Hopefully this summer you’ll be romancing a summer fling or a long-term partner. If so, you’ll need to know how to dress to impress. We asked Toronto-based stylist Luis Zulayhka for his expert tips to look picture-perfect for any hot date you may have this summer. “Fashion plays a very important role when it comes to dating,” he says. “It’s not the labels you wear or how much money you’ve spent on your outfit, it’s more about what you project.” Here’s our go-to summer fashion guide for five of the most common summer dates.

What to wear on a date tip #1: To a drive-in movie
Two words: comfortable and casual. Zulayhka recommends wearing “form-fitting and flattering clothing.” Try a flirty dress or “if you prefer pants, skinny jeans are definitely here to stay.” Wear them with “a tank top or blouse and a cardigan over top. Add natural looking waves to your hair and you are set to enjoy a summer Wednesday night [in] a parking lot of hopeless romantics."

What to wear on a date tip #2: To an outdoor concert
Zulayhka suggests channeling the effortless natural beauty of newbie supermodel Karlie Kloss at Coachella this past spring or better yet Kate Moss at the 2009 Glastonbury Music Festival. Boho-chic is the way to go with “lightweight fabrics in soft or neutral colors that allow [the] body to breathe and look relaxed yet flirty and sexy.” When dressing like boho-chic queen Nicole Richie, the tendency is to over accessorize but as Zulayhka explains “keep the accessories somewhat minimal. You don’t want to lose any of your expensive arm candy or your favorite pair of earrings. You can still make it your own by keeping it unique. [Try] bangles, wrap around bracelets, cuffs or chain necklace with a single pendant.”

What to wear on a date tip #3: To an amusement park
“Keep it simple and practical,” says Zulayhka. “ When dressing for the outdoors, the first factor to consider is comfort. I would definitely say no dresses [but] this doesn’t mean leaving the feminine touch out. You could totally do a great short jumpsuit, shorts or capri pants.” If you’re itching to try this summer’s colour blocking trend, this would be the occasion to do it. “Make it playful and colorful with color blocking solids. […] Tie up your hair in a pony, wear simple makeup and you’re ready for a great day full of excitement!” Footwear is important as well and Zulayhka recommends wearing “closed toe slip-ons or sneakers. Avoid regular flats should you be riding roller coasters.”

Check out Luis' summer fashion tips for two other date scenarios on the next page...