Valentine’s Day is coming. It’s as big a deal as winter is to Westeros, but the results are far more pleasant—especially when you have a hot date with someone who makes butterflies erupt in your stomach. Whether you’re headed out to a romantic dinner, a movie you’ve been dying to see, or a special V-Day surprise, what you wear has an impact on the evening and on your date. Your best bet is to shop at a boutique or clothing shop that specializes in fresh trends, must-have basics, and one-of-a-kind pieces. Then, there’s no fear that you’ll run into someone else wearing the same outfit. Avoid anything that verges on Valentine’s-Day-cutesy, i.e., don’t go overboard with heart and lip prints. You don’t want to dress up in a cliché. Splash out like a bombshell in an ensemble that’s uniquely you, something you can wear on future dates.
Ruffled Up
Ruffles are feminine, fancy, and just the right amount of flirty. While there’s no need to dress in an explosion of ruffles, a tier or two is the perfect touch for a romantic Valentine’s Day ensemble. Ruffle up your tail feathers in whichever way you choose. A fitted pencil skirt with a ruffle that flares along the hem is a stylish base for any outfit, particularly if paired with a sexy blouse or shoulder-baring top. Slinky, form-fitting dresses with cascading layers of ruffles are girlish and gorgeous. The key with an outfit that relies on ruffles is to let them be the standout detail. There’s no need for too many accessories or pieces of jewelry, as they’ll detract from your dress or skirt.
Lacy Overtures
Is there anything more romantic than lace? Drape yourself in delicate patterns and intricate details no matter how you decide to wear your lace. Lacy dresses with A-line silhouettes are all over the boutiques. Keep an eye out for standout accents that complement your lace dress, such as cap sleeves, ribbons that double as belts, and scalloped hems. Then again, you can also deck yourself out in a simple lace sheath dress that allows the material to be the star.
A dress isn’t your only option. For ladies who want to slay in a menswear-inspired ensemble, shop for lacy suits with a feminine fit and a tailored cut. Lace blouses with cutouts are beyond tempting, especially with crisp trousers or a mini skirt. If all else fails, consider topping off your ensemble with a lacy kimono cardigan. Kimonos make for can’t-miss statement pieces.
Radiant in Red
It’s Valentine’s Day! Of course, red features heavily in the holiday color palette. Dare to become a femme fatale this year. Wear vivid red from head to toe. Style forecasters adore red leather or faux leather pants, but a skirt will do the trick, too. To pull off a bold outfit, you have to take it all the way. Wear a red top in the style of your choice, but include a statement piece, such as a short trench coat or a fitted blazer. If you need an anchor for your ensemble, then opt for a black top or shoes.
On that subject, you can always take it in the other direction. Offset your outfit with a pair of new red shoes. Stomp through the restaurant like it’s a runaway in sky-high red heels, knee-high boots, or chunky Mary Janes.
Feel free to experiment with the entire red spectrum. Create a monochromatic look that focuses on blush pink, rich burgundy, or rose gold. As you shop for a date night outfit, spend a little extra time finding the shade of red that flatters you the most. For some stylish women, millennial pink is the ticket. For others, dramatic wine red is the only color to wear. What’s your signature shade?
Pretty in Prints
In addition to florals, prints are all over the place. Hearts, polka dots, stripes, and plaid can catch the eye and turn separate pieces into a cohesive showstopper of an outfit. Go with your favorite print, whatever it is. A button-down top with a skirt is as cute as you please, even if the print consists of, say, foxes wearing glasses or kitten silhouettes. Feel free to show off your quirky side as you enjoy a romantic evening with your sweetheart.
You can wear your prints anywhere. A printed dress with a nipped-in waist and a pleated skirt has a retro charm to spare. A printed cardigan or kimono can become the statement piece of your outfit. Don’t shy away from unexpected designs and eye-popping colors, either. It’s a special night. Make it count!
Goth Appeal
You might think that dressing in Goth attire for your V-Day date is a bit counter-intuitive, but Gothic styles have made a fashion-forward comeback. It’s no longer about black lipstick and Doc Martens, although you should absolutely feel free to buy yourself some new boots because Docs will never go out of vogue.
The point is that today’s Goth looks are chic, sophisticated, and perfect for date nights, even on a special occasion. From high-necked Victorian-style blouses to black lace, velvet, and satin, you have the opportunity to put together a drop-dead ensemble. All black always works, but sprinkle in a few signature Goth details, such as ribbed tights or fishnets. Fitted cardigans with long, belled sleeves will help you to beguile your date. Think about slipping into a flowing chiffon or tulle skirt, as well. Other eye-popping accessories include intricate arm warmers, black diamond jewelry, and to-die-for footwear.
