January may have felt like a year in itself, but February is arrived, which means Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re looking for Valentine’s Day costume ideas right now because time has gotten the better of you, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with a short and sweet—but really effective—list!
This year, February 14 occurs on a Saturday, so the possibilities for V Day celebrations are endless. And, regardless of your intentions for Valentine’s Day, you’ll probably want to dress up in a lovely attire for the occasion. Dressing up for a romantic dinner date, an at-home Galentine’s Day movie night, or an outdoor soirée all necessitates somewhat different looks, but you don’t have to search every part of the internet for inspiration—that’s what we’re here for.
Whether you’re looking to add a couple of pieces to round out a ‘fit you’ve had in mind for months or looking for inspiration on how to best combine pieces already in your wardrobe for the perfect look, we’ve searched high and low for the ten best Valentine’s Day outfit ideas that will be a certified win come February 14. Let’s get into them!
If we had to identify a hue with Valentine’s Day, most of us would probably choose red, so an all-red outfit is usually a good decision for V Day, especially if your plans include a sophisticated date night.
Take a hint from ILLIT at Jacquemus’s presentation this past Paris Fashion Week and let your creativity run wild—whether you choose for a strapless corset, a long sleeve top, an off-the-shoulder cami, or a ruffled or ruched dress, you can’t go wrong with this ‘fit recipe. Of course, red dresses are always a safe option. The beautiful thing about monochromatic clothes is that you can experiment with textures — think faux fur, sequins, and lace trims — to add depth to your palette.
If red Valentine’s Day dresses aren’t your style, a school-inspired ensemble can be a suitable option. Valentine’s Day may fall on a weekend this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring a piece of school with you—or at least the mood.
Uniforms are constantly in trend, and you can wear as much or as little as you desire. Plaid is the crucial ingredient in this formula, as seen on Lola Tung. A tiny skirt is a classic, but if you don’t feel comfortable wearing one or simply want more length, a checkered midi skirt should suffice. (And they’re trendy this year, so you can wear them well beyond February!)
If you want to add more typical V Day elements, use crimson accents or, like Tung, burgundy shoes or accessories. I mean, how adorable are those kitten heels?! If you want to be even more daring, heart print tights are a terrific option.
Loafers are really fashionable this year, so Valentine’s Day could be the ideal opportunity to dip your toes into the smart shoe world. Loafers or Oxfords, as shown in this Rosé style, perform nicely for a night out or a casual hangout when dressed appropriately. A little dress like hers, with puff sleeves, embroidery, and a small train, lends a romantic touch to an otherwise straightforward formula, giving it a unique Valentine’s Day spin. You can accomplish a similar look with a flowing blouse and a little skirt, and feel free to play with the color scheme. White and black provide a striking contrast, but this combination can also be worn with a black dress, a flowery dress, or even polka dots for a classic look.
If you’re seeking for daytime outfit ideas rather than date night outfit ideas, this Olivia Rodrigo style could be precisely what you need. If you want to commit to the red without going overboard like Illit, gingham is your best friend. Rodrigo’s dress is a vintage Ralph Lauren design, although there are many similar options available online. Accessorize with a bag, spectacles, and Mary Janes to achieve a flirty yet casual look, as seen on the Guts singer. Seriously, how cute would this be on a picnic date? If you want to go completely meta, add a raffia bag!
If you’re looking for a more low-key Valentine’s Day attire that doesn’t involve skirts or dresses, this Ariana Greenblatt look could be just what you want. If your intentions are more casual, wide-leg jeans and a jacket are always a good choice, whether you’re out with friends or a prospective date. The secret to making a daily outfit work for Valentine’s Day is to add a romantic twist, such as a splash of color in the form of pink ballerina flats. You may also use more neutral ballerina flats and upscale the outfit by swapping out the jacket for a blazer, or go more casual with a fluffy cardigan if you’re going to be indoors. This method works for the majority of Valentine’s Day ideas.
If you want to dress up the jeans-and-tee style, follow Ayo Edebiri’s lead and layer it with a more detailed, longer piece. While hers is a Chanel style, you don’t have to go high fashion to have the same impact. Look through your wardrobe for a long vest or cardigan; if that doesn’t work, a scarf will! To tone down the casual features, wear your favorite shoes and dangle earrings with an updo. You’ll feel completely at ease taking on whatever V Day has in store for you.
A simple bow can elevate a plain dress, as Laufey’s look demonstrates. You can buy pre-made bows or, if you’re crafty, tie the ribbon yourself, allowing you to get creative with the shape and even add matching ones to your bag or other accessories. A bow pairs well with simple outfits such as a sweater and trousers or a classic LBD. If you don’t trust your bow-tying abilities or don’t want to buy prefabricated, a statement scrunchie or brooch may be a nice option.
This Rain Spencer style demonstrates that you don’t have to go all out for your Valentine’s Day attire if you don’t want to, and that a small detail may go a long way. Notice how her mock-neck shirt has traces of crimson that complement her red nail polish. The rest of the look is basic and adorable, with a focus on warm clothing like boots, which may be useful if you need to brave the weather this Valentine’s Day. Wear your best winter clothing and sprinkle important colors throughout.
If you need to be appropriately bundled up for Valentine’s Day, a decent coat is all you need—whether you’re wearing a slip dress, bodysuit, bodycon dress, slacks, or loungewear beneath. This Odessa A’Zion ensemble is an excellent illustration of a winter V Day dress concept. Simply add a touch of blush to your makeup to make the feelings even more icy.
