After the January slump, there’s always that sense of relief when February finally arrives. ‘Hurrah, January is over!’ we cheer, as we get back into the swing of work and start counting down the days to the ever-looming Fashion Week.
And then we remember that February is the month of Valentine’s Day.
Whether we’re loved-up or not, February 14th seems to send the nation into frenzy. We go into panic mode about what exactly we should do to mark the occasion, what gifts we should buy and ,of course , what on earth we should be wearing. The supposed most romantic night of the year, suddenly , and bizarrely – becomes one of the more stressful holidays…
For those that choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day (or actively rebel against it for that matter), we have come up with a few outfit suggestions to make preparations for the nation’s ‘date night’ that little bit easier.
We’ve selected some of our favourite items as inspiration for your own Valentine’s outfit. Having picked out clothes suitable for a daytime date, a romantic evening or a night out with the girls, we think we’ve got all areas covered…
The Lunch Date
Outfit One:
It is probably most difficult to think of the perfect outfit for the daytime date. Will you be going out for a posh lunch? Meeting for a couple of drinks? Taking part in a fun and spontaneous outdoor activity? Either way, it’s still cold out there, so we think smart layering is the way forward. Skinny jeans are always a winner in our book, so why not update the look for spring with these platform clogs from KG by Kurt Geiger. Team with an oversized cardigan, like this kimono from Bess and a neutral scarf from Therapy for a casual, yet chic outfit.
Bess Kimono £347.39 from Net-a-Porter; Therapy scarf £12.00 from House of Fraser; 7 For All Mankind Roxeanne Skinny Jeans £200 from Net-a-Porter; KG by Kurt Geiger Jarah mules £130 from Kurt Geiger.
Outfit Two:
The white shirt is certainly making a comeback of late. Keep things simple with this monochrome shift dress from Ted Baker and try out the leather look as seen at Celine and Balmain, with these second-skin trousers from Helmut Lang. Alternatively, opaque tights will work just as well , especially when paired with some bright footwear. Why not embrace Valentine’s red theme with these cute Mary-Janes, courtesy of ASOS?
Ted Baker Obble Shirt Dress £99 from House of Fraser; Helmut Lang Leather Leggings £660 from Net-a-Porter; ASOS Poppet Suede Mary Jane Strap Shoe £40 from ASOS.
Not sure what your daytime plans are yet? Pack some flats, just in case!
The Dinner Date
Outfit One:
Become the lady in red this Valentine’s Day, with a striking cocktail dress like this slinky number from Alexander McQueen. Keep everything else simple, accessorising in Gold to compliment this deep and luxurious colour.
Isharya earrings £145 from Net-a-Porter.; Alexander McQueen Asymmetric Jersey Dress £750 from Net-a-Porter; Diane Von Furstenberg Luxe Sandals £249 from Matches Fashion.
Outfit Two:
Adopt spring’s neutral trend early, with this romantic dress from Vera Wang. Wear with neutral strappies or take inspiration from Roland Mouret and Thakoon by adding a tough edge, with Giuseppe Zanotti’s gladiator sandals.
Vera Wang Chiffon dress £265 from House of Fraser; Kenneth Jay Lane gold coloures, textured cuff £80 from House of Fraser; Giuseppe Zanotti Gladiator Sandals £545 from Net-a-Porter.
The Girls’ Night Out
Outfit One:
A night out with the girls is the perfect opportunity to have a little fun with your outfit. Go for the laid-back luxe look with Alexander Wang’s knee-length, sequined skirt, finished with a plain white shirt from his T by Alexander Wang collection. Comfortable and effortlessly striking.
T by Alexander Wang Scoop-neck jersey T-shirt £85 from Net-a-Porter; Alexander Wang sequined draped skirt £560 from Net-a-Porter; Christian Louboutin Cosmo 120 Python Pumps £820 from Net-a-Porter.
Outfit Two:
Why not get flirty on your night out with a fun, mini dress. Take this printed bandeau from hot, young designer Olivia Rubin, who is a hit with the likes of Brit fashionistas, Fearne Cotton and Agyness Deyn. Pick out the neutral splash print with these peep-toe Christian Louboutins; nude shoes will automatically make your legs look longer , especially when they come this high! Round off the look by adding a burst of colour to your ensemble with bright accessories, like this hot-pink lips clutch from Lulu Guinness. How very apt!
Olivia Rubin Gaudi dress £216 from Olivia Rubin; Lulu Guinness Perspex Lips Clutch £195 from Lulu Guinness; Christian Louboutin Very Jaws Peep-Toes £580 from Matches Fashion.
