Whoever said Valentine’s Day was just for paired off couples was seriously misguided. As young, fun, and amazingly awesome collegiettes, we definitely do not need a plus one to have a good time. So this V-Day, we’re saying whatever to romance, and hello to celebrating and loving (okay, obsessing) over ourselves—mourning flower shops’ and candy stores’ most treasured day is such a thing of the past. From outfit options and activities to recipes and gifts (for yourself, of course), HC has got you completely covered with a little help from our single girl’s guide to Valentine’s Day. Defy Cupid and make February 14th the best day, ever.
What to wear
Let’s be real, we all love to wear black. It’s timeless and classic and basically goes with everything. And while we’re totally for a great all black outfit, on V-Day it’s just too obvious of a choice. Yeah, you’re flying solo for the Hallmark holiday, but that doesn’t mean you have to literally look like you’re mourning your lack of a plus one with a side of romance. Puh-lease. So instead, spice things up with a splash of color. Studies actually show that wearing bright colors will instantly make you more cheerful and happy. We’re obviously not recommending you walk out in neon green spandex and a bright yellow sweater, but try something a little more festive than your go-to black leggings and chunky gray sweater. Since love is apparently in the air, go for something red, Bordeaux, or dare we say it, hot pink!
Pink Colored Skinnies, $15.80 from Forever 21
Add a burst of color to your V-Day wardrobe with these hot colored jeans. Mix and match them with any color, and throw on your greatest flats or sexiest heels.
Coral Blouse, $34.95 from H&M
It may be winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock a tank top. Throw on this fitted chiffon blouse with a blazer or leather jacket, and you’ll be perfectly dressed for the big day. Plus, it can be worn to class or on a night out on the town.
Red Blazer, $49 from Urban Outfitters
Who needs a boyfriend when you already have the perfect boyfriend blazer? Shine bright with this jacket and you may find yourself attracting all the boys.
What to do
Just because you’re single, doesn’t mean you’re a leper—round up your unattached girlfriends and have a full-on girls’ day. No rules, no boundaries, no parents: just let loose and have some fun! Nothing says best day ever quite like 24 hours of indulging and pampering yourself, while cracking up and letting off some steam.
Hit the town
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Instead of just sitting at home while all the lovey-dovey couples are out, make your own extravagant plans. Whether it’s a night out at the college bars, happy hour at your favorite restaurant (if you’re 21, of course), or just dinner with friends, don’t exile yourself from the real world. Plus, there’s no one holding you back—you’re free to have an amazing time with no strings attached. But who knows, you may meet a totally gorgeous, single guy doing the same thing as you—talk about serendipity.
Curl up with your celebrity crush
Since no guy is as perfect as our favorite on-screen obsessions, why not cuddle up on the couch with your best friends and have the ultimate eye-candy movie marathon? Ryan and Ryan, George, Leo, Channing, RPatz, and every other Hollywood hunk are seriously calling (screaming) your name, and honestly, it’s a little rude to deny them of the love and attention they deserve. Whether you’re looking for some comedy, some love (or lack thereof), or just an all around fabulous movie, we’ve got you covered:
- How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
- She’s the Man
- Crazy, Stupid, Love
- Double Jeopardy
- Wedding Crashers
- Tristan + Isolde
- 500 Days of Summer
- Bridesmaids
- The Hangover
- Blue Valentine
- The Break-Up
- My Bloody Valentine
- Titanic
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Valentine’s Day
- John Tucker Must Die
Visit an animal shelter
Puppy love! Take a trip to the local pound and play around with the pups for an hour… or three. These dogs will be sure to give you more love in a single sitting than any guy ever could. Not to mention, they’re totally adorable and irresistible. Just be careful you don’t fall too far head over heels for a special little guy, since most college dorms and apartment buildings aren’t dog-friendly.
Belt it out
What better way to let out all your feelings than with some karaoke? Spend V-Day busting out your favorite tunes at the top of your lungs. Since Simon Cowell presumably will be absent from your evening, there’s no need to worry about your lack of vocal talent. Get on stage and belt out whatever song is on your mind (we’re thinking “Love is a Battlefield”)—and obviously, bonus points go out for every boy band cover you perform.
