Well, you know they are lying, right? That's their ego talking.
I would never go on a date with a "new guy" wearing an old dress. And, I'd do that for every date in the beginning. I'd prolly get new shoes and the works. Some women would also hire a baby sitter too. On the daily I would keep myself up, but if I was impressed with a guy, I'd go all out to look special during the courting stage. And, I think a lot of women do. The manicure, the pedicure, the hair salon, the eyebrows arched, etc.
Only a few women would be low enough to be going out just for a meal.