10 Valentine’s Day Outfits Perfect for Any Occasion or Relationship Status
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Yes, it’s time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day outfits. After a few months of low-key (a.k.a. couch-oriented) date nights this past winter, you and your SO might feel ready to kick things up a notch by getting dressed up and locking in a buzzy restaurant reservation in advance. Or maybe you’re thinking of reuniting with the girls with a Valentine’s Day gift exchange and a bougie brunch. Whatever your plans are, outfit prep is key.
Sure, you may not feel like dressing up right now—even the best of us fall into winter-style ruts when it’s absolutely frigid for weeks, which is where street style can be a great source of inspiration. Hoping to make a knit sweater feel fresh for a chill lunch? We found just the thing. (Hint: It involves some sexy Valentine’s Day lingerie.) Eager to dress up for dinner without sacrificing comfort? Straight-leg jeans and an oversized blazer or jacket read effortlessly cool and have infinite day-to-night potential. Leather skirts, statement collars, and sheer dresses are also in the mix because what’s V-Day without a little spice?
Whatever’s on the agenda in the coming weeks, there’s no denying these street-style outfits make for fantastic date-night (and day) inspo. Even better, you can bookmark these ’fits for the rest of the year since they lend themselves well to layering up or down depending on the season.
Ahead, several foolproof Valentine’s Day outfits to shop and copy now. Xoxo.
The dinner dateEdward Berthelot/Getty Images
Nothing is sexier than a velvet minidress for dinner and drinks, but you know what’s not hot? Shivering because of the cold winter air. To stay warm without looking dowdy, add a fuzzy shrug or jacket on top and a pair of lace or plumetis tights below. They’ll both look great with a pair of eye-catching hot pink platforms.
Endless Rose Rhinestone Strapless Velvet Minidress
Avec Les Filles Furry Cropped Coat
Aldo X Barbie Party Platform Pump
Fiore Polka Dot Black Tights
The lunch dateChristian Vierig/Getty Images
If you’ve got a daytime date planned, it can be hard to find that perfect balance of casual but not too casual. Romantic ruffles are Cupid-approved and so easy to style high or low depending on your plans. A boho blouse paired with clogs and wide-leg jeans should do the trick if the restaurant is on the low-key side. For somewhere a little fancier, swap the jeans for a maxiskirt or wear a ruffled long-sleeve maxidress.
By Anthropologie Long-Sleeve Pleated Ruffled Blouse
Cordani Zorba Clog
Karine Sultan Alice Statement Necklace
Madewell Superwide-Leg Jeans
The movie nightEdward Berthelot/Getty Images
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
If you want to slip out of your heart-print PJs and into something equally cute and laid-back, consider a vibrant sweater or cardigan over pastel-hued denim. This outfit combo is perfect for a movie date and any number of follow-up activities. If the date goes well and you segue into a post-cinema drink or walk, we guarantee these jeans and roomy sweater will keep things comfortable. Make it your own with a shoulder bag that pops; the more joyful, the better.
English Factory Heart Stitch Sweater
Madewell The Nettie Heeled Mary Jane
JW PEI Gabbi Ruched Hobo Handbag
Sidefeel Wide Leg Jeans
The night out dancingEdward Berthelot/Getty Images
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
If you want to be romantic but not too on the nose, this classic approach to date night is a winner. A sequined column dress that dips its toes into the sheer dress trend? Our hearts are aflutter. Layer a bodysuit or sleeveless taupe slip dress underneath to keep the allover airy vibes going. And don’t stop at the rhinestones on the dress—a pearl necklace with a heart pendant and shiny silver kitten heels will ensure you catch all the good light on your big night out dancing.
