The quickest way to make a guy nervous on a first date is to tell them that you work in men’s fashion. In reality, though, I only really clock a man’s outfit if it’s noteworthy for the right or wrong reasons, both of which are rare in my experience. What would impress me? This Saman Amel cashmere coat. Not only is it gorgeous, but it comes from the sort of if-you-know Swedish tailoring brand that tells me you actively seek out beautiful things, rather than succumb to logos or trends. On a personal note, I nerd out on Ms Grace Wales Bonner’s references to Black history and retro sportswear, so anything from her label will provide plenty of conversation. I’m also a big fan of jewellery on guys, and if you can pull off a chain à la Normal People’s Connell – note, not everyone can – then you immediately have my attention.

Although we’ll probably be doing something fairly laid-back on the first date, don’t leave your outfit entirely to chance. Personally, I want to know a guy has put some effort into picking out his outfit, but equally not tried too hard. A design-forward bag with a utilitarian feel is perfect for that, and Bottega Veneta’s technical twist on its Cassette style immediately tells me you’re not afraid to play with accessories. Great taste in knitwear also goes a long way, as does a thought-out sneaker game. As for the finishing touches, if you show up with a considered set of accessories on our first date, I’ll definitely be intrigued to get to know you better over a second. An understated watch and Jacques Marie Mage shades, for instance, are a winning combination in my book.

My personal pick is these ripstop sneakers by ROA. The hiking brand’s gear is made for life on the move and that’s exactly how I imagine an ideal first date to be: getting to know each other over a long walk. However, being fully dripped out in Gore-Tex in the city can feel a bit unnecessary and serious, so I’d tone down the boots a bit – say, with this Paul Smith cardigan and baggy denim jeans from Dime for those long strides. A guy who loves the outdoors and appreciates good design? Grab your mfpen coat – you’ve pulled.

I’ll always admire a man in a tasteful, timeless classic such as this Burberry trench coat. More importantly, if he shows up in this, I’ll assume he’s a smart guy, as it’s the sort all-year-round piece that can be dressed up or down and will last for ever. I’m not a huge fan of tight-fitting clothes – the baggier the better – and these oversized trousers by The Row read as comfortable while also looking elevated and stylish. They’ll also work perfectly with the chunky Bottega Veneta boots, which I absolutely adore. Finally, Acne Studio’s exquisite mohair jumper breaks up the textures and neutrals of an outfit, looks soft to the touch and arrives in one of my favourite colours. If the date goes especially well, it’s safe to say I’ll be stealing this down the line.

I tend to be quite bold with my fits, and I like guys who are the same. Which is to say, if you really want to make a lasting impression, you should show up and show out with a confident statement piece, such as this Rick Owens mohair skirt. You can pair it with black jeans underneath, a leather jacket – this one from Acne Studios is a great staple – and an extra huggable soft sweater such as this one from LOEWE. New Balance sneakers suggest that you’re a nice boy in my books, so let’s add some of those in the mix, and I love a Lemaire croissant bag. You can finish it off with a nice chain, some rings and good vibes. In the words of Ms Bella Hadid: if homeboy comes through with these, homeboy’s gonna, like, get it.