April Goddard

One of the best parts of Valentine’s Day is having an occasion to dress up, go out and do something fun. Whether you have a special date planned or you are just going out with your friends in a big group, it is important to dress for whatever occasion/activity you have planned, so you feel cool, effortless and most of all, appropriate for your activity of choice. (Maybe rethink that mini skirt and heels you were thinking might be okay for that new indoor go-karting place….) Stumped as to what to wear? We got you covered. Read on to discover outfit inspiration for wherever St. Valentine’s Day takes you this year.

Active Date

Here’s the thing: Date or no date, you are not going to have a good time if you are not comfortable. Is it fun put a little extra effort in for a special occasion? Sure. But if you literally can’t move in the skinny jeans you are wearing or you’re freezing in your strapless top, how much fun are you really having? For an active date where mobility, comfort and cuteness are key, opt for your favorite pair of fitted black jeans (but not too fitted – you still need to be able to move). Chances are even though it’s cold outside, you might get a little toasty once you start whatever fun activity you have both chosen for the night. The solution? Dress in layers. A T-shirt with a cute cartigain will do the trick. Pair all of this with a nice pair of trainers, and you have the perfect practical date-night outfit.

Classic Dinner Date

I think that people hear the phrase “fancy” or “formal” and go a little overboard sometimes. When you think about a nice restaurant, the first thing that you should think is to opt out of your favorite comfy pair of ripped jeans. Then, check the restaurant’s website to see if there is a formal dress code. This will save you from a “whoops, I had no idea” moment. For nice restaurants, a turtleneck can really never fail you. My go-to is black for a conservative, yet elegant, feel. Pair this with nice earrings and solid black denim for a comfortable, yet appropriate, look. Want to take it up a notch? Add a faux fur vest or trade the denim for a skirt and a cute pair of heels. Look complete.

Casual Drinks with Friends

This is probably one of the easiest outings to dress for because there is really no dress code you have to keep in mind while picking out an outfit. For evening outings, I suggest sticking with darker colors. Pair dark blue denim with an oversized, tucked-in sweater (also in a darker hue). Wear with black boots or heels, and you have a perfect casual outfit to wear out with friends.

Blind Date or Unknown Venue

Hopefully you have at least some idea of where you are going and who you are meeting. But if you are unfamiliar with either the person or the venue, the easiest thing to do is to dress halfway between formal and casual. Stick with flat shoes or boots, just in case, and continue to stick with darker colors for the evening. You can never go wrong with denim or slacks, and as long as you pick a nice, presentable top that is appropriate for the weather, you should really be good to go.

The important thing about any outfit is that you love it and are comfortable wearing it, as comfortability and confidence tend to be one of the most noticeable things on anyone.