By Ninder Kaur
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the nightmare question burgeoning on everyone’s mind is – What shall I wear? Well look no further because we’ve got it covered.
Women’s Guide
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to dress up. So if you’ usually found in a pair of jeans and tee, then why not switch it up and think about romancing your other half with a more feminine look.
The Fancy Date
Head to toe chic is what you should be aiming for. Nothing quite says romantic than a candlelit dinner in a swanky restaurant, being serenaded by some romantic music in the company of a loved one.
If this is the date on the cards then I suggest that you dig deep into your wardrobe and pull out all the dresses, jewellery, shoes etc that you’ve had stashed and saved away for that special occasion. There is nothing the date demands more than all of the above.
The most important tip I can offer you is to wear a dress or skirt. Anything from a figure revealing, waist clinching, strapless piece should do the trick. Although you might feel like your “too dressed up” that excuse shouldn’t stop you from looking drop dead gorgeous. That’s right ladies, wearing a dress or skirt will definitely show off our sexy and feminine side. You will notice a big difference in the reaction you get from your man.
Team your outfit with some strappy stilettos, or some pointed court shoes. Finish the look with a clutch bag and a statement necklace then bam you’ll definitely be turning heads… and not just your partner’s.
The Casual Date
If you’re one the lucky ones that has managed to avoid the overrated fancy dinner date then good on you. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to every effort to look just as good to those that are. For a more chilled out date, opt for a pair of fitted trousers with a sheer blouse. A simple outfit like this will look sexy and effortless. Remember to pay attention to the fit as anything too tight or too loose could go horribly wrong.
Team your outfit with some comfortable wedges, ankle boots or flats and hey ho you’re good to go.
If tailored trousers are not for you, then go for a pair of your go-to jeans or leather pants, teamed with a cute top and a statement necklace. This will look equally as fab.
Top Tips
Although you can never go wrong with an all black outfit try be adventurous for this special day.
Spice up your look with some colour, but remember just because it’s Valentine’s, you don’t have to whip out all the hues of red. After all you don’t want to look too tacky and cliché. Turquoise and coral seem to be particular favourites for many men, but choose a colour that compliments your complexion and then you’re good to go.
Men’s Guide
It’s Valentine’s Day, where the heightened expectation to look good in order to turn heads equates to one of the toughest times for a man. You’re trying to balance what makes you feel comfortable, the expected dress code and ensuring you dress to impress, all at the same time. Well it needn’t be a nightmare.
I took a trip to Threads, a men’s designer clothing store in Bradford to see what menswear they could offer to anyone struggling to find the perfect outfit. Take a look to find out how to achieve the look of love.
The Fancy Date
If you’re doing something a little less casual this Valentine’s Day like the 3 course dinner in a high-end restaurant, then sorry guys you will have to up your game and swap casual for classy.
Nothing says classier more than a suit. When you’re forking out money to eat at a fancy restaurant you need to look the part. A ladies’ opinion of a man triples as soon as he puts a suit on so make sure you’re suited and booted and dressed to the nines.
If you think a suit may be too much or perhaps too mature, then go for a nice shirt (nothing too bold), some tailored trousers and a blazer or an overcoat to battle the brrr. (We all know you’ll end up having to give your partner your coat, so it’s best that you come prepared to show off your true gentleman traits.)
If you are dressing up a bit, then make sure you go all out from head to toe. Have a pair of a black or dark brown dress shoes handy to compliment your attire. After all, no girl wants to be seen with a guy in his Nike Air Force Ones.
The Casual Date
If your date is a more casual one, a trip to the cinemas or a cosy night in then I would suggest picking a good semi-casual outfit. Anything from a nice pair of dark jeans teamed with a chunky knit or polo will offer a strong formal, yet comfortable look. Why not add a leather jacket to your ensemble because when the right man wears one it will have you looking like Beckham in his Belstaff gear. Wow.
But remember guys don’t be sloppy about your outfit, make sure your partner knows that you have made some sort of effort to look good in your appearance.
In terms of colours, black, navy, white, maroon and greys seem to lead the charge this season. If you keep to those colour tones then it’s plain-sailing for you and you will have achieved a sophisticated, clean look.
Ifty is a Retail Assistant at Threads. Here are his menswear Do’s and Don’ts.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| · Stick to the colours you know.· Be comfortable in what you wear.
· Opt for comfortable shoes. · If you’re wearing jeans, always choose dark jeans. · Always try to look effortless. · Always ask for a woman’s opinion. They are always usually right. · Take risks in fashion. |
· Don’t wear anything too bright, like a bright shirt or bright trousers.· Don’t wear bold prints and try not to look too cheesy.
· Don’t wear sportswear. Although sweatpants and Nike roshe runs might be trending, try to avoid them completely. · Don’t be afraid to show your personality through the clothes that you wear. |
So there’s just a few ways to achieve the look of love this Valentine’s Day and although everyone has their own individual styles, make sure that you come across confident and comfortable in what you wear. Remember to leave a lasting impression and don’t forget to dress accordingly to how you will be spending your day.
Good Luck and I wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day.