What to eat
You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to make yourself an incredible meal. In fact, all of our V-Day recipes are domestically challenged approved (if I can make it, so can you—I once used salt instead of sugar in chocolate chip cookies, if you catch my drift). But more importantly, since this V-Day is now totally about y-o-u, it’s time to indulge in your favorite foods. Quit counting the calories for 24 hours and let your taste buds celebrate. You don’t have to worry about squeezing into any lingerie later that night, so bring on the food baby!
Grilled Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- Chicken breast
- Mozzarella cheese, grated —you be the judge with how much you want to sprinkle on, but we recommend at least 1/4th of a cup
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon
- Parmesan cheese, 1/4th of a cup
- Jar of tomato sauce (unless you know how to make your own, rock on)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cut your chicken breast in half so that it’s nice and thin.
- Spray a stove-top pan with Pam and lay the chicken on it to grill at around medium-high heat.
- Grill until chicken is cooked all the way through (about 5 minutes on each side).
- Transfer the chicken breasts to an oven safe dish, topping each piece with sauce and as much cheese and you’d like.
- Cook in the oven until the cheese is fully melted (about 3-5 minutes).
- Serve it up and eat away!
Single Serving Brownie Cake in a Mug
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 1 beaten egg
- ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Mix chocolate chips and butter in a microwave safe bowl and cook on low for 30 seconds (keep cooking for 30 seconds until smooth, stirring in between each round).
- Add in honey and milk, and stir well.
- Add in beaten egg, vanilla extract, and salt, and then stir.
- Slowly pour in flour, mixing it in until it’s fully combined.
- Spray a large mug with non-stick cooking spray, and gently pour in mixture.
- Cook on medium in the microwave for three minutes.
- Let it cool, and then enjoy!
We’re all about the desserts at HC, so feel free to go wild and make as many sweet treats as your heart desires.
What to listen to
If your life is a movie, then you’ll need a killer soundtrack to get you through Valentine’s Day. So, we obviously have you covered. Whether you’re looking for something angst-y, mushy, a total rock out, or just something fun to dance around in your underwear to, look no further.
- “Love is a Battlefield”
- “Hot ‘n Cold”
- “Love Stinks”
- “Single Ladies”
- “Stronger“
- “We are Never, Ever Getting Back Together”
- “Ridin Solo”
- “Me, Myself, and I”
- “Dancing On My Own”
- “Young, Wild, and Free”
- “Haven’t Met You Yet”
- “Forget You”
- “Survivor”
- “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”
- “Can’t Be Tamed”
What to gift (yourself!)
Since you don’t have to worry about spending any money on buying something for a boyfriend, and because we’re pampering ourselves beyond belief on V-day, why not splurge a little and treat yourself (or your friends!) to something fab? At least you know it’s money well spent, since you obviously can’t hate your own gift.
Indulge in a spa day
The ultimate pampering present! There’s no denying that after a full body message, you’ll be on cloud nine. Whether you decide to lounge in the steam room, go for the two-hour message, or get a mani/pedi/wax, a day at the spa will be all about you… as it should be, of course.
Send some Edible Arrangements
You seriously don’t need a boyfriend in your life to get some amazing deliveries. Take Cher Horowitz for example, she sent herself goodies all the time—it’s totally normal. So instead of waiting for a surprise order of Edible Arrangements or Hope’s Cookies (my personal favorite) from your parents, take the initiative, and send yourself whatever your favorite snack may be. There’s no such thing as shame, so if you really want them, buy yourself some flowers and call it a day. Or you can be an absolutely incredible BFF, and send some surprise shipments to your friends!
Get a makeover
In my personal opinion, there’s truly nothing better in life than a fresh blowout. But if you’re looking for something more long-term, have your own little shopping spree at Sephora. Buy new, daring makeup and add to your nail polish collection. It’s the perfect way to spend your girls’ day—bring your friends along and later that night, give each other fresh makeovers.
There you have it, collegiettes—you absolute guide to single girl appreciation day! So, what’s next? Simple, start planning! The big day is right around the corner, and you totally don’t want to be left in the dust when there’s so much celebrating to be done!