Valentine’s Day is approaching and you know what that means: just about every store will soon be flooded with pink and red products, loaded with candy and chocolate and full of heart-shaped items. While Valentine’s Day is a sweet holiday, the excessive amount of heart-day paraphilia can become a little bit of a, well, overkill. There are ways you can show your love for the holiday without looking like you got shot by one too many of Cupid’s arrows.
We’ve compiled a list of subtle ways to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit without overdoing it. Not only are these accessories and pieces practical, but they will also help you look festive while passing out your valentines on the fourteenth.
Cupid Calling
Hearts and Stripes iPhone 5 Case, francesca’s, $25
Send a message of Valentine’s Day love with a cute heart phone case. The stripes behind the bright pink heart give this Ban.do iPhone case a unique twist. You’ll be dying to send or receive a Valentine text or call because the case is just too cute not to show off.
Love in Her Eyes
AEO Heart Shaped Sunglasses, American Eagle, $15.95
If you’re lucky enough to have some sunshine on Valentine’s Day, sport these cute American Eagle sunglasses. The subtle heart-shape makes them wearable long after Valentine’s Day too. These shades will bring you from heart day all the way to those fun summer music festivals.
Sweet Dreams
The Cotton Mayfair Pajama, Victoria’s Secret, $49.50
Staying in for the night? Slip into something more comfortable. No, seriously, these soft cotton Victoria Secret pajamas are crazy comfy. Get them in “Love Print,” grab your best friends, and have a rom-com movie marathon.
Subtle Scarf
Silver Heart Scarf, Anthropologie, $58
Stay warm and cozy with this ultra soft Anthropologie scarf. It has shiny silver hearts woven into it that look almost iridescent. Get it in pink to stick with the typical heart-day hues, or opt for blue for an understated look.
Read My Lips
NARS Lipstick, Sephora, $28
Any day is a good day to wear bright lipstick! On Valentine’s Day it makes your typical look just a tad more festive. This NARS lipstick comes in a variety of colors. For the holiday, pick up “Funny Face,” a pretty fuchsia color, or “Jungle,” a daring bright red.
A Statement on Love
Jumbo Bloom Bib, BaubleBar, $36
BaubleBar’s Jumbo Bloom Bib is the perfect necklace to accessorize with on Valentine’s Day. The big red flowers are refreshing compared to all the hearts you’ll see on the fourteenth. Wear it with a crewneck sweater or your favorite chambray shirt.
Heart Day Socks
Lots of Love Anklet, Free People, $12
This option is really subtle unless you plan on walking without shoes all day but it would be a good choice nonetheless! Free People’s Lots of Love Anklet socks are exactly what you should be wearing on Valentine’s Day. The tiny hearts, surprise mesh, and little frills make the pair irresistibly adorable.
To Keep Warm
Kate Spade New York Thermal Mug, Lifeguard Press, $18
Leave it to Kate Spade to make the perfect thermal mug. Take your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to-go in Kate Spade’s “Cold Hands Warm Heart” print. The pink and red color blocking just scream Valentine’s Day.
Lovely Nails
Butter London Nail Lacquer, Ulta, $15
A fresh manicure will surely brighten up your day. Butter London’s “Chancer” nail lacquer is the perfect shade of red for Valentine’s Day. If you fancy pink, then paint your nails with “Primrose Hill Picnic.” Search Pinterest for fun design ideas that you can do with your polish.
Stand By You
CityGal Flat, Steve Madden, $89
Scallops and patent leather? Steve Madden has won over our hearts! Wear these flats for a pop of color and sophisticated look. These flats can bring you from day to night when wore properly. Pair with dark wash jeans to lunch and a simple dress when you head to dinner.
Donning a cute heart phone case, a bold red lip, or a soft pink scarf, are all sweet and subtle ways to feel festive on Valentine’s Day. That being said, if you want to rock heart-patterned leggings come Valentine’s Day, go for it! In the end it’s all about spreading the love!
How do you plan on showing your love for heart-day? Comment below or tweet us at @hcemerson.