February 8, 2012 9:24 PM GMT
Valentine's Day 2012: Date Night Outfit Ideas
Valentine's Day 2012 is right around the corner. That means, it is time to plan your date night outfit.
For those attending New York Fashion Week, this night will be meaningless (in the romantic sense). To the fashion folk, Feb. 14 means one thing -- Marc by Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta and Narcisco Rodriguez.
Racked's Frank Gargione even wrote an open letter, really more of a collective apology, to all the significant others of those working in fashion. "You may not be trying to hear that, right? 'But it's Valentine's Day!' 'It's the most romantic day of the year!' 'I already have a gift for you!' 'All of our friends have Valentine's Day plans!'" he wrote.
"Listen: Valentine's Day is dumb. It is not the most romantic day of the year-it's a Hallmark holiday invented to sell crap to idiots in the dead of winter. Speaking of: It's February. We live in New York. These do not add up to "the most romantic day of the year." Sorry."
However, there are those who do celebrate Valentine's Day on the 14th, or just late late that night, and need outfit ideas! Valentine's Day is the most popular date night of the year and it requires a solid ensemble to match.
Popular trends of course lean towards lace, blush-hues, pearls and shimmer. Going with the standard red and pink is not optimal, unless you go ALL OUT, a la Bergdorf's Ms. Linda Fargo at Christian Louboutin's 20th anniversary red-sole celebration.
Opt for feminine pieces, hints of crimson and powdery pink, sparkly jewelry, movable skirts, bows and illuminating make-up.
Here are some great options for Valentine's Day (and night) 2012.
Christian Louboutin Lady Fox-Heel Platform Slingback
To really get yourself in the Valentine’s Day mood, this Christian Louboutin Lady Fox-Heel Platform Slingback will do just the trick. This super sexy heel is sassy, fierce and everything you need. Pair with a simple black sheath dress and your date will be, well, drooling at your feet. (Neiman Marcus, $1395)
Agent Provocateur Lingerie
Valentine’s Day calls for some sexy lingerie. There is no boutique sexier than Agent Provocateur. I mean, what other shop would be at the center of a rumor about Mrs. Michelle Obama dropping $50,000 on unmentionable? This full set might cost a pretty penny, but it surely will not be for naught. (AgentProvocateur.com, $460)
ASOS Skater Dress with Lace Bustier
Feminine and sexy, this dress has it all. The blush skater skirt paired with the fitted, white lace bustier is the perfect attire for a candlelit Valentine’s Day dinner. If you live in a colder region, pair it with a blazer (black if you want to keep it simple, red if you want to go all-out) and lace tights. (ASOS.com, $85.94)
NARS Illuminator
What is prettier than glowing, pink cheeks? Nothing. That is why NARS Illuminator is a must-have for Valentine’s Day night. Light-reflecting liquid refreshes and enhances the complexion. Your cheeks will shine with shimmering incandescence. The cheeky names (like “Orgasm” and “Copacabana”) don’t hurt either. (Sephora, $30)
Miu Miu Glass Pearl and Plexiglass Crystal Bow Necklace
For those whose style is more demure than devilish, this Miu Miu necklace is the perfect accessory. Miuccia Prada’s inspiration behind her Cruise 2012 collection was 80s with a girlish, rock n’ roll twist. This coquettish necklace embodies just that. The classic pearl necklace paired with a playful bow will go beautifully with any Valentine’s Day outfit. (netaporter.com, $710)
Slim Line Soft Jacket in Hot Pink
This hot pink blazer will really make you a stand-out this Valentine’s Day. The juicy color truly pops on such a classic single-button silhouette. Pair with a white top and black leather pants for the perfect night-out ensemble. (oasis-stores.com, $120)
Benefit “They’re Real!” Mascara
Full, lush baby doll lashes will look super sexy this Valentine’s Day. Benefit’s “They’re Real!” Mascara has been flying off the shelves at Sephora. The jet-black mascara not only lengthens and curls but it volumizes, lifts and separates lashes, creating a truly spectacular look. People will definitely stop to ask, “Are they real?” (Sephora, $22)
Rosamosario Mezza Luna Silk-Crepe and Lace Robe
This romantic robe will have your Valentine seeing stars on the eve of Feb. 14. Sold on Net-a-porter, this Web site describes the robe as “sheer decadence.” We agree. (Netapoter.com, $875)
butter LONDON Heavy Metal Trio
Metallic nail polish will look amazing whether you are dressed up or dressed down on Valentine’s Day. The “Heavy Metal Trio” by butter LONDON comes with three stunning shades – copper, gold and silver. Metallics are perfect for this holiday. Red will look far too matchy-matchy and black will look like you are just gloomy. (butterlondon.com, $36)
Fish Tail Skirt
High-low skirts are all-the-rage this season. With its flirty hemline and breezy shape, they are the perfect bottoms for a date night. This Forever 21 Fish Tail Skirt would look gorgeous on Valentine’s Day paired with a polka dot blouse and platform Mary-Jane. (forever21.com, $14.50)
