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Style Blog: Battle of the Valentine Outfits (Casual vs. Dressy)

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Nottingham chapter.

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, I say step aside Cupid; the only matchmaking us girls should be worried about is that of our shoes and our dresses.  Whether you are spending the 14th of February with a partner, your girls or maybe even my favourite boys, Ben and Jerry, this should just be seen as another excuse for a new outfit.

With the influx of midi-skirts and dresses, and the decrease in knicker-sized shorts, 2013’s day of romance promises to be a chic one. My first tip when dressing for this Valentine’s Day is keep it classy; if you already have a partner, he/she has probably seen it all already, so refrain from those tiny tops and non-existent skirts, instead go for an elegant look. I would recommend, to those getting dressed up for the occasion, a midi-black bodycon dress, with an eye-catching necklace or belt (avoid both, often gets a bit overwhelming!) and a nice pair of statement heels. If you can flash a red sole to implicate the infamous Louboutin (whether real or from missguided.co.uk) then do, it’s Valentine’s Day after all, and red is in. Although simple, this outfit is the new LBD (little black dress), a staple for any wardrobe. Regalrose.co.uk has been producing some really beautiful pieces and it is a perfect place to get your attention grabbing jewellery from; whether a chunky choker, a long bohemian necklace or my season favourite – the slave-bracelet, they have it all at affordable prices.   

 

Dress: Topshop £28

However, if like me you are planning to have a Valentine’s Day with the girls, then I would suggest following these rules when deciding what to wear. The fundamental rule that I will be sticking to this year is, NOT TRYING TOO HARD. If you go out in all your extensions, fake eyelashes, huge heels, and more skin on display than clothes, it screams just one thing: “you are desperate for someone’s (or anyone’s) attention on that notorious day”. I would recommend doing the exact opposite, go out in your nicest casual wear, and it will suggest to others that the day does not define you as a singleton.  I personally will be heading out for cocktails in a tomboy-style take on Valentines Day chic. Emphasising one of this seasons must-have colours, neon. I would marry ascents of vibrant colour with our trusted friend black. A baggy neon jumper harmonises casual wear and fashion perfectly, this paired with some high waisted black trousers (not disco pants, they are my seasons faux pas, both overrated and over worn), then finished off with my fail-safe Superga x House of Holland flatforms (which provide height, comfort, and fashion). Also, the snow is a great excuse to stick on this year’s must have accessory, a beanie hat! One that I have my eye on at the moment is BOY London’s black beanie; a brand that carries a very cool history since the 1970s, long before that of RiRi’s promotional outing last year. 

Neon Jumper: Glamorous £21

The most important thing to remember this Valentines Day is feeling comfortable and having fun with it.

More reccomended/inspirational garments:

ACNE ‘Best’ Skinny Leather Trouser

Superga Flatform Plimsoles 

Gogo Philip Classic Long Chunky Chain Necklace

Philipp Plein Crazy Skull Bag

Chic Polish Gold Choker 

Boy London Beanie Hat

La Perla Marchesa Lace-Trimmed Briefs

Student at The University of Nottingham, England.
Maddie studies American Studies at the University of Nottingham and is in her 4th year. She joined the Her Campus team on her year abroad at University of Illinois as a social media intern and now she and Anna are excited to open the University of Nottingham's chapter this September.