Posted by Nicole Costello on January 11, 2024
After the whirlwind of the holiday season, we often settle into the cozy comfort of our partner's sweaters or lounging in our favorite joggers for most of gloomy January. The festive gatherings and New Year's parties end, leaving us longing for more opportunities to dress up and feel our most glamorous. Thankfully, Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Whether celebrating with a significant other, gathering with friends, or simply indulging in self-love, this romantic occasion offers the perfect excuse to step into your finest attire and sparkle again. And what better color to embrace on this day of love than the passionate and timeless hue of red?
“This morning, with her, having coffee.”
-Johnny Cash when he was asked for his definition of paradise.
Red Valentine's Day Dresses for Date Night
Biologically, the color red elicits strong emotions and is linked to desire. Culturally, red has been associated with love in various ancient cultures and mythologies. Historically, it has played a prominent role in art, literature, and romantic traditions. The tradition of exchanging red hearts, roses, and cards on Valentine's Day solidified its association with love. Additionally, red's biological role in attraction and fertility contributes to its perception as a symbol of passion and affection, leaving no doubt as to why it remains the go-to choice for dressing up on Valentine's Day.
Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas were inseparable for nearly 40 years, known for their renowned literary salon in Paris. Frequented by luminaries like Picasso, T.S. Eliot, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ernest Hemingway, their love story became famous. Toklas once described Stein as 'a golden-brown presence, burned by the Tuscan sun, with a golden glint in her warm brown hair.'
“One must dare to be happy.”
-Gertrude Stein.
Let’s explore Valentine’s Day outfits.
Classic Valentine's Day Fashion for a Romantic Evening
From left to right:Kara dress, Tiana dress, Gianna dress
BONUS TIP: Keep it classy by opting for midi or maxi dresses that adhere to the principle of showcasing either décolletage or your legs, not both.
“Even in bed my ideas yearn towards you, my Immortal Beloved, here and there joyfully, then again sadly, awaiting from Fate, whether it will listen to us. I can only live, either altogether with you or not at all.
What longing in tears for you — You — my Life — my All — farewell. Oh, go on loving me — never doubt the most faithful heart
Of your beloved
L
Ever thine.
Ever mine.
Ever ours”
– Ludwig van Beethoven to his Immortal Beloved, 1812
Casual Valentine's Day Outfits for a Cozy Date Night
From left to right:Paris dress, Eleanor corset, Shirley dress
BONUS TIP: Casual doesn't have to translate to boring. Choose well-tailored and feminine casual outfits and finish the look with minimalistic accessories, natural makeup, and tousled hair, 'a la French girl.
“The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself.”
– Diane Von Furstenberg
Nostalgic Valentine's Day Outfit: Vintage-Inspired Looks
From left to right:Esther dress, Jane dress, Margaret dress
BONUS TIP: Complete your vintage fashion look with classic hairstyles like victory rolls or a slicked-back bun for a retro Valentine’s Day.
INTERESTING FACT: “Galentine's Day" was popularized by the television show "Parks and Recreation." The term was coined by the character Leslie Knope, in the second season of the show, which aired in 2010. In the show, Galentine's Day is celebrated on February 13th as a day for women to gather and celebrate their female friendships. While it was fictional on the show, the concept has since gained popularity in real life as a day for women to celebrate their friendships and support each other.
Luxe Valentine's Day Date Looks: Glamorous Night Attire
From left to right – Gigi dress, Cezanne dress, Coralie dress
BONUS TIP: Elevate your elegant date night attire with classic Hollywood glamour: consider winged eyeliner and a bold red lip.
INTERESTING FACT: According to legend, Saint Valentine of Rome was imprisoned for performing marriages for Roman soldiers, which was forbidden. While in prison, he healed the jailer's blind daughter, and they fell in love. Before his execution, he supposedly sent her a note signed "from your Valentine," giving rise to the tradition of sending Valentine's cards.
Cozy Valentine's Day Outfit: Warm and Cute Date Night Looks
Left to right:Vanessa dress, Dylan top, Ilona dress
Choose versatile pieces that adapt to changing temperatures when putting together cute Valentine's Day outfits for a warm date night. Opt for cozy layers you can easily remove if things heat up.
Sleek and Modern: Minimalist Valentine's Day Fashion
Embrace a minimalist approach to accessories, focusing on a single, elegant statement piece. A well-chosen accessory can elevate your modern minimalist style and become the centerpiece of your ensemble.
“I love your verses with all my heart, dear Miss Barrett …”
-Robert Browning.
So begins the first love letter to poet Elizabeth Barrett from her future husband, fellow poet Robert Browning. Their 573 love letters, which capture their 19th-century courtship, blossoming love, and forbidden marriage, have long fascinated scholars and poetry fans. Though transcriptions of their correspondence have been published in the past, the handwritten letters could only be seen at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, where the collection has been kept since 1930. But beginning on Valentine's Day, their famous love letters will become available online, where readers can see them just as they were written – with creased paper, fading ink, quill pen cross-outs, and even the envelopes they used.
