As the city defrosts and the sun finally starts peeking through the clouds and tall buildings, it’s about time to take some risks in your romantic life — and your wardrobe. Though the weather may be uncertain, these seven date ideas and outfits will ensure you’ll never return to the dating apps again. 

Sunday brunch 

With cherry blossom season soon overtaking the city, stun your date with an effortlessly elegant outfit while sipping coffee during Sunday brunch at Ladurée Soho or Boucherie West Village, decorated with florals to celebrate the start of spring. A black off-the-shoulder top paired with a maxi polka-dot skirt, is both light and flowy, creating a subtle old money aesthetic when paired with black low-heeled pumps. Consider adding some accessories, such as a skinny white neck scarf to elevate the outfit and keep you from looking too sunburned, along with some black oval sunglasses and a watch to truly recreate an old-fashioned and classic style. Bonus points for polka-dot acrylic nails that match your ensemble. 

A picnic in Central Park 

Whether you have dozens of dates lined up or a long-term romantic rendezvous with a special someone, you can’t go wrong with soaking up the sunshine at a picnic in Central Park. Wearing a gorgeous gingham mini dress will flow in the light breeze as you stroll through the park trying to find a perfect spot before you roll out the picnic blankets and baskets. This outfit is perfect for spending a slow afternoon with your lover, away from the bustle of the city. Found in a variety of colors, gingham dresses offer a lively pattern and silhouette that is best accessorized with white crew socks, a pair of black Mary Janes and a black handbag. 

A trip to Governors Island 

For those looking for a quick trip away from the skyscrapers, Governors Island is only a subway and ferry ride away and offers a variety of activities such as bike rentals, spas and glamping. Straying from the more frivolous, outgoing spring-inspired outfits, keep it simple with a khaki, long-sleeve button-up shirt. Linen is sure to keep you cool under the blazing sun, while still giving a composed look with its spread collar. To dress it down a bit, roll up your sleeves and leave the top two buttons undone for a more relaxed vibe. Accompanied by a chocolate brown belt, loafers and linen dress pants, you’re on track to woo your date — although some flowers or a box of chocolates to eat on the boat ride over wouldn’t hurt. 

Dinner at a garden restaurant 

For those looking for an escape from the concrete jungle, New York City’s token garden restaurants such as La Lanterna di Vittorio or Tavern on the Green offer a sanctuary away from New York’s cityscape. Paired with the light spring breeze and high temperatures, these spaces often come with outdoor dining that can make for an especially romantic vibe. Keep things elegant and simple with this strappy, black midi dress and black sandals that give a minimal unobtrusive look with three thin straps. To top off this chic look, throw on a glossy shoulder tote and soft, natural makeup, sure to leave your date stunned — hopefully with their card on the bill at the end of the night.

Happy hour at neighborhood bars 

While your friends may scream at you for going on a date with a guy who had to send you a Google Calendar invite, the offer of free drinks at a local neighborhood bar calls for a night out during springtime in the city. While your date may glaze past your top tier sense of style, a flitting eye across the bar is sure to pay attention to your outfit, consisting of a black, layered maxi skirt that adds a crafty edge to your look — especially paired with a baggy blouse and a brown belt. If you’re looking for a more uniform silhouette, elevate your outfit with this alternative, full-length gauzy dress, paired with a knit shawl for that signature, undone feel. Add stacked rings and a pendant necklace finished with ankle boots for an artsy, slightly bohemian look that is sure to attract your long-lost soulmate — or at the very least your gateway to free drinks for the night — from across the bar.

Exploring The Met Cloisters 

If your definition of a good time means a book in your hands, enjoy a study date at The Met Cloisters’ gardens, located in Fort Tryon Park. With the museum featuring exhibitions, art and architecture based in medieval Europe, keep your outfit comfortable yet classy with this oversized, cable-knit sweater and low-rise bootcut jeans, paired with high top Converse sneakers. Further accessorize with this structured brown leather bag with an added laptop compartment to store your study materials and a banana clip to keep your hair out of your face. While campus romance may not be as prevalent at a school like NYU, this outfit may catch the eyes of your classmate — and what better campus is there than the city itself?

Contact Alessa Alluin and Shreeya Goyal at [email protected].