It may seem superficial to judge a potential partner off the way they dress, but the truth of the matter is that fashion and clothing plays a huge role in today’s cultural landscape, as well as our ability to express our individuality.

You can learn a lot about a person simply by looking at the way they dress. Someone who’s always wearing sneakers might be more athletic, or simply prioritize comfort above all else. A girl who always wears the colour red might come off as being passionate or fiery, or bold. Fashion is an amazing vehicle to make a statement about your personality, which is why I believe it’s such a crucial element when it comes to dating.

Fashion and how it plays into your mood and how you feel. The way you choose to dress can completely inform your mood. Do you feel more playful? More conservative? It can completely set the tone for your day. Taking the time to sort yourself and put some effort behind your appearance is a game changer. If you wake up feeling not so hot, working on your outfit can be the perfect pick-me-up.

When it comes to dating fashion, try not to stress about nailing that perfect outfit each time. No matter your style, it’s about the effort you put behind your appearance.

Ladies who think they have to wear a dress all the time; you DON’T. Jeans and a sexy top with spaghetti straps is  comfy AND shows off your figure. A tracksuit done right (think athleisure) can be super cute as well for more casual dates.

We talked fashion on a recent episode on The Dating and Relationship show, where I was joined by three ladies who have each carved a unique path for themselves in the fashion industry; Joan Kelley Walker, Marlene Shiff and Klaudia Capalbo. We all chatted about the do’s and don’ts’s of fashion for dating, so here’s a quick overview of what we discussed:

Number one: Realize what the situation is. Where are you going? How much do you want to reveal about your personality?

• Don’t go too casual
• Don’t wear anything too baggy
• Make an effort
• Make it reflect your personality
• Don’t wear something outside of your style or comfort zone; you’ll just feel awkward and be pulling at your clothes all night
• Dress for your body type – buy what fits you right here and now
• Don’t be afraid of spanx if it makes you feel fantastic.

Remember, fashion is a chance for you to express your personality. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new. Be open to learning, and doing what you need to do to develop your own unique style that works for you. For more tips on fashion and dating be sure to check out the Fashion and Dating episode on the The Dating and Relationship Show.