Valentine’s Day is around the corner and while I don’t have any plans this year, I still think it’s a fun excuse to dress up. This holiday is often criticized as another Hallmark holiday, but I personally think that it’s nice to have a holiday that celebrates the spirit of love.

Whether you’re staying home and practicing a little self-love or celebrating with someone else, here are 5 Valentine’s Day outfit ideas to inspire you to restyle garments that you probably already own.

Outfit 1: Classic LBD

Ahh, the classic little black dress...

I chose a dress that goes past the knees with a keyhole neckline and a lace overlay. The length is modest but the form-fitting cut makes it appropriate for an evening activity like dinner or going to the theater. I kept the look simple with a neutral, albeit darker, makeup look and put my hair into space buns for a fun twist. 

Dress: Lace Bodycon Dress, Arden B, 2016
Shoes: Black Sandals, Steve Madden, 2016

Outfit 2: White Blouse, Black Skirt

This look is a little more casual and would be great for something like grabbing drinks with friends or hanging out at the local bar. It’s likely that you already have a white blouse and black skirt, so this look is super easy to replicate.

I added punk-inspired details by layering fishnet tights underneath and wearing my go-to platform boots. Pigtails make the look a little more playful and red lips add a pop of Valentine’s color.

I styled this blouse by crisscrossing (layering) the edges over each other and then binding the overlap with a belt tucked under the skirt. I felt like this styling technique made the blouse a little more interesting but you can alternatively add interest by wearing your white blouse backward.

Top: White Blouse, Gifted from a photographer who thrifted it, 2019
Bottoms: Lace Black Skirt, Forever 21, High School Days
(Unseen) Belt: #RaidedMomsCloset
Legwear: Fishnet Tights, H&M?
Shoes: Black Platform Boots, Aldo, 2016

Outfit 3: Candy Hearts Fashion!

So...I have this tradition of purchasing a package of those pastel candy hearts and eating them to celebrate Valentine’s Day. I know, I know, they’re really not that tasty (they honestly taste like cardboard) but there’s just something so novel and fun about them that I can’t resist.

This pastel purple and periwinkle combo was inspired by those treats. I layered a shorter dress under a longer skirt, slapped on some blue eyeshadow, and called it a day. This outfit would be great for daytime activities (maybe catching up over coffee or even thrifting) and is overall, very low-maintenance.

Dress: Periwinkle Crushed Velvet Dress, Urban Outfitters, 2016
Skirt: Purple Floral Skirt, #RaidedMomsCloset
Shoes: Black Sandals, Steve Madden, 2016
Earrings: Silver Earrings, Canal Street Markets 2014(?)

Outfit 4: Chilling At Home

Is there anything more appropriate for Valentine’s Day than a slip?

To be honest, I mostly wear sweatpants or leggings when I’m at home, but Valentine’s Day calls for a little self-care and dressing up in something comfy but still sensual is the perfect way to celebrate self-love.

Outfit: Green Slip, H&M (super old)

Outfit 5: Galentines

This casual look is perfect for the low-fuss lady who still wants to celebrate! 

The pink blouse is a subtle nod to Valentine’s Day but still allows for all the functionality required of everyday activities. Whether you’re grabbing brunch with friends or running errands, this easy look is a sure way to bring the spirit of love to everyday activities! (I couldn’t find a top with this but bonus points if your blouse has tiny hearts printed...)

Top: Pink and White Printed Blouse, #RaidedMomsCloset
Bottoms: Distressed Denim Jeans, H&M 2016
Earrings: Editor Hoops, Mejuri 2019

Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day this year? Do you have any go-to outfits for the holiday?

• G