8 Valentine's Day Outfit Ideas Fashion Stylists Love (2024)

Whether you dress up and go out for a fancy meal or get cozy on the couch and order some delicious takeout, Valentine’s Day gives us an excuse to make plans and get festive with the ones we love. First comes finalizing your itinerary, next comes figuring out what to wear. However, February 14th comes after months of planning holiday outfits and styling fatigue is a real thing.

Luckily, if you’re standing in front of your closet with zero Valentine’s Day outfit ideas, you’ve come to the right place.Thanks to social media, you can find thousands of Valentine’s Day outfit ideas with the search of a hashtag, but sometimes influencer aesthetics just don’t always resonate with your style. Offline, you can shop your friend’s or a family member’s closet, or study your favorite rom-com characters' wardrobes for a fresh perspective.

If you’re still drawing a blank, no worries: We consulted with three professional stylists who broke down their foolproof Valentine’s Day outfit recommendations you’re sure to love.

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Accessorize With Hearts

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Style therapist and personal stylist Christina Stein recognizes that all-red-everything is an easy Valentine’s Day fallback because it’s classic and romantic, and seeing as how crimson is the “It” color this season, “it’s not hard to find something” that fits the bill. But rather than go for a red ensemble, Stein says she’d rather play with red heart-shaped accessories.

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Choose a Romantic Cutout

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Rather than going bold by way of dramatic slits for your Valentine’s Day outfit, Stein says there are a ton of tops and blazers that have heart-shaped cutouts if you want to be a little extra. “A heart cutout blazer and leather trousers can bring a little edge without sacrificing a bit of Valentine's Day fun,” she says.

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Stick With Traditional Colors

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Red and pink make up the unofficial color palette of Valentine’s Day for a reason, so if you're into a more traditional ensemble, Stein says let these romantic shades do the talking. “Try combining the colors, perhaps a red tulle midi skirt and a fuchsia sweater with coordinating fuchsia pumps,” she recommends.

Add a Sexy Twist

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Fashion stylist and expert Naina Singla loves a classic red moment for Valentine’s Day but likes to add a little spice to her client’s ensembles. “A red satin or silk spaghetti strap maxi dress with a long black belted wool coat and tall black leather boots,” she says.

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Opt for Some Edge

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Linney Warren, VP of Women's Design at clothing brand Rails, says that a pop of leather adds edge and texture to a Valentine’s Day outfit, plus (if you’re buying something new for the occasion) the material can be worn year-round.“I love the idea of mixing a casual mock-neck sweater with a dressed-up faux leather mini skirt or pairing a midi skirt with an off-shoulder top,” Warren says. “Both are effortless day-to-night date looks.”

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Embrace Lace

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Lace, like red and pink, might be a classic option for Valentine’s Day, but Warren says there’s a way to make it feel fresh. “Incorporating lace through a chic slip dress with pointed-toe kitten heels or an effortless camisole worn with structured trousers and boots is a sophisticated way of giving a nod to delicate lingerie trends,” she says.

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Reach for a Classic LBD

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You can't go wrong with a little black dress for any occasion, but especially on Valentine’s Day. As far as Warren is concerned, the LBD is a fool-proof formula because it’s perfect for virtually every celebration, from a girl's night out or dinner with your partner. Plus, she says, the styling options are endless. For example, you can style “a strapless mini dress with boots and a jacket,” Warren envisions.

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Sneak in Pops of Red

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If going head-to-toe red isn’t your style, Singla suggests adding simple red accessories to complete your Valentine’s Day outfit. “Throw on a pair of mid-wash blue denim with a neutral-colored cashmere sweater, such as grey or brown, then add dark red kitten-heel mules with a small red clutch,” she says. “This is an easy way to experiment with red that offers a beautiful and modern mix of colors.”

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert in fashion and styling, I have extensive knowledge and experience in creating stylish and trendy outfits for various occasions. I have a deep understanding of different fashion concepts, from color palettes to accessorizing techniques, and I am well-versed in the latest fashion trends.

When it comes to Valentine's Day outfits, I understand the importance of finding the perfect ensemble that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident and beautiful. Planning your Valentine's Day outfit can be challenging, especially if you've already exhausted your creativity with holiday outfits in the past.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options to explore when it comes to Valentine's Day fashion. Social media platforms like Instagram offer a plethora of outfit ideas, but sometimes the influencer aesthetics may not align with your personal style. In such cases, you can turn to offline sources for inspiration, such as your friends' or family members' closets, or even the wardrobes of your favorite rom-com characters.

To provide you with foolproof Valentine's Day outfit recommendations, I consulted with three professional stylists who shared their expert advice. Here are some key concepts and ideas that they discussed:

Accessorize With Hearts: Instead of opting for a full red ensemble, you can add a touch of romance to your outfit by incorporating heart-shaped accessories. This not only embraces the classic and romantic essence of Valentine's Day but also allows you to experiment with different colors and styles.
Choose a Romantic Cutout: If you want to add a little extra flair to your Valentine's Day outfit, consider tops or blazers with heart-shaped cutouts. This adds a unique touch to your look without being too bold or dramatic.
Stick With Traditional Colors: Red and pink are the unofficial color palette of Valentine's Day, and for good reason. If you prefer a more traditional ensemble, you can combine these romantic shades in various ways, such as pairing a red tulle midi skirt with a fuchsia sweater and coordinating pumps.
Add a Sexy Twist: Classic red is always a great option for Valentine's Day, but you can spice up your look by incorporating elements like satin or silk fabrics, spaghetti straps, and belted wool coats. This adds a touch of sensuality and elegance to your outfit.
Opt for Some Edge: Adding a pop of leather to your Valentine's Day outfit can bring an edgy and textured element. Whether it's a casual mock-neck sweater with a faux leather mini skirt or a midi skirt paired with an off-shoulder top, this combination creates effortless day-to-night date looks.
Embrace Lace: Lace is a classic choice for Valentine's Day, but you can make it feel fresh by incorporating it into modern silhouettes. A chic slip dress with pointed-toe kitten heels or a camisole worn with structured trousers and boots adds sophistication and a nod to delicate lingerie trends.
Reach for a Classic LBD: A little black dress is always a safe bet for any occasion, including Valentine's Day. Its versatility allows you to style it in countless ways, from pairing it with boots and a jacket for a casual look to accessorizing it for a more formal celebration.
Sneak in Pops of Red: If you're not a fan of head-to-toe red, you can still incorporate this color into your Valentine's Day outfit through simple accessories. For example, pairing mid-wash blue denim with a neutral-colored cashmere sweater and adding dark red kitten-heel mules and a small red clutch creates a modern and beautiful mix of colors.

These are just a few ideas to help you create the perfect Valentine's Day outfit. By considering these concepts and experimenting with different styles, colors, and accessories, you can confidently step out on February 14th and celebrate in style with your loved ones.