There are few things we can control on a first date, from the weather to how hot and sweaty the restaurant you picked is, to finding that all-important spark and learning that, sadly, good lips don't always a good kisser make.
What we can control, however, is what we wear.
Choosing the right outfit for any occasion is an important part of the process, whether you're a fashion fanatic or a jeans and a t-shirt kind of guy. Feeling comfortable and confident in your skin is key to enjoying a date, and finding what outfits do that for you should be your first port of call.
So what do you wear if you simply don't know where to start? Or, on the other side of the table, how do you get your guy to start dressing to impress, even if you live together and this is your 500th date?
Leave it to stylist Lawson Mpame to educate the masses on how to pull together a look that's sure to make a good impression.
We caught up with Mpame at the Arnotts Autumn/Winter 2023 Season launch, which took place today, and picked his brains on how to create a foolproof date night outfit formula.
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The new season ahead has some strong trends already, from red being the shade of the moment, to tailoring embracing a new silhouette. Mpame points to co-ords as being one to experiment with, particularly if you're looking to make a statement but don't want to overhaul your entire wardrobe.
"For a long time guys have kind of shied away from wearing co-ordinated pieces but I love them because you've got the same colour, and I love the versatility of them."
Swapping out either the pants or the jacket is an easy way to make an outfit your own, while wearing them together is sure to make an impact.
Pointing to a patterned example by Paul Smith featured in the Arnotts preview, Mpame said that such a delicate motif "stands out but it's not in your face".
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If you want to go bold, go for penny loafers, which also featured prominently in the show and which Mpame was especially delighted to see.
"I've been wearing penny loafers that are two-toned for the past four years and I'm starting to see that they're catching back on!"
Overshirts and jackets are an autumn staple as layering pieces that can bring personality to an outfit, Mpame said, especially when choosing designs in bright shades.
When it comes to dressing up, the pressure can be on to show up and show out. Doing so without pushing yourself too far out of your comfort zone is a skill in itself.
"Find your staple pieces", Mpame suggested. "For me for the summer, it was my statement shirts. I was wearing that during the day, during night time for date night, and it's also something I was wearing on holidays."
He added that it could be a classic suit that you rewear throughout the seasons, dressed up or down with vests, t-shirts, expressive shirts or a polo neck for winter.
As for his own date night outfit formula, Mpame's motto is "keep it simple". "Sometimes you can do an all-black look and it'll look very, very smart and still look stylish."
"Maybe go for a knitted polo, a nice pair of double pleated trousers with a nice high-rise, a beautiful belt with a tiny bit of gold detail. Keep it nice and simple with accessories."
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Embracing accessories can make or break an outfit, and knowing how to balance them is the mark of a truly skilled dresser. Mpame suggested a classic signet ring or a pendant necklace to add some understated sparkle to your look.
"Wear some jewellery, don't be afraid to accessorise!"
His final tip for a winning date night look? Once again, penny loafers.
"Guys, I don't know why you hate them, but you should go for them", he said. "A penny loafer that either has tassles, it has a chain detail on it or, like what we saw today in the runway show, two-tone."
