Valentine's Day Outfit Tips

If you plan on going somewhere casual, don’t feel like you need to overdress. Jeans and a nice sweater are perfectly acceptable for most dining establishments in Wichita. This goes for both ladies and gentlemen. The key is to still look nice while retaining the comfort in your look. Unless you’re going bowling, under the age of 21, or participating in some sort of athletic event, do not wear sneakers. Don’t do it. The style gods will smite you and quite frankly, I don’t blame them. Sneakers, even nice ones can be worn every. other. day. Make some effort with the shoes.

If you plan on going somewhere nicer than the average chain restaurant for dinner, the attire needs an upgrade. Guys, this is the time for a sweater over a button up shirt or even a sport coat. Suits, while not required, are never a bad idea. Tom Ford famously said, “A well-tailored suit is to women what lingerie is to men.” The man isn’t wrong. Don’t underestimate the power of a nice suit.

Ladies, this is the opportunity to break out your favorite dress. Make sure it is flattering, but also comfortable. A tight dress is a bad choice for dinner because 1, you’ll be eating and the dress needs to expand, and 2, you’ll be sitting down. Tight + sitting down for longer than 30 min is never a good combination. It cuts off your air supply. (Literally. I have personal experience to back this up.) If dresses aren’t your thing, black pants are always a great option. 

A note for the ladies regarding makeup choices: the makeup should match the look. If you’re wearing an elegant dress, wearing zero makeup throws off the balance of the look. You wouldn’t wear running shoes with a little black dress, and the same applies to makeup.

If you don’t normally wear makeup, I would suggest a bit of mascara and a little pink on your lips and cheeks. (They make handy lip/cheek 2-in-1 products for those who don’t normally foray into the makeup world.)

On the reverse, extremely heavy makeup with casual clothes looks odd. The goal is to always think about the general look you’re going for and make sure all aspects of your outfit/makeup go together. If you need help, makeup counters will always give great advice- just make sure you have a day or two to practice with the new products beforehand.

The gentlemen don’t get off the hook. This is the time to shave before your date and make sure you’ve had a haircut recently. If you have facial hair (intentionally, like a beard) make sure your neck is clean shaven and PLEASE for the love of everyone around, shave the back of your neck. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone out to dinner and seen men in a suit with a furry neck. No thank you.

This is my favorite way to add a bit of interest to any look and is relatively easy to accomplish. Ladies, you can employ the traditional red lip or perhaps opt for colorful earrings. Guys, colorful socks count (even though you can’t see them standing up) or you could always add a pocket square in your jacket or blazer. Bonus points if it is red, pink, or has tiny hearts on it. It is Valentine’s Day, after all.