What to wear on a first date

that involves lunch then walking round a gallery? Plus, my interview with Alberta Ferretti, the most romantic designer on earth

Unlike Mrs Sussex, I make no money from brands mentioned on this page

You want to look good sitting down, and be able to walk round an exhibit without resembling Dick Emery. A dress, killer matching accessories and a great scent are all you need. Jackets, skirts, trousers can be too fiddly and messy. You need to keep it simple, feminine, pared back, comfy. Men are easily confused. Also don’t go too casual, or too high fashion. I love this Victoria Beckham dress

But it is £1100. This below is from Zara and has a similar simple feel, with draping to cover the fact you just ate pasta…

Zara, £89.99

Then we style it up!

Cuff by & Other Stories, £32

A matching gold heart, Missoma, £145

I love these shoes as pink goes so well with green, and you can walk in them!

Mango, £45.99

Do you need a bag? Do you? The aim for a first date is to keep it simple. If you must carry a bag, let’s make it match the shoes.

JW Anderson, £473 reduced from £700

And finally…

Scent can make you feel expensive. It will linger in his brain

Gris Dior, Esprit de Parfum, £380

This little beauty has been created by Dior’s creative director of perfume, Francis Kurkdjian. It is couture perfume, the best of the best. It’s the ultimate Dior scent, a ghostly chypre with rose, violet, jasmine and patchouli. And if you don’t have a date but you do have a mum, buy her this for Mother’s Day. It is expensive but she deserves it…

Remember, don’t store perfume anywhere hot and sunny. And scents do go off, so use them!

Here is my interview with Alberta Ferretti when she launched her new perfume…

Here is the link to her latest catwalk show

https://www.albertaferretti.com/gb_en/fall-winter-2025