Whether you’re heading out on a hot date or hosting an intimate evening at home, Charles Clinkard has your Valentine’s style sorted from the feet up.
Valentine’s day can be a minefield and it can’t be ignored, however much you might want to. Your dream date may be an evening of cocktails and a candlelit dinner, whisking them away for a night or two in a foreign city or simply catching a movie and grabbing a burger afterwards, but dressing the part is every bit as important as remembering to book the tickets. Whether you’re impressing a new acquaintance or spoiling your long-term lover, cooking at home or braving a restaurant, it’s important to dress appropriately. Follow our tips on what to wear to four common Valentine’s date scenarios.
Dinner and Drinks
If you’re whisking your date out to a swanky bar, you can’t go wrong with a crisp white shirt – it’s the smartest colour to wear after dark. Team with a double-breasted jacket and try swapping out your tie for a subtle pocket square – after all it’s a date, not an interview.
Nothing pairs with your sharpest suit like classic black shoes, and you can take your choice of Derbies or Oxfords. Loake Woodstock, our weapon of choice, is detailed with polished leather caps and brogue perforations to really show off your stand out style.
Loake Woodstock Oxford Brogues
Cinema Style
A trip to the flicks may be a little more low-key than a dinner date, but that’s still no reason for you to slack on style. If you’re planning on going for food before or after, there’s every chance you could end up going for a drink or two as well, so aim for the smarter end of the smart-casual spectrum.
Dress down with chinos, a plaid button-down shirt and a generously sized knit, with a leather or suede jacket adding the final layer. Team with some smart brown or black brogue boots such as the burnished Barbour Belsay.
An Evening In
Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to create your very own piece of paradise in your dining room, and you don’t have to go to laudable lengths to create a romantic home-cooked dinner. As long as your presentation is on point (heavy linen napkins and spotless wine glasses will go a long way) a bottle of vintage champagne will go down a treat with the simplest of dishes.
Just because you’re staying in doesn’t mean your pyjamas make the cut. Keep your outfit relaxed but presentable; a soft knitted jumper and straight leg chinos is smart but not try-hard. While footwear may not be at the forefront of your mind, we suggest you swap your novelty slippers for something more classic. The low block heel on these Bordeux slippers from Church’s adds an unexpected element of formality to this otherwise leisurely style.
Dapper Daytime Date
With Valentine’s Day falling on the weekend this year, there’s every chance you might spend the day with your date. Whether you take a trip to a neighbouring city, meander around your favourite museums or court over coffee, savvy layering is paramount to looking and feeling your best.
The British weather is unpredictable at best, so pack a parka with a jumper and a classic chambray shirt. Team with jeans and pick shoes that are both sturdy and comfortable – if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking a leather trainer should be your go-to. The Skechers Superior Emens are sporty yet smart and feature memory foam insoles so your feet won’t tire out.
Skechers Superior Emens Leather Trainers
With our four major outfit ideas checked off, you’re all set for romantic bliss this Valentine’s Day. But remember: no matter where you take your date, be sure to top off your carefully prepared outfit with a trip to the barbers and a clean shave or trim, finished with a few modest dashes of cologne.
Now get out there and spend some time with your sole-mates!
