Seven Style Strategies to Raise your Valentine’s Day Game by Celebrity Fashion Stylist Miranda Holder
Whether you are a hopeless romantic, or believe it’s a load of commercial codswallop, Valentine’s Day is coming around, and I for one intend to celebrate the hell out of it, lockdown or not. Frankly, anything that provides us with relief from the day to day monotony of juggling homeschooling with zoom calls, while giving us a reason to shrug off the now ubiquitous joggers and sweatshirt combo, should be embraced.
Shop your wardrobe. With the sustainability trend gaining even more momentum, and conscious consumerism reaching a new peak, this is a great opportunity to start that closet overhaul you’ve been putting off for ages, and have a good old sort out.
Chances are you have neglected at least 70% of your clothes over the last year, and ditched anything vaguely smart in favour of sportswear and elasticated waists, so why not dig out that special outfit you bought for the cancelled wedding or birthday party and give it an airing?
Embrace the colour. If you’re still feeling the effects of the January blues then why not beat them at their own game and wear some vibrant colour? Wearing colour can be incredibly therapeutic as according to their various wavelengths it influences us physically and mentally and can help us shift our emotional states and improve our sense of wellbeing. Traditional Valentine’s red is the colour of passion and is energising and motivating, so it’s the perfect hue to opt for if you need a bit of extra oomph to get off from the sofa and cook a Valentines meal for two. If you are warm-toned then opt for cheerful, orange-based tones or deeper rusts and terracotta and if you are cool-toned choose blue-based reds going into the wine colours.
This Joseph satin slip dress ticks all the boxes and is very versatile. It will look beautiful worn on its own, perhaps with a cashmere cardigan falling softly over the top with some fine jewellery, to keep the look chic but cosy, and will layer up for day over a white T shirt with chunky black boots or under a knitted sweater making it a worthwhile investment piece.
If full length red is too much for you, then why not try some accessories? These beaded Crosslow earrings come in an array of colours and are an easy way of injecting a pop of colour into your look.
Add a little sparkle. Sequins are definitely not just for Christmas and wearing a few of these light-reflecting beauties can really lift your complexion and put you in the party mood. An on-trend pair of sequinned joggers/trousers can be easily paired down with an oversized cashmere sweater and slingback for a lux-look that doesn’t compromise on style.
Upgrade the loungewear. Let’s face it, ‘comfies’ are going nowhere for the first part of this year, and if you are really struggling to relinquish the stretchy fabrics why not swap the sweatpants for a soft knitted skirt, loved by influencers for its effortless chic. This cashmere midi skirt from Allude would look great with a matching sweater for a paired down but put together look.
If you can’t face heels then why not invest in one of the new seasons house slippers to wear with it? These ones from Cult Gaia hit the right balance of playfulness and sophistication.
Have a pyjama party. With pyjamas as outerwear and coords still featuring heavily on the runways for the Spring/Summer shows, we know they are set to be a big sensation for another year as the weather warms up, and there are plenty of options out there that are far too gorgeous to save just for bedtime. The Sleepy Wilson range in luxurious stretchy silk feel as light as air and come in an array of candy colours and pastel shades. Wear the shirt french-tucked, pad around in some elegant slingbacks, fix your hair in a messy bun with some fine layered jewellery such as the gorgeous selection from icandirocks rocks, add a bold lip and you’re done.
Dress up your denim, If jeans and a T shirt feels like all you can manage, then grab your favourite pair of jeans, and Tee and dress them up with statement jewellery like this chunky chain necklace from Amanda Wakeley with a matching bracelet. A hair accessory or two is another easy way to elevate your look, such as this sparkly hairband by Miu Miu or this embellished Gucci Hair Clip. Adding a blazer is a classic touch that will keep any chills at bay
Go all out. Cook a special meal, shake some delicious cocktails, get the romantic tunes blasting and seduce your partner and yourself in a show-stopping ‘out-out’ outfit. Choose slinky separates rather than a dress as these can be more easily mixed in with other pieces later to generate cost per wear. With it’s nod to leopard print, this gold midi skirt by the cult favourite brand Rixo could be worn with jewel tones, or monochrome and can be easily dressed up for evening with a beautiful silk blouse or camisole or worn with a plain T shirt in the summer for daytime, or teamed with a white shirt layered under a knitted tank for now.
