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Wardrobe stylist Julianne Costigan. Photo: Erin Leydon

“I love Valentine’s Day! I’m looking for something fun to wear to dinner that will also kick off my spring wardrobe. What should I get?” —Anita, Vancouver

During this time of year, I use any event or holiday as an excuse to make plans and get dressed up as a means of escaping the dreary winter blues. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a significant other, spending a Galentines night with friends or indulging in a little self-care, it’s a fun holiday to get excited for.

Now I know Valentine’s Day is drowning in clichés, but there are ways to make it meaningful. After all, it’s an opportunity to celebrate love, be it romantic, platonic or self-love. It’s a moment to pause, express gratitude and create beautiful memories. And that applies to your fashion choices too!

When choosing a look for a Valentine’s dinner or get-together, many of my clients—and myself, occasionally—fall into the habit of reaching into their closet and pulling out a random old piece that suits the colour palette of the occasion. This is often a cop-out, instead of putting the effort in to curate a look that will make you feel your best.
Although you might feel confined to the realm of pink and red, your styling options are actually limitless. I challenge you to use this as an opportunity to jump on the season’s best trends and put purpose behind the fashion choices you make.

Whether you prefer a classic, minimalist approach or you’re drawn to bold and eclectic choices, make a statement that resonates with who you are; your outfit should be a true extension of you.

To give you a head-start, here are a few new approaches you can take to Valentine’s Day dressing.

The look: Chocolate plus ruffles

Forest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get,” but when it comes to chocolate brown this season, we do know what we’re going to get: a covetable, on-trend look! Brown adds a sense of warmth and sophistication and is currently trending as an alternative to black. Ruffles, on the other hand, add a touch of playfulness and romance. The two balance each other out for the perfect wearable yet exciting Valentine’s look. Pair a cozy brown coat with leather boots and a stylish white dress cinched at the waist. 

 

The key piece

L’Intervalle boots

The styling tip

Drop-waist dresses like this one from H&M are not universally flattering. To switch up the silhouette and define the waist, add a belt. Try both a thin and thicker belt style to see what suits you best.

The pro move

For special occasions, look for accessories that suit the theme. A red bag or earrings will take up less space in your closet and are more likely to remain wearable for years to come.

The look: Sheer, lacy romance

Nineties influence continues to have a major impact on the trends, and one of my favourite aspects that perfectly suits Valentine’s Day is lace, sheer and silky fabrics. These inherently luxurious textures add a touch of sensuality to any outfit and will continue to grow in popularity throughout this upcoming season. These fabrics embody romance; just choose items that show the right amount of skin for your comfort level! Offset with the structured blazer and subtle heart accessories, this look is perfect for those who want to feel put-together, elegant and subtly sensual. 

The key piece

Herskind camisole

The styling tip

Large cuffs are in and we love how they add an extra element of hardware to an outfit. Wear one over the sleeve of your favourite knit or blazer to make the biggest impact.

The pro move

If you’re struggling to find the right bra to wear underneath a camisole that is a light colour or features lace cutouts like this one, I recommend a seamless, strapless bra from Nubra. These are adhesive and clip in the middle of the chest, providing coverage and some support with no pesky straps showing.

The look: Quirky yet timeless

Something that is always on trend is developing your own personal style and embodying it, no matter the occasion. With a mix of classic and trendy pieces, this outfit will extend well beyond Valentine’s Day. Spotlight a cute graphic tee and balance it with personalized pieces that make you feel like your most authentic self.

The key piece

Old Navy Love Always tee

The styling tip

Graphic tees can look sloppy on their own, especially if they are oversized. I recommend doing some self-tailoring, which is much less complicated than it sounds. Give the sleeves a subtle cuff by rolling them twice, and fully tuck the hem into your waistband. This will give it a more polished look.

The pro move

A subtle way to make this look date-night ready is by draping the blazer over your shoulders instead of actually wearing it, adding a chic model-off-duty energy to the outfit.

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