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By Shelby Comroe
published
It's tough to master holiday dressing without falling into clichés, especially when it comes toValentine's Day.Because you shouldn't have to worry about dressing yourself in something other than head-to-toe heart prints, we've come up with alternative outfits that don't scream cheesy. These looks stay true to the romantic spirit of V-Day, with pops of pink and red here and there, but feel like ensembles you can wear all year round. We've even suggested ways to incorporate heart designs into your outfit, should you want, without it feeling overdone. Since your outfit is taken care of, the only thing left now is to solidify thosedate night planswith your partner.
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Festive Florals
Nothing screams romantic like a high-neck floral dress. This specific dress by The Vampire’s Wife is called the “Unconditional Floral Dress” and is inspired by the John Lennon quote 'Love is a flower, you've got to let it grow.” So, a dress named after unconditional love…I can't think of anything more perfect for Valentine’s Day. To avoid the clichés, toughen up the look with edgy accessories that can take you from day to night depending on your plans.
Shop the look: 1.The Vampire's Wife dress, $1,315;2.Danijo hoops, $170;3.Etro belt, $324;4.The Row bag, $495;5.Khaite boots, $1,240
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Out From Under
Finding the perfect date night look is tough. The key is to pay tribute to the holiday with subtle touches like pops of pink and a corset-style mini skirt. The corset detail feels lingerie-esque, which is appropriate for Valentine’s Day, but when styled with a laidback t-shirt and a chic oversized tuxedo jacket the outfit is sexy without being too literal. Slip on some chic mules and top it off with some festive accessories to add a pop of color.
Shop the look: 1.Sterling King earrings, $349;2.Stussy t-shirt, $40;3.WARDROBE.NYC tuxedo blazer, $995;4.Gelareh Mizrahi bag, $495;5.Dion Lee skirt, $690;6.Roger Vivier mules, $750
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V-Day The Cool Way
So you think head-to-toe hearts on V-Day is lame? I beg to differ. Start with a Natasha Zinko heart-print sweatsuit paired with Nike dunks. Add some more loved-up accessories like a La Ropa trucker hat and some edgy chain black heart earrings. A sleek black coat and a shearling pink bag tie this 'fit together. By incorporating streetwear elements, rocking head to toe hearts has never been cooler.
Shop the look: 1.Mango coat, $170;2.Natasha Zinko hoodie, $398;3.Natasha Zinko track pants, $361;4.Guys n Gals earring, $25;5.La Ropa hat, $59.99;6.Stand Studio bag, $230;7.Nike sneakers, $249
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Loved Up With an Edge
I call this look loved-up with an edge—perfect for my cool girls out there. Offset the bold bottoms with a simple black tee, platform sneakers, a mini backpack, and some sleek sunnies for a festive daytime look. Transition to your nighttime plans by swapping in some sexy stilettos and an evening bag. Regardless of your itinerary, crystal heart earrings are the ideal V-Day accessory. Bonus tip for my girls in a cold weather climates: Add a cropped black puffer jacket.
Shop the look: 1.Wilfred t-shirt, $30;2.Celine sunglasses, $390;3.Saint Laurent earrings, $795;4.Simon Miller pants, $395;5.Prada backpack,$1,320;6.Converse platform sneakers, $70
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Simple is Sexy
Sometimes, the thought of outfit planning makes you want to cancel your plans altogether. Before you completely give up, go back to the basics. Take the pressure off of yourself when it comes to your Valentine’s Day outfit. Simple is sexy, and in my opinion there is nothing sexier than a little slinky top and some jeans. The satin and lace combo on the top gives the look a romantic feel. Accessory-wise, rock a metallic mule, a fun little bag, and some kitschy heart earrings to add an extra something.
Shop the look: 1.Brock Collection top, $600;2.Alessandra Rich earrings, $167;3.Brock Collection jeans, $475;4.Loewe bag, $2,700;5.Kwaidan Editions mules, $587
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A Pink Power-Suit
Valentine’s Day should be about self-love, and that’s not limited to couples. If you’re spending the day with your girls you should feel confident and sexy, and nothing screams boss like a good power suit. This pink one cinches in at the waist and ties at the bottom, perfect for showcasing some strappy sandals or cool kicks. Complete your look with cool girl sunnies, a silk mask, and a mask chain with hearts—because it’s the day of love, after all.
