Dressing to Catch Someone's Attention
You don’t stop getting crushes when you’re older, and as soon as you develop one, it’s back to butterflies in the stomach and wondering if your fashion choices make any sense. When romantic feelings enter the picture, some women start making little adjustments to their style, and if you know what to look for, you’ll know what they reach for to make an impression. From wearing his favorite color to bringing out clothes that haven't seen daylight in months, these 20 choices might suggest that someone special is on her mind.
1. A Figure-Hugging Red Dress
There isn’t much discretion to a fitted red dress. Some women save their favorite crimson number for occasions when they know their crush will be around, hoping its bold color and flattering silhouette make an impression—which it almost definitely will!
2. Uncomfortable High Heels
Unfortunately, most women know all about shoes that work great for the legs and terribly for the feet. And those painful cloppers sure do make an appearance when there's someone she’s hoping to impress. Just don't be surprised if she regrets that choice halfway through the night.
3. An Off-the-Shoulder Top
There’s nothing wrong with showing a little shoulder! It can be a lovely way to make an otherwise ordinary outfit romantic. Some women also appreciate how the neckline draws attention to their collarbones without revealing too much, so it’s very much a win-win.
4. A Lace-Trimmed Camisole
There's something undeniably feminine about a satin camisole finished with delicate lace. One little shirt manages to pack two things men love: femininity and flirty clothing. Slipping one beneath a cardigan when you know she knows her crush will be around gives the outfit an even dressier appearance.
5. A Skirt With a Slit
Some women’s clothes know all about how to tease! When someone wants to feel a little more sultry, a midi skirt featuring a tasteful side slit is an appealing option. The opening also adds movement and reveals just enough leg to make a familiar silhouette feel more daring.
6. A Fitted Pair of Jeans
Not every attempt to impress a crush needs an expensive dress. Sometimes, women reach for their favorite dark-wash jeans because they know the cut flatters their figure better than anything else they own. Not to mention, adding a tucked-in blouse and leather belt makes it a dependable combo.
7. A Necklace That Draws Attention
When a woman has someone on her mind, even her jewelry becomes a little more deliberate. She might start wearing a delicate pendant that complements her neckline or statement earrings that draw attention to her face. Either way, it’s a finishing touch to the ensemble.
8. Something Unexpected
At the end of the day, catching a crush's attention sometimes means throwing caution to the wind. A woman who normally lives in jeans and big sweaters might suddenly appear in a fitted dress or a chic mini skirt. She's hoping he'll notice the change, even if she pretends she just felt like dressing up that day.
9. Sheer Black Tights
Black tights might seem practical, but the sheer variety is often chosen for a very specific reason! Worn beneath a short dress or tailored skirt, they boast a polished finish that works particularly well with evening shoes, too. Plus, some women prefer them when they want to show off their legs without leaving them bare.
10. Clothes That Show Off Her Best Features
Most women know which styles make them look and feel their best—having a crush is just another reason to wear them! Someone who loves her shoulders might rock a boat-neck top, while another woman could reach for a wrap dress that emphasizes her waist. The goal isn't really to look different, but to make sure he sees her at her best.
11. Drop Earrings
Remember what we said about statement earrings? Well, there’s a reason they’re so popular! Pearl drops, slender gold chains, and small crystal earrings can all add movement and sparkle around the face. They're also especially effective when paired with an updo.
Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
12. A Cashmere Sweater
Make no mistake—romantic dressing doesn't always involve revealing clothing. That’s even more true when temperatures drop! A beautifully fitted cashmere sweater in cream, blush, or pale gray can create an inviting appearance while still keeping her nice and cozy. Paired with a satin midi skirt, it offers an understated outfit that works beautifully for an autumn gathering where your crush might be around.
13. Thigh-High Boots
Thigh-high boots are hardly the most practical footwear, which explains why women reserve them for special outings. Anything from a suede pair worn with a sweater dress to a leather pair worn with a midi skirt creates a coordinated look that feels both fashionable and slightly adventurous.
14. A Dress in His Favorite Color
If she’s crushing, he’ll know—all he needs to do is pay attention! Wearing that navy blue wrap dress because he once mentioned loving the shade can be a subtle way to catch his eye. It's also an especially sweet gesture when he has no idea you've remembered such a small detail about him.
15. An Outfit That Matches His Interests
Finding out what your crush likes can sometimes influence your wardrobe in unexpected ways. If he's a big fan of rock music, she might just show up in a vintage band T-shirt she’s had for years, hoping it'll start a conversation. It's a subtle way to break the ice.
16. A Floral Sundress
A cheerful sundress looks good on anyone, and it can be surprisingly practical even when the cooler months roll in. Small rose prints, gently fitted waists, and flowing skirts create an attractive outfit that draws just about anyone’s attention—and that’s the goal!
17. Dressing Up For Ordinary Occasions
There's usually no reason to wear your favorite blouse and heeled boots just to grab a coffee. However, if you know your crush stops by the same café every Tuesday, suddenly putting together a beautiful outfit makes a lot more sense. She might even spend a little longer choosing her accessories.
18. A Fitted Leather Jacket
A leather jacket brings a slightly rebellious quality to an otherwise feminine outfit, and that’s exactly why it works so well. Wearing a cropped black version over a floral dress creates an appealing contrast, and women who don't usually dress that way experiment with the combo when hoping to show their crush a different side of themselves.
Ali Karimiboroujeni on Unsplash
19. Something He Previously Complimented
A casual compliment can have a lasting impact on someone's wardrobe! If her crush once mentioned that she looked beautiful in green, don't be surprised if her emerald sweater starts appearing more frequently. She probably won't admit she’s wearing it for his benefit, but she’s definitely hoping he'll notice.
20. That Special Outfit They've Been Saving
Nearly every fashion-loving woman has something in her closet that rarely gets worn. It could be an expensive emerald dress. It could be a vintage blouse that always earns compliments. Whatever the case, when there's a chance of seeing someone she’s secretly admired for months, bringing out that treasured piece is the way to go.