Chic and Casual
You don’t want to dress up fancy for Valentine’s Day? No problem! That’s why casual chic is a thing. With the right items, you can base an ensemble around your go-to jeans. Add heels or booties for some height. Pull on a fabulous top that glimmers with metallic details or sequins. Top off your outfit with a hot leather jacket and an intricately knotted scarf. Throw your hair into a messy bun and keep the makeup to a minimum, except for a vivacious red lip.
Hip-hugging trousers and a button-down shirt get the job done with ease. The same rules apply: slip into a pair of modest heels and paint your lips red. Even if your idea of casual leans toward jeans, a band tee, and a denim jacket, you can rock it out for Valentine’s Day as long as you pay attention to the details.
Jumpsuit Knock-Out
Why not try out a fresh trend on your romantic date? A jumpsuit is an irresistible alternative to a dress, particularly if you have a penchant for pants. Jumpsuits are generally long, falling to the ankles or below. Pick out a piece with a sweetheart neckline that shows off your décolleté. Offset it with an opulent choker or a necklace with an attention-grabbing pendant. A statement belt can accentuate your figure while drawing attention to the jumpsuit itself.
For the big date, stick to a solid color. It doesn’t have to be black, but nothing slims like a black jumpsuit. Maroon, navy blue, and dark gray are all lovely choices. If you can carry off coral, pink, or even white, go for it. Choose shoes that won’t get lost. You definitely need something with a heel, and pumps or sandals are better than boots.
To mimic the appearance of a cocktail dress, slip into an evening romper. They’re shorter than jumpers, but they’re just as stylish. Add in a pair of tights if the night is nippy. Ankle boots, knee-high boots, and strappy sandals can all highlight the ensemble.
A Classic LBD
The little black dress is a classic for a reason. It’s always a stunning pick. Better still, there’s an LBD for everyone, whether you adore sleeveless sheaths or long sleeve bodycon dresses. From full tulle skirts to elegant straight lines, you won’t have trouble finding a frock that flatters your figure. Pick a style icon, such as Audrey Hepburn or, for the modern age, Sarah Paulson, and copy a timeless LBD look. Even though it’s February, oversize sunglasses are a must.
A Skirt That Flirts
Long, slitted skirts are in the middle of a can’t-miss moment. Seize the opportunity to pose like a model on the catwalk or a celebrity on the red carpet. The color is up to you, although red and black are both perfect for the occasion. Pick out a top that can hold its own against your leg-baring skirt. Your blouse should balance your skirt, not overpower it. A halter top with a shawl or loose cardigan is beyond gorgeous. A sheer button-up with long, full sleeves is another option.
Retro-Inspired Romance
Choker dresses, vintage floral frocks, the Goth trend—retro looks are all the rage, and the most romantic date night of the year presents the perfect chance to take advantage of them. The floral dresses you see on racks and shelves are reminiscent of the ’60s, as are full silhouettes with short hems and no waistline. From the ’80s, shoulder pads are on the comeback trail, while the most romantic trends of the ’90s are seeing their day in the sun. The current retro Renaissance reveals itself in the resurgence of silk and velvet as standout fabrics, too.
From further back, puffed sleeves are hip and happening at the moment. Think “Little House on the Prairie” meets ’80s prime time drama. It’s a bold, edgy look, for sure, but balance it with sleek trousers or a fitted skirt, and you can carry it off with ease. Your date will leave his jaw on the floor.
Shorts and Layers
Wearing shorts in colder weather is a thing now. Pair them with opaque or designer tights, ankle boots, and a show-stopping top, and the trend begins to make sense.Short shorts can resemble a cocktail dress with the right pieces to accompany them. Consider longer shorts or gaucho crops if you’re iffy about the look but still want to experiment.
High to LowHigh-waisted pants and skirts paired with crop tops are everywhere. The outfit concept is universally flattering to a variety of shapes, so don’t sleep on it. At the very least, it’s worth a try. Opt for solid-colored bottoms, whether it’s a linen skirt or wide-legged trousers. Go with a crop top that offers more coverage, just for an unbeatable balance. A tight turtleneck or open-knit sweater is ideal. Heels are ideal for an outfit like this, but you can go the menswear-inspired route in platform creepers or boots, as well.
Stick to stores that speak to your personal style. With the right pieces, you can create a jaw-dropping outfit that will have your date asking you out for the rest of the month. With your finger on the pulse of what’s fresh and new, you can find everything you need for a perfectly romantic Valentine’s Day ensemble.
Rebecca Minkoff | Up to 50% Off Sale + Free Shipping.
Extra 30% off Sale Items with code YESPLEASE
