Seeing as today is Valentine's Day, I thought it would be appropriate to address the issue of proper attire for dates. That said, I recognize it is not fair to generalize, and that certain dates can require outfits far different from what I outline here. Still, I can offer some simple and appropriate suggestions.As any good psychology major knows, first impressions are firm and lasting. Perhaps the most important thing you can do to win someone's affection is to make a good one-possible with help from an appealing and suitable outfit. Use common sense, keeping in mind the venue, the season and your partner. In addition, here are a few other rules to follow on a first date:

-Don't be too flashy with designer monograms or patterns: They are frequently superficial, tacky and suggest you're trying too hard. In addition, being too explicit about your expensive tastes can be intimidating and will repel your would-be sweetheart.

-Don't wear anything too revealing-and yes, that goes for both men and women. Women who flash too much cleavage or midriff can seem immodest. Likewise, men who show too much chest hair or worse, leg hair between the end of the pant leg and the sock, appear disheveled and nerdy.

-Wear colors that compliment your style and your complexion. Black reveals that you're stylish and sleek, whereas pastels suggest a playful and soft side. Just make sure you don't seem pallid or sickly. Check yourself out in the mirror and make sure you look healthy in your outfit.

-Always dress comfortably: stiletto heels, too-warm clothes and itchy sweaters can distract you from your evening and listening to your date.

-Do you have one belt, watch, piece of jewelry or piece of clothing that you absolutely love? It is always preferable to wear a single neat item than a clutter of them. The latter will leave your date confused.

-Dress your age. Please! No one wants to see a beautiful, college-aged young woman dressed like a frumpy librarian or a licentious middle-school student. In the same vein, it is dangerous for men to wear Pokmon t-shirts or ugly sweater vests.

So apparel is, arguably, essential for a successful first impression and first date. But does that mean outfits on subsequent dates deserve less attention? Not at all. Remember, each outfit makes a statement: about you, about your relationship and about your expectations. For example, you can look tastefully sexy by leaving much to the imagination. Men might wear fitted knits to show off muscle; likewise, women might try a slinky dress. In addition, use later dates to show off your versatility: If you were preppy and classic on the first date, show your trend-awareness on the second.

Lastly, the most important thing to remember is to be yourself. Clichd advice, perhaps, but it means something here. Don't dress the way your date does, don't dress in an outfit that doesn't fit you, don't dress in an outfit you can't walk in and most importantly, don't try to be anyone other than yourself. If your date can't appreciate your own personal style, then chances are it's time to see someone else.