Guides
What to wear to a singles night.
What people wear, whether there is a dress code, and what to bring with you.
Wear what you would for a drink with a friend in a bar you like: comfortable, and a little smarter than every day. Most singles nights and speed dating nights have no dress code, and the ones that do say so on the listing.
What you wear matters less than whether you are at ease in it. You will be standing, sitting and talking for two hours or more, and anything you have to keep adjusting will be on your mind when the conversation should be.
Poise prints what the host says about a night on its listing, the venue included, and the venue tells you most of what you need to know.
Is there a dress code at singles events?
Rarely. Most hosts leave it to you, and the few who set a dress code print it on the listing.
A themed night is the exception. A party with a theme will say what it is, and whether dressing for it is expected or only welcome.
How do you dress for the venue?
Look at where the night is held, and dress as you would to go there on any other evening.
- A bar or a restaurant. What you would wear for dinner with friends. Smart without being formal.
- A bookshop or a café. What you would wear at the weekend. A singles social is a relaxed room, and a suit would stand out.
- A party with a dancefloor. Dress up a little, and wear shoes you can stand in all night.
- A night with something to do. If the night is built round a game or a walk, dress for that first.
What should you wear to speed dating?
The same as for any singles night: comfortable, and a little smarter than every day. You are seated at a small table for most of the evening, so choose something you can sit in for two hours.
What should you avoid?
Anything you are wearing for the first time. A singles night is not the evening to find out that a pair of shoes rubs.
Go lightly on scent, since you will be talking to people at close quarters in a room that may be small. And wear something you would be glad to be remembered in, since the person you talk to may be describing you to a friend the next day.
What should you bring?
Very little. Four things cover it.
- Your booking. The host checks you in by name, and the confirmation is there if a name is missing from the list.
- A charged phone. For swapping numbers, and for getting home.
- Proof of age. Poise is for people aged 18 and over, and a venue that serves drinks may ask.
- A way home. Know how you are getting back before you set out.
