Here’s the transcript from the first edition of The Dating Show in May, where Rod and Debbie focus on clothes, and get fashion advice from expert Jodie Rowan.

R: In this edition of The Dating Show, we’re talking about clothes and we actually look rather similar today, don’t we? We’re both wearing nice shirts.

D: Checked shirts!

R: You’re wearing a nice red one, and I’m wearing a blue one.

D: -laughter- We’re really in sync. The checked shirts have been big for the last year or so.

R: Yeah. Are clothes important on a man when you’re dating?

D: Yes, oh yes! Clothes maketh a man I believe I heard somewhere.

R: Maketh a man…

-laugher-

D: They should be smart, it should look like you’ve made an effort.

R: And what about yourself, do you like clothes, shopping, dressing up and all that?

D: Yeah, it’s fun! It’s a really nice pastime. It’s a very girly thing to do isn’t it? We all like shopping.

R: I’ve always wondered this. When you’re going out on a date, how long does it take you to get ready? If you’re going out at say 8 o’clock, what time do you start getting ready? I’d probably start getting ready at 6, half past 6. Bath, shower, get your clothes on and off you go. What about a woman? I imagine you’re doing it all day.

D: Definitely all afternoon. You have to have a really nice bath, you have to really feel good about yourself and then you have to go through a range of clothes to decide. My bedroom at the end of getting ready to go out looks like a bomb’s hit it because I’ve gone through so many outfits and decided “no, chuck that one”, “throw this one”, “try another one” and then maybe I go back to the one I tried on at the beginning and think ·”actually that’s fine!”

R: Really?

D: I know, it’s crazy!

-music-

R: I’m joined in the studio by, what’s your surname again?

J: Rowan. Jodie Rowan.

R: I’m joined in the studio now by Jodie Rowan who’s a fashion expert, sorry about that Jodie! You made such an impact on me…

J: Clearly!

R: We’re looking at fashion in this edition. What are the tips you can give men when it comes to dating and fashion? A first date’s obviously very important so what should men really be wearing?

J: I’d say for men, it’s best to keep things quite simple. With colours in particular, I’d keep it quite tonal, so browns, navies, creams. It gives a look of a clean finish. If you normally wear colour, then I’d say off course, go for it! I’d say if you’re not used to colour, I wouldn’t be dashing for the Hawaiian shirt yet.

-laughter-

R: OK… And what about women?

J: For women, again it’s good not to go over the top and don’t wear something that you’re not generally comfortable with, especially things like high heels. If you can’t walk in them, don’t bother! There’s no point, you’re just going to look a bit silly and you won’t feel comfortable in yourself, and you won’t feel confident. Especially for women, the top heavy would go for something that squeezes you in the waist. If you have short legs, you’d wear nude heels. It’s all about playing up to the things that you’ve got and emphasising certain characteristics that you like about yourself. If you like your legs, show your legs off. If you like your neckline, wear something that shows your neckline that’s maybe quite plunging. Not too plunging because obviously it gives the wrong impression! Just play up things. If you’ve got red hair, it’s always nice to wear a shade of green because it brings out the colour of your hair. It’s a nice feature. Play with what you’ve got.

R: You’ve got red hair, haven’t you?

J: I have got red hair, yes.

R: but you’re not wearing green.

J: Not today, no. I’m not looking out for someone special.

R: OK.

-laughter-

R: Are there any golden rules?

J: Lots of women would say that shoes are important on a man. In some ways, I’d sort of have to agree. A tan brogue will always come off better than your tatty work shoes or old trainers, won’t they? You’ve got to think that on a first date it’s all about first impressions. They’re key. You really want to make the best one, so things like that and just keeping in smart and fresh, and as I said, wearing tonal colours, not going too out there because obviously you don’t want to wear something that’s not reflecting your personality and you’re out of your comfort zone. You just want to be confident. Wearing smart clothing is always a plus because women want you to look smart.

R: Clothes are expensive. Are there any tricks that people can use to spruce up their wardrobe without spending a fortune?

J: I think with men, a nice pair of smart jeans with a white, cotton shirt always comes off well with a smart pair of shoes. Lots of men have got a nice cotton shirt in navy or cream. It keeps it fresh. Women can get away with quite a lot of things really! A nice dress, etc. But again, keep it quite simple. Don’t go too over the top with accessories. That’s it really. There’s no key rules on colours or shapes, it’s just something that you’ve got to be comfortable with.

R: You mentioned the smart look. That’s the way to go really, is it?

J: It’s got to be! If you come in with a pair of tracksuit bottoms and trainers, it’s not the right impression, is it? You’ve got to wear something smart and it gives off the idea that you’ve made an effort for the occasion. You want that person to think you’re a smartly dressed, confident person and obviously you want to be want there. If you’re wearing trainers, it looks like you’ve made no effort, you’ve just rolled out of bed.

R: If you dress nicely, do you think most people feel more confident?

J: Definitely! You always feel confident when you’re wearing something smart. I would agree. It’s like when you go to an interview. You obviously want to make the best impression and you dress smart. That’s just what you do. Women definitely appreciate it, I can tell you that!

R: That was Jodie Rowan, who’s a fashion expert. I pretty much agree with everything she said. Did you Debbie? Apart from the fact that she said “make an effort”. Isn’t it cooler in a way to make no effort at all?

D: Oh no…

R: You know, just turn up as you are!

D: No! You have to make a little bit of effort. Being relaxed is ideal, so you can wear clothes that are casual but if you’re wearing jeans, if you’re wearing your shirt, it’s neatly pressed and obviously clean. That way, it’s clear you’re making an effort, but you’ve not gone over the top because you don’t want to look too keen.

R: Do you think that’s where I’m going wrong? That I’m making no effort.

-laughter-

D: If you’re making no effort, you’re going wrong.

-laughter-

R: She was also talking about playing to your strengths. I don’t mean this rudely, but you are quite short. Well you’re very short.

D: -laughter-

R: You are vertically challenged Debbie.

D: Thank you Rod!

R: How tall are you?

D: I’m 5 foot 2, which I think has some respectability.

R: So that causes you a few problems, does it?

D: I’m not as leggy as I’d like to be.

R: I noticed that!

D: -laughter- Thanks Rod! It’s not an area I would highlight. Maybe I’d highlight my décolletage.

R: Your what?!

D: -laughter- It’s the area between your lower neck and your upper chest. I’m quite proud of that.

R: Say that word again!

D: Décolletage.

R: You have a very lovely décolletage.

D: That would make me very happy Rod.

-music-

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