Rusted Revolution: What to Wear on a Date

Allow us to introduce ourselves:  Our names are Lucy McBride
and Lesley Burr.  We’re two bloggers with a love for fashion, among other things.  Our site, Rusted Revolution, began as a side project – a hobby through which we could channel our observations on fashion, music, travel, food, and the arts, sharing them with whomever cared to look.  Since RR’s birth in early September 2010, a growing Internet following has encouraged us to provide our readers with consistent news, trends, and reflections in the vast realm that is pop culture.
 

Let’s get real.  At BC, going on a real date is about as common as walking through campus without seeing UGGs or a North Face fleece.

On this campus, everything works backwards.  First comes the random one night hook up and awkward morning-after walk of shame, then comes commitment (maybe), then comes a date… and not until Valentine’s Day.  Call me a cynic, but in my experience, guys try to get into girls’ pants without even offering to buy us a drink first.

So imagine my surprise when I received a text from this guy I ran into at a bar last weekend, asking if I wanted to grab a couple drinks sometime.  Naturally I accepted, since going on a date is such a rarity, but immediately after replying, I went into a state of panic.

Where were we going to go?  What was I supposed to talk about?  And most importantly, what on earth was I going to wear?

Thankfully, when Lucy and I went shopping at the new Forever 21 on Newbury Street, I found the perfect pair of bright cotton candy pink high-waisted trouser shorts.  I paired these with a black halter leotard under a black blazer, black tights, and my standard black stiletto tread ankle boots.  I definitely took Lucy’s advice about how to incorporate color into a neutral-dominated wardrobe to heart.  For someone who never wears color, especially something as girly as pink, it was a major change.  My outfit was the perfect combo of Rusted Revolution style, comfort, and appropriateness for the occasion, allowing me to go from a sushi dinner, to drinks at a sports bar, and then to the grimy dive bar, Mary Ann’s.

This whole date debacle, especially with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, got me thinking about what would be appropriate attire to wear to different kinds of dates at different locales.  Since we are college students, we don’t necessarily go on fancy, expensive dates, but that doesn’t mean we should put any less effort into looking nice, whether it’s meeting a boy for coffee between classes, meeting him for drinks, or having dinner with him in the city.

On Campus Coffee Date

Scenario:  The cute boy you’ve been crushing on that sits across the room from you in class finally, finally asks to grab some coffee with you before class sometime.  Let’s face it:  as hot as you want to look, you have a full schedule ahead of you, winter weather to battle, and don’t want to come off as trying too hard.  Heels on campus?  No thanks, not with these cobblestones and hills.

Pair an easy but fashion forward asymmetrically cut t-shirt from Lulu’s with shiny black nylon tricot leggings from American Apparel.  Toss a chunky knit sweater from F21 over for an interesting contrast to the sleek leggings, and pull on a pair of comfy boots. 

Depending on your taste, I recommend either Cooperative utilitarian ankle lace-up boots or easy to walk in but very chic black suede over-the-knee boots from Nine West. Finish your look off with a cute knit beanie from F21 in either black or cream (contrasting it against your hair color), and a beaded and feathered necklace also from F21 for a casual bohemian flair .

Drinks at a Pub/Sports Bar

Meeting for drinks is a late night, casual activity, and if you go to a sports bar, chances are you’ll be surrounded by dudes in jeans and jerseys.  However, you still want to look good and stand out (without looking overdone).  Pants and heels is the ideal combo for this sort of date.

Depending on your taste and what flatters you best, wear either these high-waisted satin trousers from Nasty Gal or Blank Denim slim-fitting leather skinny pants.  For the trousers, pair them with a tucked-in sheer tank from Nasty Gal, a funky printed blazer from ThreadSence, and F21 wedges that make a statement.

For the leather skinnies, balance out the potentially hooker-ish rocker look with an oversized and feminine button-down blouse, like this sheer one from Nasty Gal.  Throw on the same printed blazer from ThreadSence and F21 heels.

Restaurant Dinner Date

Whether you’re going for sushi at Fin’s in Cleveland Circle or to the more upscale Capital Grille, a dinner date is definitely a dress occasion.

Try wearing a neutral-colored dress in either cream or black, but give it a twist with one of the following two styles.  Both of these Nasty Gal dresses are affordable, chic, and best of all, can be worn in both winter and summer seasons for a multitude of different occasions.  Try belting this cream dress and pairing it with strappy wedges or cute double-strap Mary Janes from F21.  If it’s chilly out, throw on a black blazer and a pair of black tights – nothing beats a classic combo of contrasting colors.

This Nasty Gal black dress is so dramatic in the back that you want to keep accessories to a minimum.  Spice up the dark color of the dress with some red hot wedges by Dolce Vita if you feel the urge to splurge.  If you have a smaller budget, give this black dress a 70’s spin by wearing a pair of F21 wooden platforms.

So next time you get asked out on a date, worry not!  This Rusted Revolution style guide will be here for you to reference so you can spend all your energy being excited and nervous, and not wondering what to wear.