Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner with your partner, having a low-key pub night, grabbing drinks with your girlfriends or staying in to binge-watch Netflix on the sofa, Valentine’s Day calls for a special outfit.
My husband and I don’t generally do gifts, and we typically don’t do anything too fancy – but I still love getting dressed up for the night. I actually like the hearts and girly stuff surrounding the day, and I think any good Valentine’s Day outfit should have at least some element of festivity. But there’s a way to do pink, red, hearts and love without looking over-the-top cheesy.
Here are seven brilliant outfit ideas for Valentine’s Day – no matter how you’re spending the day.
1 Romantic Dinner Date
Yes, we know. I am obsessed with turtlenecks. So of course I had to slip one into this list. A sweet ’90s slip dress looks modern and chic over a thin grey roll-neck top – and the outfit will keep you from shivering in a chilly restaurant. The low block-heel pumps are cute without looking like you’re trying too hard – and they’re comfy enough to walk around if dinner leads to cocktails a few blocks away.
£35 – zara.com
newlook.com
topshop.com
£445 – neimanmarcus.com
mandco.com
bloomingdales.com
2 Brunch with the Girls
For single ladies – or attached ladies who still feel like celebrating their love for their friends – Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to catch up with the squad for a boozy brunch. Pair a leather pencil skirt with a cosy knit jumper and cool trainers with a hint of blush pink. (*Note, I just discovered these Adidas by Stella McCartney shoes and I think I’m in love.)
£675 – mytheresa.com
£125 – nordstrom.com
£115 – luisaviaroma.com
£1,580 – ssense.com
£275 – jcrew.com
£15 – beauty.com
3 Gallery Opening
When you’re planning an outing that’s a bit cooler than appetisers at your local pub, you need to put a bit more thought into the look. These high-waisted velvet trousers are pretty much everything I need in my life. Unfortunately they’re way too expensive for real life (as are the bag and boots) – but let’s just use this as inspiration, shall we? At least the shirt and jacket are affordable…
£10 – shein.com
£40 – yoins.com
mytheresa.com
£365 – matchesfashion.com
£1,340 – neimanmarcus.com
£185 – tradesy.com
4 Movie Night
If the allure of an over-the-top Valentine’s Day has sort of worn off but you still want to get out of the house with your boyfriend, the perfect solution is to head to the cinema. I love this colour-blocked coat – and it’s only £37. (Also swooning over this Chiara Ferragni glitter shoes, but they’re a bit pricier.) Grab a chic leather backpack (for snacks and a mini wine bottles) and head to the theatre. Just be sure to pick a romantic film and not one that makes you want to die, like The Revenant.
£82 – jcrew.com
£37 – shein.com
harrods.com
£205 – luisaviaroma.com
asos.com
£95 – boutique1.com
mytheresa.com
5 Wine Tasting
I love this Valentine’s Day look because it’s sweet and sexy, but still has a relaxed, effortless vibe. The cosy knit Uniqlo jumper helps to dress it down a bit, making it much more versatile. It would be perfect for meeting your beau at a dimly lit wine bar – but you could also get away with wearing it for margaritas at your favourite Mexican place. Also, if you’ve seen these heart socks before it’s because I just really enjoy them.
£21 – uniqlo.com
£47 – yoins.com
topshop.com
asos.com
office.co.uk
£150 – shopbop.com
6 Netflix n Chill
And now we’ve arrived at my best-case scenario. I know I said I love dressing up for Valentine’s Day… but I also love drinking red wine, eating pizza and sugar cookies and watching crime dramas. Side note: has anyone else noticed that the absolute best place for a pun is on a pair of socks?
£13 – shein.com
net-a-porter.com
topshop.com
7 Posh Cocktails
If you’ve got a really hot date – as in, someone you’ve recently started seeing who is still trying hard to impress you – you’ve got to go all out. This black velvet dress is super sexy – but the relaxed silhouette keeps it from feeling like too much of a Valentine’s Day cliche. Worn with simple black mules and gold jewelry, it’s the perfect look for sipping martinis at a swanky rooftop bar or an exclusive downtown lounge.
bloomingdales.com
£370 – farfetch.com
net-a-porter.com
£18 – dailylook.com
£19 – bloomingdales.com
