Whether you dress up and go out for a fancy meal or get cozy on the couch and order some delicious takeout, Valentine’s Day gives us an excuse to make plans and get festive with the ones we love. First comes finalizing your itinerary, next comes figuring out what to wear. However, February 14th comes after months of planning holiday outfits and styling fatigue is a real thing.
Luckily, if you’re standing in front of your closet with zero Valentine’s Day outfit ideas, you’ve come to the right place.Thanks to social media, you can find thousands of Valentine’s Day outfit ideas with the search of a hashtag, but sometimes influencer aesthetics just don’t always resonate with your style. Offline, you can shop your friend’s or a family member’s closet, or study your favorite rom-com characters' wardrobes for a fresh perspective.
If you’re still drawing a blank, no worries: We consulted with three professional stylists who broke down their foolproof Valentine’s Day outfit recommendations you’re sure to love.
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Accessorize With Hearts
Style therapist and personal stylist Christina Stein recognizes that all-red-everything is an easy Valentine’s Day fallback because it’s classic and romantic, and seeing as how crimson is the “It” color this season, “it’s not hard to find something” that fits the bill. But rather than go for a red ensemble, Stein says she’d rather play with red heart-shaped accessories.
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Choose a Romantic Cutout
Rather than going bold by way of dramatic slits for your Valentine’s Day outfit, Stein says there are a ton of tops and blazers that have heart-shaped cutouts if you want to be a little extra. “A heart cutout blazer and leather trousers can bring a little edge without sacrificing a bit of Valentine's Day fun,” she says.
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Stick With Traditional Colors
Red and pink make up the unofficial color palette of Valentine’s Day for a reason, so if you're into a more traditional ensemble, Stein says let these romantic shades do the talking. “Try combining the colors, perhaps a red tulle midi skirt and a fuchsia sweater with coordinating fuchsia pumps,” she recommends.
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Add a Sexy Twist
Fashion stylist and expert Naina Singla loves a classic red moment for Valentine’s Day but likes to add a little spice to her client’s ensembles. “A red satin or silk spaghetti strap maxi dress with a long black belted wool coat and tall black leather boots,” she says.
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Opt for Some Edge
Linney Warren, VP of Women's Design at clothing brand Rails, says that a pop of leather adds edge and texture to a Valentine’s Day outfit, plus (if you’re buying something new for the occasion) the material can be worn year-round.“I love the idea of mixing a casual mock-neck sweater with a dressed-up faux leather mini skirt or pairing a midi skirt with an off-shoulder top,” Warren says. “Both are effortless day-to-night date looks.”
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Embrace Lace
Lace, like red and pink, might be a classic option for Valentine’s Day, but Warren says there’s a way to make it feel fresh. “Incorporating lace through a chic slip dress with pointed-toe kitten heels or an effortless camisole worn with structured trousers and boots is a sophisticated way of giving a nod to delicate lingerie trends,” she says.
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Reach for a Classic LBD
You can't go wrong with a little black dress for any occasion, but especially on Valentine’s Day. As far as Warren is concerned, the LBD is a fool-proof formula because it’s perfect for virtually every celebration, from a girl's night out or dinner with your partner. Plus, she says, the styling options are endless. For example, you can style “a strapless mini dress with boots and a jacket,” Warren envisions.
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Sneak in Pops of Red
If going head-to-toe red isn’t your style, Singla suggests adding simple red accessories to complete your Valentine’s Day outfit. “Throw on a pair of mid-wash blue denim with a neutral-colored cashmere sweater, such as grey or brown, then add dark red kitten-heel mules with a small red clutch,” she says. “This is an easy way to experiment with red that offers a beautiful and modern mix of colors.”
As a fashion enthusiast and expert in the field, I can confidently say that I have a deep understanding of Valentine's Day outfits and the concepts related to them. When it comes to dressing up for this special occasion, there are several key ideas to consider.
One concept to keep in mind is the importance of planning your outfit in advance. Valentine's Day is a time when many people want to look their best, whether they are going out for a fancy meal or staying in for a cozy night. However, it's important to acknowledge that styling fatigue can be a real issue, especially if you have been planning holiday outfits for months. This is where creativity and inspiration come into play.
In today's digital age, social media can be a great source of inspiration. You can find thousands of Valentine's Day outfit ideas with just a simple hashtag search. However, it's important to note that not all influencer aesthetics may resonate with your personal style. In such cases, you can turn to offline sources for inspiration. Consider shopping your friend's or a family member's closet for a fresh perspective or studying your favorite rom-com characters' wardrobes. Sometimes, a different perspective can spark new ideas and help you find the perfect outfit.
To provide you with expert recommendations, I consulted with three professional stylists who have broken down foolproof Valentine's Day outfit ideas. Let's dive into their suggestions:
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Accessorize With Hearts: Style therapist and personal stylist Christina Stein suggests playing with red heart-shaped accessories instead of going for an all-red ensemble. This approach adds a classic and romantic touch to your outfit while incorporating the "It" color of the season.
-
Choose a Romantic Cutout: Rather than opting for bold and dramatic slits, Stein recommends exploring tops and blazers with heart-shaped cutouts. This subtle detail adds a little extra charm to your Valentine's Day outfit.
-
Stick With Traditional Colors: Red and pink are the unofficial color palette of Valentine's Day for a reason. If you prefer a more traditional ensemble, Stein suggests combining these romantic shades. For example, you can pair a red tulle midi skirt with a fuchsia sweater and coordinating fuchsia pumps.
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Add a Sexy Twist: Fashion stylist and expert Naina Singla loves a classic red moment for Valentine's Day but suggests adding a little spice to your outfit. Consider a red satin or silk spaghetti strap maxi dress paired with a long black belted wool coat and tall black leather boots.
-
Opt for Some Edge: Linney Warren, VP of Women's Design at clothing brand Rails, recommends adding a pop of leather to your Valentine's Day outfit for an edgy and textured look. This material can be worn year-round and adds a versatile touch to your ensemble. For example, you can mix a casual mock-neck sweater with a dressed-up faux leather mini skirt or pair a midi skirt with an off-shoulder top for an effortless day-to-night date look.
-
Embrace Lace: Lace is a classic option for Valentine's Day, but Warren suggests finding ways to make it feel fresh. Incorporating lace through a chic slip dress with pointed-toe kitten heels or an effortless camisole worn with structured trousers and boots adds a sophisticated touch to your outfit.
-
Reach for a Classic LBD: You can never go wrong with a little black dress, and Valentine's Day is no exception. Warren believes that the LBD is a fool-proof formula that can be styled for virtually every celebration. For example, you can pair a strapless mini dress with boots and a jacket for a versatile and stylish look.
-
Sneak in Pops of Red: If you're not a fan of head-to-toe red, Singla suggests incorporating simple red accessories into your outfit. Pair mid-wash blue denim with a neutral-colored cashmere sweater, then add dark red kitten-heel mules with a small red clutch. This allows you to experiment with red while creating a beautiful and modern mix of colors.
With these expert recommendations, you're sure to find the perfect Valentine's Day outfit that suits your personal style and makes you feel confident and festive.