basic colours like grey, black, and navy that can again be seen as more office attire. Greens and lighter blues will make a more striking first impression.
Overshirts/Shackets
For smart casual date nights, overshirts and shackets have become the go-to fashion item. Start with a plain white T-shirt, a pair of denim jeans, and a pair of smart leather trainers – all of which can be picked up at a fairly affordable price tag if not owned already.
This way, you can put the bulk of your budget into the focal point of your outfit and make a statement with a smart overshirt or shacket. A stylish shacket can be picked up at most high street stores as well as plenty of online eCommerce stores.
Patterned overshirts and shackets might be a bit more eye-catching, while plain shirts create a simple yet smart first date look.