Hey, take a break from swiping left and learn a thing or two about giving your dating profile a makeover. That's right, your profile photos aren't cutting it, according to Clinton Kelly and Devyn Simone.
Kelly, stylist and former co-host of TLC's hit show "What Not To Wear" and Simone, a "The Real World: Brooklyn" alum, are joining forces for TLC's newest series "Love At First Swipe." Much like other makeover shows, the two are assessing contestants' style -- but this time, it's all about upping online dating games.
Sure, this might elicit an eye roll from some readers, but let's be real: there are definitely people out there who want to know how they can find more (and better) matches ... which could lead to dates or long-term commitments.
So, in honor of the series premiere of "Love At First Swipe," Kelly and Simone talked to The Huffington Post about what makes a great profile.
First of all, don't be ashamed of wanting to improve your profile. Simone and Kelly stress the point that this is about what you want to find in a partner, so if you aren't feeling inspired, here are some crucial things to consider.
One: If it's broken, fix it. "If no one's responding to your profile, write something different," Kelly said. "If you don't like your photos, grab a friend, go to a park, and take 1,000 shots to get one you like. Nothing says you're married to the first profile you put up."
To that point, it's also worth NOT comparing yourself to friends -- instead, get them to help you out. "Just because your friend Sally is getting messaged like crazy doesn’t mean she has any better chance at love than you do," Kelly said. But, "if you can't think of anything nice to say about yourself," Kelly mentions, he advises having a friend say it for you.
Two: You can definitely find someone online! "As of this year around 10 percent of couples have met online," Simone explains, and she assures that "there is hope" for anyone.
Finally (and most importantly), any app of your choosing is just a platform and your success depends on you. "The power is in your hands," Simone said, adding "the website, the subscription plan, not even your potential dates determine your success in finding love. You do!" And if that's not encouraging enough, remember: "After all, you never know when you'll have a date with destiny."
If you're willing to give your profile a little spin, take a look at Kelly and Simone's recommendations, they could help you get out of that dating rut.
Watch the series premiere of TLC's "Love At First Swipe" on Friday, Oct. 2 at 9 p.m. ET.
The verdict on bikini pics:
luckyraccoon via Getty Images
Kelly: "I'm inclined to say no, unless you're just looking for a hookup."
Simone: "A bathing suit pic is OK but let's just stick to one."
Smile or nah?
Peathegee Inc via Getty Images
Kelly: "SMILE! You don't have to be grinning like the Cheshire cat in every photo, but a smile communicates that you're friendly, open and warm -- key characteristics for a future mate -- while a frown can make you seem standoffish and cold."
Simone: "Surveys have shown that when it comes to a woman's profile a flirty smile using your eyes (aka the smize) is the way to go. For men it's a little different, a man is almost 80 percent more likely to get a date from a woman he met online if he's not smiling and looking away from the camera. Basically men want flirtatious women and women want aloof men. Go figure."
Selfies can be cool, but...
Jonathan Storey via Getty Images
Kelly: "Sure, in a photo or two. But if every photo is just your face, people are going to think you're hiding something. Probably because you are. And hiding is not a good way to start to a relationship."
Simone: "It's OK to have a great headshot. Actually it's imperative. Just know that people can tell when you're hiding. So if you're self-conscious about your appearance, the worst thing you can do is try to hide it with a bunch of selfies. Normal people want to date a whole person, not just a head."
On what to wear:
lculig via Getty Images
Kelly: "Your pictures should reflect your real personal style -- so if you're a T-shirt and jeans kind of girl, don't wear a cocktail dress for a profile photo. You should just be the best version of yourself: Not the ratty t-shirt and jeans you wear around the house on the weekend, but the stylish outfit you would wear out at night. Same goes for guys."
Simone: "Some can be casual, some can be sporty, but at least one needs to look like you put some effort into your appearance. They want to see that you're OK in jeans and a T-shirt for a casual date but that you'd also be OK wearing a dress or suit to attend a work function or a nice dinner. This applies to both men and women."
Makeup or no makeup? (But like, who cares?)
Kathrin Ziegler via Getty Images
Kelly: "Again, your profile photo should be an authentic representation of you, so be true to what you normally do. If you're a no-makeup person, maybe put on some blush and concealer for a photo, but certainly don’t do a crazy smoky-eye-bold-lip thing. Your date won’t recognize you!"
Simone: "If you absolutely hate makeup up or are allergic to it in your own mind then don't wear it. But let's be honest a little mascara and lip gloss never hurt anyone."
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