With a Valentines Day date I know it isn't as simple as a party frock and dinner, the possibilities of what you can do on a date are absolutely endless therefore I've created a few look ideas for different scenarios.
The basic principle with anything like this is feeling comfortable. No, no I'm not talking about ditching the party frock for a onesie but simply feeling good about what you wear and how you look.
Restaurant dinner
Love this dress from Fever clothing, black equals slimming so it is perfect for any dinner date due to it's cute. Team with a feathered bolero for an ultra glam look.
Dress - Fever Clothing Sandy Prom Dress - £31.99, Bolero - Temperley London Feather Bolero - £495.00, Shoes - River Island Black Barely There Double Strap Sandals - £45.00, Earrings - Betsey Johnson Heart Studs - £24.19, Bag - Accessorize Slouchy Folder Over Clutch - £19.00, Necklace - Topshop Multi Chain Necklace - £15.50
Bowling and cinema
This is for the casual activity date, you don't want to look like you're just rocking up in jeans and a hoody, but you don't want to look overdressed.... a little splash of effort and color with some sensible flats are all your best friends.
Jumper - Blue Vanilla Pandora 3D Ridge Jumper - £12.00, Jeans - River Island Molly Light Ripped Jeans - £42.00, Bag - Oliver Bonas Mini Leather Box Handbag - £45.00, Top - Reiss Garda Overlay - £125.00, Necklace - Anna Lou of London Aphrodite Necklace - £18.00, Shoes - Forever21 Pointed Ankle Strap Flats - £15.00
Out with the girls
Who says Valentines is all about the men and dates? Sometimes a girls night is perfect. Sipping on bubbles and gossiping can be just the ticket, this slinky dress from Hybrid is ideal.
Jacket - Desire Sequin Cropped Jacket - £15.00, Earrings - Marc by Marc Jacobs Rubberized Rose Studs - £26.64, Bag - Ted Baker Evana Crossbody Bag - £69.00, Shoes - Acne Studio Alivia Suede Heels - £351.00, Dress - Hybrid Bella Bandeau Velvet Oxblood Dress - £44.00, Lipstick - Nars Hardwired - £19.50, Nail Polish - OPI Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous - £11.95
A day quad biking or doing go ape
An adventure date could be a great option, getting snuggled up in your winter warmers for a day filled with action. Love a bobble hat in this pinky color from Warehouse!
Blouse - Warehouse Window Pane Blouse - £42.00, Jacket - River Island light gray faux fur biker jacket - £65.00, Jeans - Topshop Salt and Pepper Leigh Jeans - £40.00, Boots - Dr Marten Classics Pascal - £100.00, Necklace - Oasis Layered Ditsy Chain - £8.00, Hat - Warehouse Pink Cable Pom-Pom Hat - £12.00, Nails - Butter Nails Lacquer - £9.60Going tobogganing
Continuing the adventure theme this look is for those who like to do things differently. Tobogganing at the snowdome is probably the one date I'd love to go on! Can you even imagine how much fun it'd be?! Always remember you might go for coffee after so looking casually nice is a wise move.
Jacket - River Island Collarless Leather Biker Jacket - £100.00, Jeans - F&F Black Wash Luxe Sateen Super Skinny - £18.00, Shoes - Vans Authentic Low Purple - £23.50, Shirt - Warehouse Garden Floral Shirt - £32.00, Hat - Warehouse Cable Pom-Pom Hat - £12.00, Earrings - Warehouse Pretty Set Stone Stud Earrings - £3.00, Bag - Warehouse Suede Zip Round Bag - £35.00
Just drinks
Simple drinks could be on the agenda so a on trend tunic teamed with these gorgeous Next boots is a big winner. Mixing monochrome with a cheeky splash of red oozes sophistication and style.
Tunic - Topshop Grid Tunic - £10.00, Boots - Next Perspex Heel Ankle Boots - £55.00, Bag - Miss KG Tara Suedette Bow Bag - £45.00, Necklace - Accessorize Nautical Plait - £5.00, Nails - OPI Gwen Stefani Nail Polish - £7.95
Key pointers to take into account
Will you be eating? If you are think about if there is a possibility of bloating? If that could be correct if you're off to an Italian restaurant, maybe reconsider the tight fitted slinky ensemble, instead look for items that go in at the waist or are more lose fitted.
How far will you need to walk? I love high heels are much as the next person but walking a lot in them? No thanks... throw me the flats! The most unattractive thing is waddling down the pavement because 1. you haven't broken those new shoes in and 2. they are simply too high for you to handle. Go for a pair you've worn in, so if you got a new pair in the sale start working your magic on them now.
Am I paying? Come on we're not in the reality version of Pretty Women, men shouldn't be expected to pay for everything. Obviously don't get me wrong it's nice to be given the option but you can't assume, so be prepared to offer. If your date does pay for your food perhaps gently suggest to get the next lot of drinks in.
Have a back up plan. I'm not saying be prepared for the worst but I believe in having a few things sorted... you know, just in case. A taxi number is always a sensible option, that way regardless you can always get home safely. If it's a blind date or maybe even a first date always tell someone where you're going and who it's with, I'm not saying you need to be worried it's just always a wise thing to do.
The last two pointers are mainly aimed at new couples and first dates. Dates are great fun and you really don't need to but it on a pedestal, so you can go bowling or even do laser quest and actually have a giggle! Either way always plan ahead and feel fabulous whatever you wear this Valentines Day!
