What To Wear On A First Date - The Perfect Outfit For A Date Night

First dates are nerve-wracking enough without having to worry about what to wear. And we know first hand, so we've gone ahead and whipped up the ideal example of what to rock when you're trying to meet Mr. or Ms. Right. Opt for a little long-sleeved dress in an unexpected shade of purple, and layer on a slim belt to play up the hourglass silhouette. Just add the perfect subtle shoes and bag, plus an effortless top-knot, and get ready to score—style-wise, at least.

Nail this date-ready look in five easy steps:

Essential #1: Wicked Wedges—Walk tall in these adorable and affordable wedges. They'll go with everything this fall, but we love the way the neutral color offsets the deep gem shade of this long-sleeve dress the most.

Riviera Cork Wedges, $215, available at American Rag, 150 South La Brea Avenue (at 2nd Street); 323-935-3154.

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Essential #2: Cute Cocktail Dress—Nothing is easier to slip into than the perfect cocktail dress. This 3.1 Phillip Lim number comes in the most amazing deep purple hue and has super-flattering pleats and folds, so it's always sexy, and never snoozy.

3.1 Phillip Lim Long Sleeve Gathered Dress, $795, available at Feature Boutique, 11958 San Vicente Boulevard (at Saltair Avenue); 310-826-6600.

Essential #3: Thin Brown Belt—Keep the focus on your shape with this brown leather belt cinched at the natural waist. It draws the eye to the smallest part of your bod, and ties together the shoes and the bag. Done and done!

Skinny Feathered Edge Leather Belt ,$30, available at American Apparel, Robertson Boulevard (at Burton Way); 310-385-9183.

Essential #4: Sleek Hair Helper—The classic ponytail-turned-bun is emerging as the go-to hairstyle for fall. Whether it's sleek and minimal or a little messy, ensure you don't have any fly-aways with HerCut's brand new product.

The Ponytail Styling Lotion, $22, available at Sephora, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Century Park East); 310-843-0123.

Essential #5: The Mini Messenger—Keep your baggage—emotional and otherwise—to a minimum with this small and superb Madewell cross-body bag. We love the rich brown saddle leather and the zipper details.

Canyon Messenger, $128, available at Madewell, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard (at Avenue of the Stars); 310-772-0428.

R29 Giveaway:
Want to get your hands on the ideal finishing touch for this perfect look? Just tell us in the comments of this story about your best—or worst—first date and the most memorable answer will get this Low Luv by Erin Wasson gold bangle from Feature Boutique.

Want more outfit inspiration? Check out the best way to wear fall's essential turban accessory here!