The first date is coming up - and the pondering begins in front of the wardrobe. What do I wear? Too elegant? Too casual? Too flashy? The good news is that you don't need a designer wardrobe to make an excellent first impression. More important than the price tag is that your outfit suits you, is right for the occasion and shows that you've put some thought into it. On sugardaddyGermany, we see time and time again that the most convincing first meetings were not the ones with the most expensive outfit - but the ones where both parties felt comfortable and the clothes suited the moment. Whether you are a young escort from Hamburg meeting an experienced partner for the first time, or a businessman from Frankfurt who wants to know what his date is looking for: This guide will help you find the right balance between style, comfort and occasion.
Read his style
How you assess the clothing style of your counterpart.
Show your own style
Why authenticity is more important than designer labels.
Place and occasion
How the meeting place determines the choice of clothes.
Assess the style of your counterpart
Every experienced partner has their own style of dress - and the better you can assess this before the first meeting, the easier your decision will be. Take a close look at his profile photos: Does he wear a suit and tie, or rather a shirt with an open collar? Does he mention business trips to London and meetings in Frankfurt city centre in his messages, or does he talk about weekends at Lake Starnberg and hikes in Tyrol? His profession gives further clues: A lawyer from Düsseldorf or banker from Frankfurt is likely to favour a more classic style, while an entrepreneur from Berlin or creative director from Hamburg often appreciates a more relaxed look. His taste in music, his hobbies and the places he mentions in conversation also reveal a lot about what he expects from an evening together.
An important detail: There are two types of businessmen on the scene - those who feel comfortable in a suit and enjoy wearing it in private, and those who want nothing more than to shed their formal attire after work. If you consider your sugar daddy to be someone who is always in a suit in everyday life and wants to relax at meetings, an elegantly casual outfit is a better choice than a strict evening dress. If in doubt, a simple trick will help: ask him directly what he is looking forward to and what the evening should look like. A gentleman from Vienna or Munich will appreciate this attention - and you will have a clear orientation for your wardrobe.
Bring in your own style
Once you have an idea of the other person's style, it's time for the more important part: what feels right for you? The most convincing outfits on a first date are the ones you can move confidently in - not the ones you've borrowed for the occasion. If you are normally casual and elegant, stick to that and choose a slightly more upmarket version of your everyday style. Dressing up will make you look insecure - and an attentive partner will notice this immediately. A sugar baby from Cologne who feels comfortable in a simple black dress with an eye-catching accessory will make a better impression than someone in a borrowed designer dress in which she can barely move.
Also, take time to find out if your taste in clothes and his match - this can be a good indicator of the overall connection. If he pays attention to detail, comments on colour and places importance on style issues, he's also likely to be more discerning when it comes to shared experiences. Finding the right balance between his taste and your own style lays the foundation for a successful first date - and often for everything that follows. You can find out more about how to make a first date a success in our guide to the Avoiding misunderstandings in arrangements.
The location determines the outfit
In addition to the style of both parties, the meeting place is the decisive factor for your choice of clothes. A dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Munich requires a different outfit than an afternoon coffee in a Berlin café or a walk along the Alster lake in Hamburg. The basic rule: it's better to be a touch too elegant than too casual - but never so overdressed that you feel uncomfortable. High heels are the wrong choice if you are planning a walk; a casual summer dress is not suitable for an evening in an upscale restaurant. If you are unsure, you will find Guide to the dress code a detailed orientation for various occasions.
If you are invited to an event with which you have little experience - a charity gala in Dresden, a dinner in a private club in Frankfurt, a wine tasting at a vineyard in the Palatinate - do a little research into the dress code beforehand. A look at the venue's website or a few pictures of previous events is usually enough. Also note whether the evening has several stops: An aperitif on a terrace, followed by dinner in an air-conditioned restaurant, may require a light jacket or scarf. And if you are still unsure: Just ask your partner. Most experienced men appreciate it when their companion gives them some thought - and are happy to help with orientation. An entrepreneur from Stuttgart who regularly goes to such events knows the unwritten rules and will be happy to give you a hint.
The details that make the difference
When sugar dating, experienced partners often pay attention to nuances that go beyond the outfit: well-groomed hands, discreet jewellery, a pleasant scent, shoes that match the overall look. These little things reveal more about your personality than any brand label. A simple pair of earrings that emphasises your facial features often looks more elegant than flashy jewellery. At the same time, don't overdo it. A natural look that suits your character is more convincing than a perfectly staged look that doesn't belong to you. If you opt for an arrangement in the right constellation and remain authentic, you will realise that the right clothes are only the beginning - the true impression is created by the person wearing them. And who the difference between an arrangement and an ordinary date knows that it's not about being someone else, but about showing the best version of yourself.
Frequently asked questions
No. Simple, well-fitting clothes that you feel comfortable in are more convincing than an expensive outfit that doesn't suit you. Quality and fit count more than brands.
Take a look at his profile photos, pay attention to his profession and how he talks about his everyday life in messages. A banker usually wears more classic clothes, a creative director often more casual. If in doubt, ask him directly - that shows attention.
Choose a versatile outfit in the „smart casual“ style: a well-fitting dress or a combination of a blouse and a good cut of trousers or skirt. This works in most situations - from upscale cafés to restaurants.
Well-groomed details such as hands, matching shoes, discreet jewellery and a pleasant fragrance often attract more attention than the outfit itself. Authenticity and self-confidence make the best impression.
