In case you've missed the memo, Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching! Whether you’re celebrating with your significant other or your favorite Galentine this year, you’ll want to look and feel your very best. Unsure what to wear?
To help spark inspiration and stay on-trend during this romantic holiday, we’ve rounded up some of the most flirty and fun dresses and outfit ideas to make this V-Day one for the memory books. From affordable silhouette styles to a few super splurge options, these festive frocks will surely knock your socks off.
We've also consulted with Nuuly's head of product, Sky Pollard, fashion stylist Lucia Gulbransen and hairstylist Jasmine Burnside to help you master your look, no matter what your plans are.
How to dress for Valentine's Day / How to style your hair for Valentine's Day / Meet the experts
Related
How to dress for Valentine's Day
According to Pollard, “sheer and lace are such strong trends this season and would work well for a romantic date. Try a sheer bodysuit with a faux leather skirt or a lace mini dress!”
“We also saw sparkle, sequins and metallics on the SS23 runways styled for more casual events rather than for more traditional formal events,” said Pollard. Meanwhile “friend get-togethers call for pulling out all the fashion stops. Try a printed velvet suit for a Mick Jagger moment.”
Gulbransen also recommends leaning into the spirit of the day — so think plenty of reds and pinks. "That always makes it more fun to get dressed, to embrace the colors associated with the holiday," she said.
The next thing you have to consider is your venue. If you're going out to a nice dinner, a dress is a great choice. "Dresses are an easy way to show that you care about the holiday and you’re making a little more of an effort," Gulbransen said.
Short-sleeved and sleeveless Valentine's Day dresses
Old Navy Satin Smocked Midi Slip Dress
It’ll be nights in pink satin this Valentine’s Day when you slip on this stunning smocked midi slip dress. Available in regular, tall, petite and plus sizes, this satin dress has adjustable shoulder straps, a midi-length skirt with a side split and a darted bust. Ooh la la! Nearly 200 Old Navy shoppers rated this dress five stars and speak to its comfiness and ability to fit a variety of body types.
Size range: XS-4X in regular sizes; XS-XXL in tall and petite sizes
Colorways: Three
Material: 100 percent viscose rayon
Fit: True to size
H&M Sequin Dress
Embrace your inner pop star with this sparkling red sequin dress from H&M. This stunning wardrobe staple includes narrow shoulder straps to tie at back, an asymmetric neckline and an open back. Goodness gracious!
Size range: XXS-XL
Colorways: One
Material: 100 percent polyester
Fit: True to size
Women’s Clipdot Cotton Smocked-Bodice Dress
Show your sweetie you love them berry much by heading to dinner in this cotton smocked-bodice dress in raspberry red. The smocked top, ruffled hem and short puff sleeves will leave you looking more adorable than a new puppy at Christmas! Well, it’s a tight race.
Size range: XS-2XL
Colorways: Two
Material: 100 percent cotton
Fit: Flowy
Express Bateau Neck Ruched Waist Fit and Flair Dress
Shine like the gem that you are in this ruby bateau neck ruched waist dress from Express. This is the ideal outfit to go from day to night as this fit and flare dress is appropriate for work, as well. You’ll save time as you won’t need to get ready again before dinner. You’re welcome!
Size range: XXS-XL
Colorways: Three
Material: Polyester, spandex
Fit: True to size
Lulus Feeling Like Forever Rose Jacquard Organza Lace-Up Midi Dress
Stop and smell the rosé! Have your sweetie purchase the most expensive bottle of vino as you’ll be looking like a million bucks in this midi dress. Made of a lightweight chiffon, this frock has a beautiful floral motif print and includes an open back with crisscrossed thin straps. One customer called it the “perfect fit” as “dress came quickly and fit perfectly! Felt beautiful for my event.”
Size range: XS-XL
Colorways: Two
Material: Shell is 50 percent polyester, 50 percent cotton; lining is 95 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex
Fit: Shoppers note to size up if you have a larger bust
Birdy Grey Lisa Midi Dress
Hey there, gorgeous. Get ready to steal the show this Valentine’s Day in this midi dress from Birdy Grey. We recommend the desert rose color, but if you prefer to go rogue, this dress is also available in sage, terracotta, gold, emerald and more. Shimmer in style in this fully lined midi dress, complete with adjustable straps, invisible side zipper and lightly draped cowl neck. One five star-reviewer who purchased the terracotta raved, “the dress fits perfect to size and is quite comfortable!” Style and comfort — our favorite combination!
