Great outfit ideas for Valentine’s Day

by Brittany Anas · February 1, 2013

By Brittany Anas

Hearts on sweaters and clashing red and pink outfits have been traditional Valentine’s staples. But this year, sweaters with large graphic designs — including hearts — have come into style and wearing red and pink together is a recycled 1980’s trend known as color-blocking that’s getting a long run.

What we’re getting at is that it’s basically been Valentine’s Day year-round on the racks at some of our favorite stores. So, the pickings are easy this year. Now if they’d just start making those conversation hearts year-round. We love those candies that taste like sugar-coated chalk.

Need some inspiration for what to wear on Valentine’s Day? We’ve found some great deals that you can wear on Feb. 14 and then over and over again throughout the rest of the year.

Volunteering at kid’s classroom party: We’ve got our Cupid’s love arrow aimed at Old Navy’s lightweight graphic sweaters, particularly the “in the pink” sweater that is pink with maroon polka dots and the simple gray sweater with a large white heart. Pair them with jeans for a cute and comfy look. A tan blazer from KMart with the polka-dot sweater can give you a more grown-up — but still fun — look after you’re done helping deliver Valentine’s and feeding cupcakes to the elementary-school masses. Old Navy for $24.94

Dinner reservations for two: Going out to dinner after work with your Valentine? Here are some great dresses that can transition well from the office to the candle-lit restaurant. During the work day, wear a cardigan or blazer over these dresses and pair with tights. At night, switch to a cropped leather jacket and let your hair down.

• Lace Illusion Dress from Express for $79.90.
• Bistro dress in scarborough red from Madewell for $118.
• High-wasted lace skater dress from Asos for $49.11

Rom-Com movie date with your girlfriends: Color-block a soft sweater with skinny jeans or cords and some fun earrings to pull it all together. Here’s our favorite combination.

• Luxlight crew pullover in electric fuchsia from Gap + light pink Armani skinny jeans from Profile Fashion + Gold starburst earrings from Cost Plus World Market.

Fancy night out on the town: Just in time for Valentine’s, we’re loving the romantic and regal Valentine Limited Collection by Sophie Theallet at The Limited. Our favorite is an online exclusive purple lace dress with gold accents and satin lining for $118.