What To Wear: Valentine's Day
How to style Valentine's Day outfits that actually feel like you
Valentine’s Day: for some, it’s a commercialised Hallmark holiday engineered to sell overpriced chocolates and heart-clutching teddy bears. For others, it’s an excuse to wear something cute and feel good.
Love it or loathe it, there’s no escaping it. And depending on where you stand, it either fills you with giddy excitement or the urge to roll your eyes so hard they might get stuck. I used to scoff at the whole thing but now sit somewhere in the middle.
These kinds of holidays are exactly what you make them. They can be sugar-coated, money-draining spectacles if that’s what you want. But they don’t have to be. Strip away the commercial stuff, and you’re left with an excuse to do something nice, whether that’s for yourself, your partner, or a new romance.
Whatever your plans might be—a romantic dinner, a cosy night in, or aggressively ignoring the whole day—you still have to get dressed. And ideally, in something that makes you feel good.
To save you from a last-minute wardrobe meltdown that leads to panic-buying something you’ll regret, I’ve put together some outfit ideas to match your plans, whether you're dressing up, staying in, or just side-eyeing the whole affair.
Valentine’s Day Accessorising
There’s no need to shop for a brand-new outfit just to look appropriately festive for Valentine’s Day. Instead, the easiest way to give your existing wardrobe a subtle romantic twist is through accessories. A few small but intentional details can do all the heavy lifting, meaning you get your outfit feel just a little more special without the buyer’s remorse.
Tie a printed scarf to your handbag, pin handmade bows to a dress or jacket, add heart-shaped charms to your chains, or wear red and pink gemstone jewellery for a subtle nod to the occasion. Festive, but never over the top.
With the right accessories, you can lean into the Valentine’s Day mood in a way that feels stylish, not costume-y, and without adding to the cycle of impulse shopping. (P.S. I’ve got some jewellery picks over here!)
Valentine's Day Outfit Inspo
Every capsule wardrobe and outfit idea I share comes straight from my own wardrobe. I want to show real, wearable outfits—not just styled-for-the-internet looks—so you can restyle what you already own instead of feeling tempted by an impulsive shopping spree.
Romantic and Dressy
If you're heading out on a first date or have a romantic candlelit dinner planned, now’s the time to finally wear that dress you bought for a "special occasion" but never actually wore—or only wore once because it felt "too much." (In case you needed confirmation: It’s never too much. Wear the dress.)
In my wardrobe, that means a romantic sheer polka dot wrap dress with bell sleeves and frill detailing, or a sleeveless velvet bodycon that fits my hourglass shape perfectly. Both make me feel like I belong in an old movie or dining at fancy restaurants every night.
Style it with wedge sandals (or heels, if you can bear them), plus subtle jewellery that adds just the right amount of sparkle without outshining you. A layering chain with a charm necklace or birthstone pendant, some stacking rings, and a pair of stud earrings should do the trick.
Outfit One: Blazer, Snake Chain, Ruby Birthstone Necklace, Braided Ring, Cubic Zirconia Leaf Studs, Wrap Dress, Handbag, Wedge Sandals, Perfume
Outfit Two: Cropped Jacket, Rope Chain, Infinity Necklace, Hoop Earrings, Velvet Bodycon Dress, Handbag, Wedge Sandals, Perfume
Casual and Cute
For a more low-key date—something like a coffee shop, cinema, or brunch—an outfit that is simple but stylish is the way to go. You want an outfit that matches the energy: cute, effortless, and not trying too hard.
A plain top with barrel jeans, striped trousers, or a satin skirt are all solid choices. My personal go-to is cropped knitwear with jeans or a ribbed bodycon dress—classic, comfy, and just put-together enough.
Footwear depends on the location, but loafers or trainers are the safe bet—especially if your date involves a lot of walking (or, you know, an emergency escape from awkward small talk). Accessorise with enamel charm necklaces, hoop earrings, and stacking rings to keep things playful.
Outfit One: Longline Coat, Enamel Heart Necklace, Stud Earrings, Twisted Stacking Ring, Square-neck Blouse, Barrel Jeans, Handbag, Loafers, Perfume
Outfit Two: Longline Coat, Satellite Chain Necklace, Garnet Birthstone Necklace, Heart Stacking Ring, Beaded Hoop Earrings, Ribbed Bodycon Dress, Embroidered Cardigan, Handbag, Loafers, Perfume
Comfy and Chill
If your ideal Valentine’s Day involves a sofa, snacks, and your favourite person (or just you and your pet), then comfort might be the priority. But comfort doesn’t have to mean looking like you’ve given up on life. Matching loungewear sets, oversized knits, or cute pyjamas are all excellent choices.
The look gives off effortlessly relaxed, not day three of a Netflix binge (even if that’s the reality). This is your chance to lean fully into self-care with fluffy socks, a cosy dressing gown, and a face mask. If you’re feeling fancy, swap the loungewear for a soft knit dress or silky pyjamas.
Personally, I like a balance. I want to look cute, but I also want to be able to lounge at home without feeling restricted. So, I’ll be in something soft and stylish, like a plisse slip or wide-leg jumpsuit paired with a cosy cardigan. And even if I’m not leaving the house, a little jewellery always pulls an outfit together.
Outfit One: Flower Cardigan, Box Chain Necklace, Plisse Dress, Fidget Ring, Textured Circle Earrings, Slippers, Perfume
Outfit Two: Cardigan, Flower Necklace, Heart Studs, Chevron Stacking Ring, Jumpsuit, Slippers, Perfume
Single and Unbothered
No date and no intention to get one? No problem. Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to wear something just for you. Everyone should have a ‘romance is dead, but I look amazing’ outfit in their wardrobe—something that makes you feel incredible. The rule is simple: wear whatever makes you feel good.
If I was single, I'd go all out with the most dramatic item in my wardrobe: a sheer, oversized babydoll dress that is so over the top. I style it in two ways: layered over smart jeans and a bodysuit for a cool, polished look, or with a brightly coloured plissé dress underneath for maximum drama.
Depending on how dramatic you intend to go, footwear options are totally open. I prefer sandals or loafers, with statement jewellery to add colour. Accessories provide an easy way to bring personality to the outfit you've chosen so go all out when it comes to shoes, bags, and jewellery.
Outfit One: Wrap Coat, Sunburst Necklace, Cubic Zirconia Leaf Studs, Beaded Stacking Ring, Sheer Dress, Green Bag, Wedge Sandals, Perfume
Outfit Two: Single-Breasted Coat, Evil Eye Hand Necklace, Moon Stacking Ring, Crescent Earrings, Sheer Dress, Perfume, Handbag, Wedge Sandals
