Valentine's Day immediately evokes the image of red roses, pink hearts, giant teddy bears, and oversized "I love you" balloons. While some may find this holiday clichéd or fake, for many, it's a fun day to celebrate and a good excuse to wear a pretty outfit!
While an all-pink outfit is undeniably cute, breaking free from the conventional colour palette offers a much more creative approach to Valentine's Day style. If these alternative outfit ideas are too rebellious, perhaps this Valentine's Day style mood board is more fitting.
Rather than buying a whole new wardrobe, the easiest way to make any outfit Valentine's Day appropriate is to add pops of colour and playful accessories. Ribbon bows, heart jewellery, and patterned tights will add a cupid-inspired touch without committing to a year-round aesthetic.
So whether its a fancy dinner date, celebrations with friends, or a movie night at home, there is a Valentine's Day outfit to match. I've put together a Valentine's Day mood board along with outfit inspiration created using my capsule wardrobe to help inspire your own look using what you already own.
What to Wear on Valentine's Day
A Valentine's Day outfit doesn't have to an over the top all-red ensemble; there are alternative styling options that can add a touch of romance and playfulness to any outfit. This is what to wear on February 14 and how to style your existing wardrobe to be more Valentine's Day friendly.
Romantic Style
Embrace the traditions of Valentine's Day by incorporating classic red and pink into an outfit. If monochromatic style isn't for you, try wearing a bright red knit paired with a tailored skirt, a baby pink dress, or a neutral outfit paired with subtle accessories. Ribbon hair bows or an enamel heart necklace is an easy way to achieve an understated yet impactful Valentine's Day outfit.
Soft Hues
The traditional colour palette of Valentine's Day can be too bold or OTT. If bright red or vibrant pink doesn't feature in your wardrobe's colour palette, opt for softer, more delicate hues instead. Pale lavender, muted coral, and delicate rose are much more wearable shades that maintain the romance of Valentine's Day without being overly cliché.
Metal Accents
A simple way to create a sophisticated Valentine's Day outfit is by incorporating gold and silver jewellery, such as statement earrings, pendant necklaces, and stacking rings. A metallic clutch or heels are another great option for adding a touch of glamour, transforming an otherwise basic outfit into a more polished Valentine's Day look.
Floral Charms
Florals aren't just for spring—they're for Valentine's Day too! Adding floral motifs to an outfit adds a romantic and feminine touch appropriate for the holiday, while still being wearable all year round. Steer away from the red and pink colour scheme and opt for a floral dress, embroidered shirt, or flower jewellery instead.
Playful Prints
Heart prints, polka dots, stripes, gingham, and lace all capture the essence of Valentine's Day without relying on the traditional colour palette. When paired with a neutral outfit, they can add a whimsical touch that strikes the perfect balance between tradition and style.
Valentine's Day Outfits
What should I wear for Valentine's Day?
An all-pink or all-red outfit is perfect for Valentine's Day. But a more sophisticated way to dress on Valentine's Day is to incorporate fun accessories, like ribbon bows, colourful tights, or heart jewellery into a neutral outfit.
These subtle touches can turn any outfit into a more Valentine's Day appropriate look without having to buy clothes in colours you won't wear any other time of the year.