Valentine's Day is an international day of love, and for every person who dreads the advent of February 14th, there's 10 more people who are all about amour. You don't have to drink the cinnamon heart kool-aid to have an appreciation of this day. All you have to do is show a little love, and you're in the spirit. One of the easiest ways to spread good V Day vibes is by dressing the part.
How much you want to dress up depends on you, but here's a guide to help you find your perfect look.
WHAT'S THE PLAN?
Your ensemble will largely depend on where you'll be throughout the day. As nice as it would be, Valentine's Day isn't a statutory holiday, so if it falls on a weekday, chances are you'll be at work, school or both. This means you have to know your plans, before you can plan an outfit.
DO YOU HAVE TO WORK?
Dressing for work necessitates a slew of considerations we don't usually have to worry about. When we go to work, we have to look presentable and professional, which means that negligee you bought will have to wait for later. However, you can still get in the spirit in even the most formal workplaces. Add a pop of pink and/or red to your outfit by donning a scarf, belt or a blouse or a pair of heels or boots.
Do you have to go to school?
Unless your school has a dress code, you can go pretty wild here and wear whatever you want, provided it meets school protocol (so no pink short-shorts). Even if your school does have a staunch dress code, take heed from the tips above, and add a pop of festivities to your look and accessorize!
Do you have time to change?
Obviously, this won't apply if you don't have work or school (or if you don't plan to go out), but since your Valentine's day rendezvous may come on the heels of work or school, you have to consider how you'll transition into your date garb. It doesn't matter if you have a romantic evening planned, or a girls night out, you can transition your existing outfit, or bring along a whole new one.
The Transition
You want to wear your foundation outfit. This could mean a pencil skirt or pair of slim pants, with sexy top that can be covered up for work with a blazer. Perhaps you wear leggings under a stretchy mini with a pair of docs, and then ditch the docs and leggings for a bare-legged look with a pair of heels.
The Change Up
Changing your entire outfit is easier if you're afforded the time to go home, but depending on your plans, this may not be possible. If it isn't, you're going to have to bring your outfit with you. All of it. If you don't have one and are going somewhere that requires a sexy dress for a special occasion, then invest in a garment bag to protect your clothing and consolidate your belongings. (Yes, you can even store your shoes in there!)
If you are doing something more casual, just bring your outfit along in a gym bag or backpack. Throwing together something as simple as a pair of jeans, a cashmere sweater and a pair of suede ankle boots looks sexy and flattering on any figure - and you’ve probably already got the goods in your closet.
A Matter of Makeup
Be sure to bring any cosmetics you may need - and grab some makeup removing wipes. You don't want to add your evening makeup to makeup you've worn all day. Take it all off, and then put it on again.
And since it is Valentine’s Day, try a romantic makeup look.
Staying in?
Then sod this all. Sure, going out on Valentine’s Day can be wonderful, but it should feel like a pleasure, not a chore. It doesn’t matter if you’re single or paired up: staying in can be the best way to express your love - be it for your beau, for yourself, or both. For many people who are feeling stressed out, being given the opportunity to put their feet up is the ultimate romantic gesture.
If this sounds like your perfect V day plan, then wear what makes you feel good. This may be sweatpants and your favourite, ratty baseball t-shirt. Or maybe it’s that amazing dress you bought and haven’t got a chance to wear yet.
It’s Valentine’s Day, and this is the one day a year you should be able to wear what you truly love.