Ask Ava

By Ava C. Green, Editor-in-Chief

Q: “I have a first date at Panera, what should I wear?”

A: So, you’ve landed a first date. First off – congratulations! My gut is telling me to say “nothing,” but I realize that may be a bit presumptuous and may not be the most appropriate for a) a first date or b) a public setting. First impressions are of the utmost importance in any setting, and even more so when the potential for a love-at-first-sight moment is high. I think it’s important that you wear something that you feel good and feel like yourself in. The looking good part will follow. I promise you that. 

Thankfully, this is Panera, not a rooftop bar in Manhattan. You will be sitting under aggressively bright lighting, likely across from a retired couple judging you while they sip their coffee. Your outfit should reflect the fact that this is casual, but also that you are a person of taste. The goal is to look put-together but not like you planned your outfit six days in advance. Jeans? Yes. A skirt? Why not!? Sweatpants? Absolutely not. 

Before you walk out the door, glance in the mirror and ask yourself:

1. Do I look like a person who has their life mostly together?

2. If I drop a piece of sandwich on myself, will it ruin my entire outfit?

3. Would I be comfortable wearing this if my date suggests an impromptu stroll in the park afterward?

   
   

If you’ve answered “yes” to all three, congratulations – you’re ready to conquer this Panera date in style. Now go forth, flirt over a bread bowl, don’t order something that involves leafy greens that’ll get stuck in your teeth and try to be comfortable – in style and in fit. The last thing you need is to be suffocated by too tight jeans after absolutely carbo-loading. I’m begging you to follow up and tell me how it went! Even if it’s awkward and they're a total dud, you’ll at least get some of that good mac and cheese out of the experience.