A Little Word On Dressing For Valentines Day

By Nichola English

Let’s start with a super brief history of how Valentine’s Day began.

There’s lots of history regarding the 14th of February with regards to religion. The actual day was named after Saint Valentine, a catholic priest who lived in Rome during the 3rd Century. It wasn’t until 200 years later that the date began to signify more of how we know it today, with love, flirtation, poetry and flowers.

Valentine’s is filled with symbolism with the sending of love messages and special cards decorated with Cupid and hearts and filled with affection and sentimental verses; these things are still recognised in modern society. Valentine’s is a day to celebrate love, romance, playing dress up for date nights and even celebrating friendships (Galentine's anyone?).

ARE YOU READY FOR VALENTINE’S DAY THIS YEAR?

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. It’s known as the holiday for lovers and a time when people tend to get a little more loved up than normal. It’s the perfect justification to get dressed up into something super sassy and cute for a romantic dinner date, even if this year it’s likely to be something special and fun at home. 

So, before you start excitedly shopping online and purchasing every clothing piece you think might fit the bill, make sure you’re on track for the most romantic day in your calendar with these tips. 

DON’T GET BOGGED DOWN WITH VALENTINE STYLE TRENDS

The day doesn’t have to be about pink or black dresses, with lace or ruffles and everything else that the fashion industry unleashes on us. However, if that’s your usual personal style, then of course embrace it. I suppose what I’m trying to convey is that whatever you decide to wear on this special romantic day, it must fit in with the dress narrative that you feel confident in.

DO YOU HAVE A PLAN?

Before heading to your wardrobe with an adrenaline rush of excitement, think about your plans for the evening. Is the look appropriate for your desired romantic occasion? Is it a candle and best tablecloth kind of night, movie and popcorn (my favourite Valentines’ night), or a relaxed night watching your favourite romantic movie with a takeaway? Remember, the most important thing is that the outfit should represent you and how confident you feel wearing it.

SHOPPING FOR SOMETHING NEW

If you buy something new, be sure to road test it first to see how it feels, how it fits your shape and how you’re going to style it. However, this is not the time to go on a new styling journey or to embrace fashion extremes. You want to dress to impress, but you don’t want to overdo it!

ACCENTUATE JUST ONE AREA

Understated glamour is spot on and showing some skin is youthful and alluring. But notice, I said some skin. A sexy classic off the shoulder dress or a low-cut top teamed with jeans and killer heels, are great choices for showing just enough decolletage. And a dress with a slit showing some leg will give you the glam factor. 

WEAR THE COLOUR RED

Red is considered to be the colour of love and statistics show it’s one of the sexist colours a woman can wear because it sends a message of passion. Red is therefore an obvious choice when you're choosing how to dress for Valentine’s Day. Don’t be too worried about the colour because there’s a shade of red to suit every skin tone. You may simply need a shade that has more orange or more blue in its mix.

ADD A LITTLE LEATHER

Leather is a material that oozes edgy, passionate sexiness. Coloured leather can be easier to wear than black and looks sexy and modern. A black leather biker jacket worn over a flirty floral dress with ankle boots can create a sultry, edgy look.

TRY A SMOKEY EYE

Eyes are among the most captivating features of the face. A smokey eye, whether soft or metallic, can be flattering, sophisticated and versatile and gives a sultry look for any age. All you need to seal the deal is to keep cheeks soft and add a hint of red to your lips, because you want the eyes to be the focal point.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Dressing up for this one special day might be a bit cliché to some, but it’s more than that. It’s about having fun and taking a moment to acknowledge love. Whether you choose to opt for a sexy, classy, or flirty look for your Valentine’s Day style, the most important thing to remember is to enjoy the moment with a smile.