Clothes call: What to wear for a date night at the movies

Dinner-and-a-movie is our ideal date-night combo in January. Not only do we like to escape the cold weather to cozy up in the movie theater, but we also think of this month as prime time for movie-watching. Several flicks that are still playing on the silver screen are nominees for February’s award shows—and a girl has got to do her homework to keep up with Neil Patrick Harris, the confirmed host of the 2015 Oscars, right?

Today it was announced that Birdman, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Selma, Boyhood, American Sniper, Whiplash, The Theory of Everything and The Imitation Game are the nominees for Best Picture. So, perhaps it’s time for a double date? (And by that we mean catch a double feature with your honey!)

Grab your bucket of popcorn: It’s showtime! Here’s how to win a “best dressed” award on your next date night:

It’s a wrap!

How apropos is a cape for a night at the movies? Batman would totally approve. Not only capes a high-fashion alternative to your Snuggie, the chic and comfy piece is having a major fashion moment, with stars such as Olivia Palermo, Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Sarah Jessica Parker among the celebs who have recently shown off monogrammed Burberry wrap ponchos. Cozy up to this black-and-white plaid Ralph Lauren faux suede trim plaid poncho sweater, $210 at Macy’s, and pair it with black leggings or jeans. We love the double buckle detailing on the neck. For a less expensive option, a classic plaid fringe poncho (pictured), $27.90 at Forever 21, will go perfectly with a turtleneck.

5 stars for sporty-chic

One of our favorite trends that’s rolling over into 2015 is the sporty-chic look. Our sweatpants have been re-worked with luxe fabrics and detailing, making it cool to pair joggers with pea coats and glam up varsity jackets by mixing them with fun statement necklaces. Build an easy outfit combo starting with these LA Hearts paneled joggers, $39.95 at PacSun. Pair them with a plaid checkered shirt, like these women’s flannel button-ups, $24.94 at Old Navy, and top with a crew-neck sweater, $18 to $24, from Old Navy. We favor this comfy look because it gives the illusion that we’re dressed up.

A work of art

Sure, the theater may be dark. But that’s no reason to not get dressed up to go to the show. More theaters are popping up bars near the concession stands and we like to get a lil’ fancy for a night out, especially when hitting up the artsy theaters. How about an outfit that looks like it could be its own piece of art—like this Gardenia silk T-shirt by Maeve, $98 at Anthropologie, worn with some cargo pants or tucked into a fit-and-flare skirt? Get glamorous Hollywood-inspired curls with the Chi Ultra Chi 3-in-1 Tourmaline Curler, $159.95 at Ulta, using the medium-sized barrel for big and loose curls.