Outfits Matter: How To Look More Attractive Online to Get More Dates

Here's a dirty little secret...the name of my styling company, Let's Get You, came from my frustration while on a date with a man in NYC.

One date, I sat across from a good-on-paper-yet-very-badly-dressed Bumble date and - knowing he'd lost his chance with me - imagined grabbing his shoulders and with sisterly love, yelling:

"Let's just get you laid already!"

Needless to say, I've done my fair share of online dating.

As a successful stylist who has dressed hundreds of people in the last ten years, one thing I've learned is: that when it comes to dressing for dates some people dress their best, and other people act like what you wear doesn't matter.

The people who show up on dating apps and on dates who present their best selves and enhance their natural attractiveness have the most success in getting dates.

Seth Rogan's style makeover is a great example of how even small changes like a t-shirt and different grooming can make a world of difference.

In today's swipe-left, swipe-right culture, making a memorable and positive first impression in online dating can feel like an overwhelming challenge.

With just seconds to capture someone's attention before they move on to the next profile, the way you dress isn't just a reflection of who you are—it's a crucial tool in your dating arsenal.

Here's the problem with bad dressers on online dating apps, especially in modern times.

Pretty privilege exists.

And yet, I am often surprised by how industry leaders and other successful people put second-hand "good-enough" effort into their appearance and outfits.

And yes, we can all tell.

Because you choose to wear...

• Wrinkled shirts.

• Ungroomed hair.

• Clothes that had been worn way too many times to be anywhere outside your house.

• Yoga pants.

• Running shoes.

• Whatever you had on that day.

Victoria Beckham's and Ciara's style transformation is a fantastic example of how what you wear makes an impression.

Dressing poorly on a date or in a dating profile picture doesn't do anything but decrease your chances of getting second dates.

Putting less effort into your appearance doesn't convey your value as a human being and it doesn't attract you higher caliber, supposedly morally superior people who want to "know who you really are underneath".

Instead, many who act like what they wear doesn't matter will find themselves not standing out, unsure how to attract their ideal dates through the small window of a dating profile photo and the micro-seconds it takes people to judge.

This leads to fewer options, fewer dates, and even fewer second dates.

So, how do you ensure your image and style says "swipe right" (aka "you're hot") in a sea of endless dating app options?

How to Dress for Dates in the World of Online Dating

Let's start by making sure no one is disappointed.

We’ve all been there.

Matching with someone who catches your eye, only to meet in person and discover they look nothing like the image they've portrayed online.

Not necessarily better or worse… just, different. (Though let’s be honest, it’s usually worse.)

Make you stand out

Calvin Harris looks so different in each photo, if he didn't show up to a date looking like the person we expected, it wouldn't work. Which person would you hope shows up on your date?

This disconnect is a common dilemma—not just in how others present themselves, but in how we struggle to authentically showcase our accomplishments, contributions, style, and personality. 

Now, it's not all superficiality, frivolousness, ageism, or another form of discrimination that we want to keep you away from.

It's not caring enough to present your best self.

People appreciate the effort.

Especially online.

People like things that are polished and well-manicured.

And by keeping a keen eye on those things, it's an easy way to get more, positive attention.

And to be clear that doesn't mean you have to a certain way of dressing, but an elevated version of whatever that is and who you are.

If you're ready to take a hard look at your wardrobe and step it up to help you get attention, get dates, and, yes, get laid... book a call to see how we can help you find the look that showcases the most dateable you.