If the upcoming date isn’t a dead giveaway, the rampant selection of chocolates and mushy cards is sure to scream, “Valentine’s Day is coming.” Love it or hate it, many collegiettes find their own special ways to celebrate this romantic day. Though your plans for this sacred Hallmark holiday are set, you have no idea what to wear. Behold, our style guide for every type of Valentine’s Day plans—yes single ladies, we have tips for you too.
Scenario 1: Romantic Dinner
Good food, your charming beau and a seductive candle flickering between the two of you—what more could a girl need? An awesome ensemble, obviously. For this occasion, stylist Kyle Alexandra suggests sporting a black wrap dress. “[They] are universally flattering,” notes Alexandra. We adore Ruby’s long-sleeved wrap dress ($50)—flattering, versatile and uber chic. Protect yourself from the wintry chill by pairing this fabulous dress with a pair of Miss Selfridge’s black tights ($16). All this black seems a little drab for Valentine’s Day, right? According to Alexandra, spice up your ensemble (and add a much-needed dose of sparkle) with a pair of dangling earrings ($19). Though these are not your standard pair of chandelier earrings, they scream old school glamour. For a finishing touch, add a pair of black booties ($60) and a smoky eye—if your beau is going to be gazing at you from across the table, you might as well give him (or her) some great eye makeup to look at.
Scenario 2: Watching Romantic Comedies With Your Girlfriends
Just because you’re single doesn’t mean that you have to be anti-Valentine’s Day. If you’re a hopeless romantic, spend the day watching some of your favorite love stories with your fellow optimists. Since this activity is all about snuggling up, Alexandra suggests layering a fitted sweater ($45) under a black fur vest ($20). Can we say comfortable? Unleash your inner girly girl by coupling your cozy top with a pair of colored pants—we’re so smitten with Witchery’s bright pink jeans ($50). Keep your accessories to a minimum with small studs ($49) and a pair of black loafers ($36). Since Colin Firth won’t pop out of the television screen and proclaim his love for you, consider your ensemble your sartorial way of celebrating the most romantic holiday of the year.
Scenario Three: Dinner and a Movie
Though fine dining sounds fantastic, perhaps you and your valentine would rather grab a quick bite at the soup and sandwich joint before seeing the “date movie of the year.” According to Alexandra, this scenario requires a casual chic outfit. First things first: pair a black sweater with a simple black tee ($10)—we like Alloy’s boyfriend cardigan ($20). Next, pair this dark top with Topshop’s moto jeans ($76) and Tommy Hilfiger’s brown riding boots ($100). If you were hoping for a more stylish Valentine’s Day ensemble, Alexandra advises you to pile on the accessories. Specifically, she proposes to add hoops earrings ($69), a set of bangles ($48) and a long necklace ($20). With this ensemble, we bet you’ll be the best dressed date at the restaurant and movie theater.
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Scenario Four: Going Out to a Club (a.k.a. The Anti-Valentine’s Day)
Who needs a boyfriend–or girlfriend—when you and your BFFs can dance the night away (not to mention have a slew of cute guys worshiping your every move)? According to our style guru, take this time to show off your feminine and sexy side by pairing a festive top with a leather miniskirt. Forever New’s lace peplum top ($60) is the epitome of girly, not to mention the light pink hue shows off your Valentine’s Day spirit. As for the leather mini, we love Topshop’s version ($76)—the faux leather is animal-friendly while those gold zippers are fashionista-approved. Since the thought of wearing a miniskirt in the middle of February is chilling (literally), pair your ensemble with black tights ($15) and pumps ($74). Last but not least, play up the skirt’s gold zippers with your very own gilded jewels. “Add fun earrings ($15) as well as a cocktail ring ($43) and you will look fabulous,” assures Alexandra. Don’t be surprised if a ton of guys approach you—a stellar outfit and awesome moves on the dance floor are almost too good to be true!
Scenario Five: Cozy Night In
Breaking news: you and your flame don’t need extravagant Valentine’s Day plans. Sometimes, a low-key night is super romantic. However, it doesn’t mean that you can succumb to the tragic sweatsuit. “I would go with skinny colored jeans—red would be most appropriate—with a black top or sweater,” says Alexandra. We’re big fans of Topshop’s knitted pullover ($72) as well as J.Crew’s toothpick pants ($80). Just because you and your beau aren’t painting the town red doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add a bit of bling to your ensemble—try Stella & Dot’s Calypso Coin Necklace ($89) and Swarovski’s crystal studs ($75). Add a simple pair of black flats ($17) and voilà – the perfect cozy chic ensemble.
Scenario Six: “I Hate Valentine’s Day” Party
Think Valentine’s Day is overrated? You’re not alone. So grab a couple of your girlfriends and host an “I Hate Valentine’s Day” dinner. Though you may want to channel your inner Man Repeller and whip out your harem pants, Alexandra vetoes the fashion zombie temptation. “Dress like you were going on a date,” suggests Alexandra. “You never know where the night will take you.” For a date-approved outfit (that also declares your romantic independence), Alexandra suggests pairing black pants with a glitzy top. “Sequins are so in and chic right now!” exclaims Alexandra. We definitely have a style crush on Dorothy Perkins’ gold sequined top ($27) and Yes Style’s skinny jeans ($30). In order to tone down the top’s pizzazz, Alexandra suggests a pair of black riding boots ($25). Before you leave your house to go to your single lady activities, pile on the mascara ($28) for a dash of femininity and grab a black and gold clutch ($33). Even if you don’t ironically meet the man of your dreams, this outfit proves that you’re fabulous, single or committed.
What are you planning to wear for V-Day? Sound off below!