In the days of my youth, the beginning of February signaled an anxious countdown to the dreaded 14th day of the month, hoping and praying that my 16-year-old situationship would miraculously perform an act of romance that made Valentine’s Day a day worth living for. To no one’s surprise—least of all my own—he never did. But in the 12 years since then, I’ve learned to appreciate Valentine’s Day for what it should be: a little surge of joy amidst the bleakness of a cold, gray winter.
Regardless of whether or not you have a romantic partner you’re planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day with, the holiday brings a little something for everyone. Galentine’s wine nights, touches of pink and red, a sprinkle of heart-shaped accessories—it all combines to represent girlhood at its finest. Stressing about your Valentine’s date? Out. Plotting a Valentine’s Day outfit that’s so good, you don’t care where the day takes you? So in.
Valentine’s Day Outfit Inspiration For Every Occasion
1. For a Valentine’s weekend brunch
earrings | top (plus) | bag | flats | jeans (plus) | gold cuff | silver cuff | coat
A daytime outfit always poses a bit more of a challenge than a nighttime one. You don’t want to feel too overdone, but don’t want to lose the confidence that an extra-special outfit gives, either. While the base of this outfit is pretty simple—relaxed jeans and an asymmetrical blouse—it’s made memorable through its accessories: studded flats, cheeky heart earrings, and a cherry red trench that’ll turn heads.
For a Galentine’s celebration at a trendy new restaurant
top (plus) | belt | heels | jeans (plus) | earrings | coat (plus) | earrings | bag
Is there a better feeling than calling your Uber to head to a night out that’s going to be spent yapping over espresso martinis and wine? The answer is no. While you might ordinarily reserve denim-on-denim outfits for casual nights, the form-fitting top and more fitted, straight jeans will make you feel sexy, while the addition of zebra heels will take you to coolest-girl-in-the-room status.
For a fancy dinner date
dress (plus) | bag | heels | jacket (plus) | earrings | tights
While there’s no shame in reaching for cherry red and pink on Valentine’s Day, this look proves that you don’t have to. The rich burgundy shade of the jacket, coat, and heels will perfectly compliment the chocolate brown of the dress and tights for an almost-monochrome effect that’ll put you at the top of the chic meter. Did someone say chocolate-covered strawberries?
To make dinner at your S.O.’s place
sweater (plus) | sneakers | sweatpants (plus) | tee (plus) | claw clip | bag
In my humble opinion, a night in spent cooking and watching a movie is the peak of Valentine’s Day romance. The occasion calls for an elevated sweats moment, and this straight-leg sweatpants, T-shirt, and zip-up combo fits the bill to a T. The form-fitting tee will give you the opportunity to take off your sweatshirt and feel a little sexy, but not completely overdressed.
For a casual date
necklace | shirt (plus) | bag | loafers | jeans (plus) | belt
If you’re trying to plan a Valentine’s outfit that leans away from any cheesiness—not literally, though… yes to Valentine’s Day fondue—relying on more subtle Valentine’s accessories is your best bet. A heart necklace might be inherently festive, but it can still be worn year-round, as can a pair of burgundy loafers.
For a night in with friends
sweatpants (plus) | socks | sweatshirt | claw clip | slippers
A situation where you should lean into cheese? A Galentine’s wine night. A cheeky sweatshirt, red sweats, and all the festive accessories you can muster will only add to the joy of celebrating the day of love with your friends. Trust me: They’ll totally appreciate that you went all-out.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Madeline Galassi, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
Madeline has been covering fashion at The Everygirl since 2018. She edits all fashion content, writes in-depth trend reports, and curates the direction of the fashion and beauty sections. She’s worked with top brands like Nordstrom, & Other Stories, Sézane, and Everlane.