Reformation Lucelia Dress
Pat McGrath Labs SatinAllure™ Lipstick
Shooboo Slingback Kitten Heels With Bow
Cowlyn Love Heart Necklace
The brunch with friendsChristian Vierig/Getty Images
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Skip the red bodycon dress—a cute suit set is perfect for a get-together with your galentines. Of course, we also love separating a set to give it endless styling potential, like pairing a cropped bouclé or tweed jacket over wide-leg denim instead of the matching mini. You’ll get a ton of mileage out of the jeans, and layering the jacket over a cute bra keeps will keep the whole thing just as flirty. Intimidated by the bralette? Go for a fun graphic tee with red hearts instead. Just don’t forget the tweed bunny bag; you’ll be hard-pressed to leave brunch without a bestie wanting to lovingly take it off your hands.
ASTR the Label Tweed Crop Jacket
Levi’s Ribcage Wide Leg Jeans
Intimately Triangle Bralette
Aerie Double Heart Sunglasses
The museum dateEdward Berthelot/Getty Images
Edward Berthelot
You don’t have to lean into the candy hues if you don’t want to when it comes to Valentine’s Day clothing. This laid-back Valentine’s outfit is proof that a neutral, tonal look can be just as impactful. Thoughtful details, like a gold chain or a Y2K-inspired bag, put a chic spin on trusted wardrobe essentials like black jeans (with a twist!) and a tissue turtleneck or a long-sleeve bodysuit. Optional swaps include a roomy blazer in lieu of the jacket and any long- or short-sleeve top of your choosing—think ruched button-ups, smocked blouses, or strapless tulle and mesh corsets for a downright cool lingerie moment.
J.Crew Tissue Crepe Turtleneck
Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Straight Leg Jean
By Anthropologie Faux-Leather Relaxed Jacket
Mejuri Big Puffy Heart Necklace
The family affairEdward Berthelot/Getty Images
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
A black leather skirt is no doubt a statement on its own, but when paired with a charming pink knit, it takes your look to a new (and softer) level. The midi length is versatile and more parental-unit-appropriate, not to mention practical, than its higher-hemmed cousin. Classic pointed black mules (whether flat or heeled) are the perfect finishing touch.
Madewell Leather Midi Skirt
Reformation Gwen Oversized Wool Sweater
Reformation Wilda Kitten Mule
Mosanana Retro Tiny Oval Sunglasses
The anti-V-Day partyJacopo Raule/GC Images
Jacopo Raule/GC Images
Here we have twee meets Wednesday Addams meets the Miu Miu show at Paris Fashion Week, which happens to be the ideal combination for an anti-V-Day party (or any party that gives you and your friends an excuse to dress up). Layer your lace-trimmed goth glam dress over tights no matter the length, and opt for a rosy palette for your makeup look. Tie it all together with Mary Jane platforms to keep you on your toes…you never know when the opportunity to sing, nay, scream, “Mr. Brightside” on a karaoke stage will arise.
DÔEN Lace Collar Minidress
Steve Madden Tully Platform Pump
Hanes Silk Reflections Opaque Tight
Byredo Mixed Emotions Eau de Parfum
The office partyChristian Vierig/Getty Images
Many of us still have to work on February 14 regardless of our Valentine’s Day plans, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with it. A sweater dress in romantic shades of pink, red, burgundy, or purple—bonus points if it’s got a hint of shine, like the one pictured here—is worthy of the holiday while still keeping things professional. Best of all, you can swap your office-appropriate shoes with a hot pair of sky-high heels for a desk-to-drinks situation. Add a little gold bag for the finishing touch.
Simon Miller Knit Midi Dress
J.Crew Oversized Heart Earrings
Kurt Geiger London Heart Metallic Leather Crossbody Bag
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick
The “no plans, just vibes” kind of dayEdward Berthelot/Getty Images
Not sure what’s on the agenda? Maybe a little of all the above? You can’t go wrong with a heart sweater or a long-sleeve top and trouser pants. It’s comfortable, warm, and put-together enough to work for most situations. Just switch out the shoes depending on where you end up: sneakers for a walk in the park or the movies, loafers if you’re headed to the office, and boots or heels for dinner.
Old Navy SoSoft Loose Valentine Sweater
Madewell Harlow Wide-Leg Pant
Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Tailored Topcoat
Veja Campo Sneakers