Shop the look: 1.KES pack of 5 face masks, $67;2.The Attico blazer, $779;3.Amavii sunglasses, $225;4.Frasier Sterling mask chain, $28;5.The Attico pants, $359;6.Studio Amelia sandals, $324
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The "I'm Staying in PJ Set"
In my opinion, going out on Valentine’s Day sucks. The combination of pre-fixed menus and below freezing temperatures is just not my idea of fun. So why not stay in? If you’re looking for a reason to rock a feathered pajama set, this is your opportunity. Pair your set with a sweet locket and some cozy slippers.
Shop the look: 1.Sleeper PJ set, $251;2.AARYAH locket, $250;3.Patricia Green slippers, $90
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Shelby Comroe
Shelby Comroe is the Credits Editor and Fashion Assistant at Marie Claire covering all things fashion and giving credit where credit is due. Check her out @shelbycomroe on Instagram if buying designer handbags is your idea of a retirement plan!
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or opinions, but I can provide information on the concepts mentioned in this article. Here's a breakdown of the concepts used in the article:
Valentine's Day Outfits:
The article provides alternative outfit ideas for Valentine's Day that are not cliché or cheesy. The suggested outfits incorporate pops of pink and red, staying true to the romantic spirit of the holiday. The article also mentions ways to incorporate heart designs into the outfits without it feeling overdone. The outfits range from high-neck floral dresses to corset-style mini skirts, heart-print sweatsuits, bold bottoms paired with black tees, and power suits in pink. Each outfit is styled with accessories and footwear to complete the look.
Festive Florals:
The article suggests wearing a high-neck floral dress for a romantic Valentine's Day look. The specific dress mentioned is called the "Unconditional Floral Dress" by The Vampire's Wife, inspired by the John Lennon quote "Love is a flower, you've got to let it grow." To avoid clichés, the article recommends toughening up the look with edgy accessories and incorporating pops of pink and red.
Out From Under:
For a date night look, the article suggests paying tribute to Valentine's Day with subtle touches like pops of pink and a corset-style mini skirt. The corset detail adds a lingerie-esque vibe, which is appropriate for the occasion. The outfit is styled with a laidback t-shirt, a chic oversized tuxedo jacket, chic mules, and festive accessories for a pop of color.
V-Day The Cool Way:
The article challenges the notion that head-to-toe hearts on Valentine's Day are lame and suggests embracing it in a cool way. It recommends starting with a heart-print sweatsuit paired with Nike dunks and adding loved-up accessories like a trucker hat and edgy chain black heart earrings. A sleek black coat and a shearling pink bag are suggested to tie the outfit together, incorporating streetwear elements for a cooler look.
Loved Up With an Edge:
This look is described as loved-up with an edge, perfect for cool girls. The outfit features bold bottoms paired with a simple black tee, platform sneakers, a mini backpack, and sleek sunnies for a festive daytime look. The article suggests transitioning to nighttime plans by swapping in sexy stilettos and an evening bag. Crystal heart earrings are recommended as the ideal Valentine's Day accessory. Additionally, a cropped black puffer jacket is suggested for those in cold weather climates.
Simple is Sexy:
The article suggests that sometimes, simplicity is sexy for Valentine's Day. It recommends a little slinky top paired with jeans for a simple yet romantic look. The top mentioned has a satin and lace combo, adding a touch of romance. The outfit is styled with metallic mules, a fun little bag, and kitschy heart earrings for an extra something.
A Pink Power-Suit:
For those spending Valentine's Day with friends, the article suggests embracing self-love with a pink power suit. The suit mentioned cinches in at the waist and ties at the bottom, allowing for showcasing strappy sandals or cool kicks. The look is completed with cool girl sunnies, a silk mask, and a mask chain with hearts.
The "I'm Staying in PJ Set":
The article acknowledges that going out on Valentine's Day may not be everyone's preference and suggests staying in with a feathered pajama set. The set is paired with a sweet locket and cozy slippers for a comfortable and relaxed Valentine's Day at home.
Please note that the information provided above is based on the concepts mentioned in this article.
