Valentine's Day isn't for everyone. If you're not a traditional romantic, everything about it feels cloyingly sweet and overbearing. The cliched red roses accompanied by a box of chocolates or mass-produced gift. Presented alongside a card with the most generic message you can imagine is so unimaginative it's painful.
The commercialisation of Valentine's Day has been so effective that we've forgotten that we don't have to spend money to show how much we love someone. All the flowers and chocolates and greeting cards have become tokens of love that, without them, Valentine's Day doesn't exist. Long gone are the days where simple gifts and heartfelt letters are exchanged between loved ones.
Although I'm not a fan of Valentine's Day, I can see the appeal especially if you do it your way. I've put together inspiration for an alternative Valentine's Day. One that's inspired by dark academia, shared interests, and familiar places. Rather than the cliches that make Valentine's Day so eye-rolling boring.
The perfect Valentine's Day (if one even exists) involves all the things you enjoy sharing with others. For me, that's getting lost in museums and art galleries, browsing an old library or bookstore; candlelit dinners with my favourite wine or a lazy breakfast at a local cafe.
These things are simple and enjoyable, whether done alone, with friends or a partner—no mass-produced gifts, giant hearts, chocolate boxes, or Hallmark cards in sight! If you are looking for a love token, here are a few zero waste Valentine's Day gift ideas.
The best part of holiday celebrations, in my opinion, is deciding what to wear. When choosing any outfit, it's important to wear what makes you feel good. Although perhaps on Valentine's Day more than any other, wearing something you feel exceptionally confident in is a must.
If you're celebrating on February 14, I've put together a Valentine's Day moodboard with date night outfit inspiration. As well as my favourite Valentine's Day outfits created from my capsule wardrobe.
Valentine's Day Outfits
Valentine's Day Outfit No.1
Valentine's Day Outfit No.2
