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Highlark  /  Culture Feb 13, 2017
Culture

What to Wear for Valentine’s Day Aka Single Awareness Day

TREAT YOURSELF

Valentine’s is an interesting holiday— it’s either loved or despised, depending on who you ask. For those with a “Valentine”, it’s a great opportunity to remind them how much you care. For those without one, the overwhelming amount of love in the air can make it feel like “Single Awareness Day” instead.

Regardless of your relationship status, Valentine’s day shouldn’t be dreadful. It shouldn’t be only about romantic relationships either. Valentine’s is about celebrating love in general—whatever form it may come in. And what better way to feel loved than to treat yourself with a kick-ass outfit?

Now, an all red ensemble for V-day may sound like a snooze. But this season, the runways proved that monochromatic looks of reds and pinks can be magical when done well. With trendy silhouettes and fabrics, your red- hot ensemble will be everything but basic.

Shop the Valentine’s Day Looks: Farfetch / Nasty Gal / Asos

Valentine's Day Looks


// SILK SLIP DRESS

We’ve featured this silhouette before, when the lingerie as daywear trend took over last year. Just this weekend at NYFW, several designers kept the trend alive with their own blush-toned take.

Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 1 Cushnie Et Ochs Fall 2017 via Vogue
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 2 Area Fall 2017 via Vogue
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 3 Simon Miller Fall 2017 via Vogue

Thankfully, there are a lot of similar pieces already on the market. If it is red or pink, and super silky, it will do the job.

Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 4 Reformation
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 5 Faith Connexion
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 6 Jason Wu

// PANTSUIT

The runway is no stranger to androgyny, and more recently, the erasure of gender entirely. This particular style has been popping up all over, as the epitome of gender-neutral class and elegance.

Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 7 Christian Siriano Fall 2017 via Vogue
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 8 Area Fall 2017 via Vogue

Going with a tailored trouser or blazer can refine any look. And these pieces don’t necessarily have to be “masculine”. That being said, if you feel you want to add some “femininity”, that’s where the accessorizing comes in handy. Try some killer heels and a statement bra underneath.

Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 9 Asos
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 10 Harris Wharf
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 11 Max Mara

// VELVET

One of the only good things about the frigid coldness is that it grants the ability to wear heavier fabrics. And nothing screams romance quite like velvet. This weekend, pink and red velvets kept the drama and intensity alive in New York.

Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 12 Jeremy Scott Fall 2017 via Vogue
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 13 Jeremy Scott Fall 2017 via Vogue
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 14 Gypsy Sport Fall 2017 via Vogue

With velvet, your best bet is a medium toned color. Too light, and it can easily look unflattering and cheap. Too dark, and it can begin to weigh down the look entirely. Try a bold fuchsia or a strong maroon to keep things fresh and festive.

Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 15 Alix
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 16 Givenchy
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 17 Y/Project

// MESH

If nothing says romance like velvet, than nothing says sensual like mesh. It’s breathable, revealing, and slimming. And— it’s all over the runway!

Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 18 Custo Barcelona Fall 2017 via Vogue
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 19 Victoria Beckham Fall 2017 via Vogue

Take notes from Custo Barcelona and Victoria Beckham by contrasting the flowy mesh with a chunky boot. Try something bright and patent leathered.

Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 20 Nasty Gal
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 21 Proenza
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 22 Milk It

// CHUNKY KNIT

Looking your best is no fun if you’re not comfortable. If you are a sweater kind of person, don’t force yourself into something uncomfortable this V-day. Anyway, Chunky Knits were all over the runway, so who says you can’t dress up your favorite sweater?

Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 23 Ryan Roche Fall 2017 via Vogue
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 24 Victoria Beckham Fall 2017 via Vogue

Keep the look fresh by utilizing the monochromatic theme. This way you can sell comfy and cute as fashion conscious.

Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 25 Dsquared2
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 26 Theory
Valentines Day Looks
Fig. 27 Nasty Gal

As you prepare for your V-day festivities, keep one thing in mind: you gotta love yourself too! Wear whatever makes your feel comfortable and confident, and you’ll feel like the best version of yourself. Don’t be afraid to error on the side of cheesy. After all— this is the one day of the year where it is encouraged. Happy Valentine’s from the Highlark fam to you!

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