First Date Fashion - Why Do I Care?

The jitters have already started. I can feel them bubbling up and making me nervous about the weekend. What to wear on a first date?

I don't know why this has become a huge issue in my mind. It's not like I'm fashion backwards or anything. I should instead be thinking how I'm going to dazzle him with my personality, but in the far reaches of my mind, I realize that men are visual. In my twisted brain, that means that my fashion sense or lack of it will be majorly noticeable and a huge influence on the success of the date! This coming from the girl that once subscribed to a magazine dedicated to the art of shopping...

Once, my friend came over the day before a first date and we tried on probably 20 outfits, complete with 3 different hairstyles. We proceeded to take digital pictures, refine the outfits, take more digital pictures and then narrow down the selection! Funny thing, the date didn't go well, although he complimented my style (yes, I know, Laura, focus on the personality) and yes, I should have learned a lesson here. But, try telling my brain that.

Instead, I am compelled to get a new top and try on numerous jeans/pants/skirts combos in an attempt to choose the perfect outfit. Then, I'll curl the hair, straighten the hair, pull the hair back and finally just look awful because it looks over processed! Plus, I don't even know for sure what we'll be doing for the date. We have batted around a few plans; lights at the zoo, ice skating, dinner, Christmas shopping....so, how am I even supposed to plan, well, the skirt combos are at least out!

Any ideas out there about a good outfit that screams down to earth but classy? Oh, I know, my brand management background is screaming out.

Oh, and the guy? A seemingly sweet, seemingly active, seemingly confident, Christian man that seems to think that I'm great and gorgeous! Now, you know why I want to impress...