Fashion

From what to wear to how to keep conversation flowing: a definitive guide to virtual dating from the experts at Bumble



As the current situation plays out, we’re all navigating a whole new (virtual) world.

Although these are tough and strange times, and our day-to-day lives have been turned upside down, it doesn’t mean that singletons have to scupper their hopes of finding love; it’s just time to get a little creative.

No, you can’t physically leave the house, but you can still ‘get out there’ thanks to social networking apps like Bumble and features such as its Virtual Dating Badge.

While social distancing and isolating are paramount (and super-important for slowing the spread of Coronavirus), Bumble has seen a surge of people enjoying virtual dating. It’s handy, then, that the app has some brilliant features including voice call and video chat that allow for an even deeper connection.

What’s not to love? You can use the extra time you’d have spent travelling to the date to get dressed up, make yourself a little tipple and use your imagination to conjure up creative and fun virtual dates (more on that later).

Worried about whether to be cool and casual in your loungewear or get dressed up for the first time in a month? Pondering how many glasses of wine it’s acceptable to drink? Or wondering: how on earth do you arrange a second date if it went well?

Fear not, we’ve called upon Naomi Walkland, associate director of EMEA marketing at Bumble, to curate a definitive guide to virtual dating. Scroll down to peruse our extensive guide to the useful tools and tips to try (and nail) your very own Bumble virtual date. You’re most welcome.

Help! What should I wear on my virtual date?

Wear whatever you feel most confident in. If that’s heels, wear heels. If trackies are more your thing – that’s good too. Most of my friends right now are opting for a dressed-up top half and leggings on the bottom. The key to a great first date is feeling like yourself, so if getting dressed up empowers you to be the best version of yourself, then go for it. If you’d like to keep it more relaxed then that’s also fine, you should simply do what works for you. Clothes can be a fun way to show off your personality on a video date though, and can even be a good convo starter – e.g., wearing your favourite band T-shirt.

I’m freaking out! How do I prepare for my virtual first date?

Prepare for a virtual date just like you would prepare for your date IRL. If you’re feeling nervous beforehand, try to think of a few topics of conversation or questions you’ve been dying to ask – was there something intriguing about one of the messages they sent you or photos you’ve seen on their profile? Now’s the time to bring it up! Another top tip? Call a mate before your date; it’s times like these when a pep talk from a close friend can give you that confidence boost you need.

What should I drink? Should I even drink?

Messaging ahead of the date will help both of you decide if you’d like to have a tipple together or not. This can remove the pressure of a last-minute drink choice and set you up with a perfect virtual date activity.

OK, things are going well. How do I keep the conversation flowing?


There’s whole series of virtual dating ideas that will help you feel like you are together in person with no awkward pauses. Some of my favourite suggestions include; virtual happy hour where you share a drink with your match, a virtual dinner date where you follow a recipe together, ‘playing with playlists’ where you create a playlist on Spotify and listen to it with your match to get to know each other’s music preferences, or even ‘meet the pets’ where you introduce your pets to your match and get to know theirs at the same time.

Having something to do on your date can act as a great ice-breaker. This way, if the conversation halts for a moment, you can focus on the activity.

It went well! So how do I arrange another date?

Dropping your virtual date a message following your date is the perfect way to continue the conversation, as you would after an IRL date. A quick follow-up the next day or even the night of is quick and easy, while also setting the expectation of a second date – or not. If you feel that the connection might not be what you’re looking for, be kind and let them know that this isn’t quite right for you at the moment. Bumble is all about creating and offering a positive dating experience, and exploring connections that feel right to you is the best way to find a potential partner.

Bumble also highlights the importance of staying connected with others and bringing each other moments of joy via its brilliant new Get Close, From Afar campaign, which you can read more about here.

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Bumble is available for free in the App Store and Google Play. Download Bumble now @bumble/@bumble_uk #GetCloseFromAfar



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