Alexa: Play Lover by Taylor Swift. February is within touching distance and soon a chore as mundane as popping to the supermarket won’t be safe territory for those seeking to avoid being bombarded by heart shaped chocolate boxes, Me to You Bears and red roses galore as the 14th draws ever nearer. Single or taken, Valentine’s Day has a reputation as one of the lesser appreciated holidays, but if you look past the pressure it puts on us to find love there’s something heartwarming to be found in celebrating those that matter to us most, whether it be a romantic partner or the best galentine going. And after the long ol’ month that was January 2022, who isn’t seeking a reason to celebrate being loved or in love, and an excuse to enjoy a tequila or two wearing your favourite red lipstick?!
If you and your S/O have something romantic AF planned (may we suggest our 50 budget date ideas if you’re stuck for inspo) including everything from a trip to your favourite Italian or a hand-in-hand walk with a coffee and pastry accompaniment, let us take the reins and provide all the inspiration you could need to get hearts racing and love flowing. Don’t say we don’t treat ya!
For The Expensive Cocktail Bar:
Let us set the scene. Your significant other knows you love the finer things in life, and dressing up is 100% YOUR jam. Overdressed? No such thing. Your Valentine’s weekend is to be spent sipping on the most delectable cocktails going, and obvs you need to look 10/10 doing so. For this occasion no outfit is OTT as this dimly lit bar and extra strong drinks mean things are seriously heating up. A* in chemistry, that would be you! You can never go far wrong with a classic LBD and this ultra short number is perfect for showing off those killer legs and statement heels that make footsies all the more fun. Complete with some seriously sparkly accessories and suddenly all eyes are on you Ms star of the show. Valentine’s Day: completed it.
*ASOS, Flounce London satin mini slip dress in black, £25
*ASOS, Public Desire Midnight bow heel shoes in silver, £35
*Ego, GEORGIE RING DETAIL TOTE BAG IN SILVER DIAMANTE, £39.99
*Jon Richard, MOOD By Jon Richard Silver Crystal Moon And Star Statement Drop Earring, £12
For The Cosy Brunch:
Maybe you’re continuing things from the night before or perhaps food is your relationship love language, either way brunch is never a bad idea, and exchanging loving looks over a stack of chocolate covered pancakes sounds like what dreams are made of. Go easy breezy with a pair of straight leg jeans, add a colourful oversized shirt and boots for some flirtatious fun (extra points if they’re colour coordinated), and finish with some simple jewellery for a put together look that never gets old. Comfy and effortlessly cute without trying, this chic take on weekend date attire will have them coming back for more than just the French toast.
*H&M, Straight High Jeans, £24.99
*ASOS, ASYOU branded oversized shirt in green, £20.99
*Missguided, black contrast chunky pull on ankle boots, £48
For The ‘Booked-Months-In-Advance’ Dinner Reservation:
The time has come! You’re heading to the highly coveted restaurant your S/O paid attention to you lusting over (subtle as ever) and you know exactly what you’ll be having for every course thank you very much. If you ever needed an excuse to wear the item in your wardrobe that doesn’t get nearly enough outings then this is it, because if you’re going to be awkwardly finding a way to maintain a conversation whilst eating spaghetti then you might as well look cute doing it. If things are a little skimpy, add some warmth with a long boot or thigh high and for an extra dose of romance double up on your pinks, reds and purples for a super feminine moment guaranteed to see your partner drooling after you as well as the truffle garlic bread.
Zara, DRAPED CAMISOLE DRESS, £27.99
*Public Desire, IRIS WHITE POINTED TOE STILETTO HEEL KNEE HIGH BOOTS, £89.99
*Ego, THOMPSON ASYMMETRIC PADLOCK DETAIL GRAB BAG IN PINK CROC PRINT FAUX LEATHER, £19.99
For The Low-Key Latte and Walk:
Maybe you’re only a few dates in, or perhaps your quality time looks like walking the dog and having a natter, either way a lowkey daytime date involving coffee, a pastry or two and a pretty view is guaranteed to see you enjoy a wholesome AF time. Go simple with a well cut jean and trainers for warmth and practicality, and inject some personality with matching accessories or colour blocked items too. Outdoor dates in February might feel somewhat lockdown-esque, but there’s something to be said for enjoying the little things in life with company that makes your heart sing.
*ASOS, Waven elsa mom jean in washed indigo, £68
*Monki, Cropped puffer jacket, £55
*New Balance, 452 Women’s, £60
*Trouva, Label Beanie – Lavender Designed by Plain Bear, £15
For The Long Lie-In…
For the days when you go from the bed to the shower and back again, you need not worry about buying an outfit at all- affordable and arguably the most fun! Valentine’s lingerie can feel somewhat of a cliche, but there’s few things in life that increase your confidence like a matching set and a spritz of your favourite scent. Stock up on massage oil, bubble bath and a new toy or two to really get things going and enjoy a day of pure bliss without leaving the house.
*Boohoo, Plus Mesh Heart Bra and Knickers Set, £18
*Look Fantastic, Neal’s Yard Remedies Aromatic Massage Oil, £12.50
*Simply Be, Figleaves Curve Romance Satin Gown, £47
*Look Fantastic, Maison Margiela Replica Springtime in a Park Eau de Toilette – 30ml, £49
For The Intimate At-Home Dinner:
For the married couples, the long term lovers or the self proclaimed homebodies, sometimes a night in with your feet up, a new Netflix must-watch and a Deliveroo en route is just about as good as it gets. If you want to feel a little sexier than rocking your regular trackies, may we suggest a knitted maxi dress or co-ord for ultimate ease, maximum room for extra Wahaca tacos and effortless lounging ability on the sofa too? Finish with a slick of Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk and date night is ready to roll!
*Topshop, Topshop cut and sew midaxi dress in stone, £33
Skinny Dip, Teddy Bear Borg Slippers, £18
*Cult Beauty, CHARLOTTE TILBURY MATTE REVOLUTION, £25
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