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Valentine’s Day fashion you’ll adore

Maya McDonald breaks down casual and formal looks for both men and women to wear out on the holiday of love.

By - Feb 2nd, 2013 01:04 am

Love or hate the holiday of love, you’ll still need to decide what to wear on Valentine’s Day.

While some of us are planning on wearing footie PJs while watching Bridget Jones’ Diary, others are hoping for a night out on the town with that certain someone they’ve been crushing on for a while. Regardless of your Valentine’s Day plans, it’s important that you feel and look your best while staying true to the season. My advice — let’s go out on the town! Whether you’re with girlfriends, boyfriends or best friends, Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to get together with the ones you love and celebrate — in style. Here are some of my top picks for guys and gals on either a casual night out with friends, or a more adventurous date with your crush.

Women—Casual night out with friends

It doesn’t get much better than celebrating Valentine’s Day with a group of friends out on the town. Whether you’re out celebrating your singledom, or taking a night to relax with a few drinks, casual, yet festive, attire is perfect for the evening. I’ve been drawn to bright blazers lately, mixed with laid-back pieces like a simple tank, blue jeans, and a pair of funky heels. I love this classic-cut pink blazer from Romwe, which is great for the holiday (and as a spring staple in the near future!). Add a few layered bracelets and simple earrings to bring together your casual but sophisticated look for your Valentine’s night.

 

Women—Dinner with your crush

If you’re planning on heading out for an intimate dinner with your love, dressing up for the occasion definitely makes the night sizzle. My favorite pick for a hot date is a gorgeous red dress, which is especially appropriate on Valentine’s night. This red, heart-shaped stunner from TopShop is pretty and polished for the evening—a perfect balance between flirty and formal for a date night out. Pair your dress with a blazer and gold accents to balance out the look. Adding a neutral heel will help bring the look together, keeping the focus on your red-statement dress. Not only will you feel fabulously on-trend for the holiday, but your date will be impressed by your perfectly put-together look!

Men—Casual night out

Whether you’re heading downtown with the guys, or taking your crush to a casual dinner, comfort is key for a laid-back evening. The middle of February calls for lots of layering, as well as warmer accessories that are both stylish and functional during our cold Wisconsin winters. Combining your style with a few festive layers, like this simple red tee from Swell, will give your outfit some subtle holiday flair without going overboard.

Men—Date-night dinner

If you’ve decided to take your crush on a more serious Valentine’s Day outing, it’s important to get a little more dressed up than usual. Your date will appreciate the extra effort you put into your outfit, and you’ll impress her or him by looking a bit sharper than usual. Break out a suit and finish off the look with some red or pink accessories as a nod to the holiday. Rather than going overboard, keep your accessories or layers subtle by choosing one or two Valentine’s Day-inspired pieces. My favorite picks for a more formal night are a silky-red bow tie, or even a pair of unexpected socks (check out these awesome heart-embroidered ones from Banana Republic).

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