2 min readAt first glance, Valentine’s Day seems like an easy holiday to dress for. There’s a consistent color scheme of red, pink, and black and a somewhat obvious dress code of sexy LBDs and lingerie-inspired slips. That said, the hard part is making your outfit look tasteful for the occasion while still feeling like yourself.
To help you hit the sweet spot, we’ve put together eight Valentine’s Day outfit ideas below, drawing inspiration from looks worn by some of our favorite celebrity couples. Lean into jewel tones like burgundy and sapphire blue, as well as trending colors like chocolate brown. With options that work for every type of date night, you’ll have no trouble dressing to theme.
For a Fancy Dinner
Take it from Gigi Hadid: A one-and-done dress makes for an easy dinner-date look. Polka-dot prints feel fun and flirty, especially when paired with a fluttery silhouette and a bow neckline. Tory Burch’s mini Kira crossbody makes the perfect complement to innumerable date-night looks.
Reformation Tyra Midi Dress
J.Crew Drapey Wool-Blend Scarf Coat
Now 50% Off
Tory Burch Mini Kira Crossbody
Cinq à Sept Layla Knotted Rose Mules
Mejuri Chunky Medium Hoops
For a Surprise Destination
Not sure where your significant other will be taking you? A monochrome burgundy look (à la Kate Middleton) works well in unexpected settings. For an occasion such as this, it’s always better to be a tad overdressed than underdressed.
Simkhai Lavina One-Shoulder Sweater
Victoria Beckham Mini Dorian Shoulder Bag
Lauren Ralph Lauren Khloe Slingback Loafers
Now 30% Off
Jenny Bird Art Heart Puff Earrings
For a Night In
If you’re spending the night in, treat yourself to a sumptuous silk loungewear set that makes you feel your sexiest, whether you’re enjoying takeout and wine with your partner or watching your favorite Valentine’s Day movie with friends.
Negative Underwear Eclipse Washable Silk Shirt
Negative Underwear Eclipse Washable Silk Cami
Negative Underwear Eclipse Washable Silk Track Pants
Tory Burch Smoking Slippers
Ana Luisa Puffed Heart Huggies
For a Chic Cocktail
All-black pairings can adapt to virtually any setting, whether it’s a fancy cocktail bar or a casual favorite. Finish your Valentine’s Day outfit with Taylor Swift’s floral-lace Fleur du Mal tights and sleek knee-high boots.
Veronica Beard Lozea One-Shoulder Top
Cinq à Sept Brooch-Embellished Pleated Skirt
Fleur du Mal Rose Lace Tights
Staud Knee-High Wally Boots
Strathberry Mini Mosaic Bag
For Galentine’s Day
A Galentine’s Day gathering is just the right place to dabble with festive colors and motifs. Instead of an overdone heart print, try a striped cashmere sweater in a red-and-pink palette that you can rewear through the year.
J.Crew Featherweight Cashmere Crewneck
Now 15% Off
Madewell Wide-Leg Corduroy Pants
Kate Spade New York Lover Slingback Pumps
Marc Jacobs Small Cristina Crossbody
Astrid & Miyu Heart Stud Earrings
For a Casual Meal
For destinations where a cocktail dress and heels don’t fit the bill, try another classic pairing: a slinky date-night top and jeans. A leopard-print bag or boots add a sensual vibe without relying on Valentine’s Day tropes.
Favorite Daughter Slinky Date Bodysuit
Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans
Alex Mill x Margaux Inga Ankle Boots
Madewell Calf Hair Mini Crossbody
Now 20% Off
Devata Love Knot Bangle
Now 20% Off
For an Upscale Setting
A silky slip reads sophisticated in any environment. If your holiday plans include a formal dress code, consider this chocolate-dipped maxi from J.Crew. The versatile silhouette will come in handy during wedding season too.
J.Crew Ruffle-Trim Slip Dress
Stuart Weitzman Vinnie 50 Strap Pumps
Now 62% Off
Gucci Jackie Slim Small Shoulder Bag
John Hardy Love Knot Drop Earrings
For a Daytime Affair
When it comes to an afternoon date, think of a well-fitted white tee and jeans as the daytime equivalent of an evening LBD. It’s classic, comfortable, and easy to personalize through clever styling tweaks. A colored leather jacket and suede sneakers can give the timeless pairing a festive feel for Valentine’s Day.
Paige Manhattan Bootcut Jeans