Size range: XS-3X
Colorways: 17
Material: 100 percent polyester satin
Free People Ruffle It Up Midi
No doubt you’ll be ruffling feathers all night long in this gorgeous midi dress from Free People. This ruffled frock features an A-line silhouette with slim fit bodice for an ultra-feminine look. One customer who rated the dress five stars wrote that it is a “thick cotton dress. It’s gorgeous. Probably my favorite dress ever. Hits my waist perfectly.” High praise for sure!
Size range: XS-XL
Colorways: 6
Material: 100 percent cotton
Fit: True to size
Related
Long-sleeved Valentine's Day dresses
Uguest Long-Sleeve V-Neck Dress
Get ready to be turning heads all evening long in this long-sleeved V-neck dress. This fabulous frock is designed to accentuate your curves and help hide your tummy. Available in over 20 fun and flirty color combinations, one satisfied customer referred to this dress as “just about perfect.”
Size range: 4-22 in regular sizes
Colorways: 27
Material: 95 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex
Fit: True to size, though several readers commented on its lack of stretch
Fixmatti Women's Elegant V-Neck Wrap Knit Dress
This top-rated dress with 2,400+ verified five-star ratings feels like a romantic and stylish choice thanks to the deep V-neck design and side slits. Reviewers say that it's "flattering" and "comfortable" and warm, so it's great for a chilly February night.
Size range: S-XL
Colorways: 19
Material: 70 percent viscose, 30 percent nylon
Fit: True to size, though some readers noted its lack of stretch around the waist
LC Lauren Conrad Ruffle Shirt Dress
Feel like a California girl in February with this ruffle shirt dress from the LC Lauren Conrad collection at Kohl’s. (We recommend the Pink Sheraton or Jersey Pink shades as they both scream festive.) One five star-reviewer said it’s a “super cute dress. I’ve worn it in warm weather with heels, and in colder weather with leggings and boots.” Strap on your favorite pair of stilettos or block-heeled boots and get ready to strut your stuff down the runway…or the aisle at the movie theatre.
Size range: XS-XXL
Colorways: Five
Material: Polyester
Fit: True to size
Chang Yun Women’s Long Maxi Sweater Dress
You’ll be sure to win “most festive” this Valentine’s Day in this long maxi sweater dress. This bodycon dress includes a heart print, a sultry open back and belted waist to surely capture anyone’s attention. One five-star reviewer raved “this is a great affordable sweater dress that’s flattering on curvy shapes and offers a fitted silhouette without being too form fitting. It can be worn in the office or dressed up even more for a dinner date. I love the quality, weight and feel of this dress!”
Size range: S-XL
Colorways: 19
Material: 45 percent nylon, 40 percent viscose, 15 percent polyester
Fit: True to size; several shoppers call out how "form-fitting" it is
Women’s Draper James RSVP Cinched-Waist Tiered-Hem Dress
RSVP yes to this adorable dress for Valentine’s Day from the Draper James collection at Kohl’s. This chiffon smocked waist design will have you looking like the star of the show. Plus, one satisfied customer referred to this dress as “very feminine and flowy.”
Size range: XS-XXL
Colorways: One
Material: Polyester, metallic
Fit: Flowy
Skims Soft Lounge Long Sleeve Dress
Live like Hollywood royalty this Valentine’s Day with this soft lounge long-sleeved dress from Skims. This sleek LBD is super slimming without compromising your curves. Available to fit most shapes and sizes, complete the look with a bodysuit or sculpting bralette.
Size range: XXS-4X
Colorways: Eight
Material: 91 percent modal, 9 percent spandex
Fit: True to size; brand labels it as "body-hugging"
Loft Heart Tie Neck Flounce Dress
You’ll surely make your significant other’s heart beat in this tie neck flounce dress from Loft. This bohemian swing dress is available in regular, petite and tall sizes with a loose fit that hits above the knee. One satisfied customer said, “I love it. It fits just like the model. It does not have a true waist, but it is not overly boxy.” No waistline means more room for chocolate mousse during dessert, right?
Size range: XXS-XL in regular, petite and tall
Colorways: One
Material: Fluid woven
Fit: True to size; brand labels it as "loose and swingy"
Tuckernuck Hot Pink Ikat Kenzo Dress
This flattering frock features feminine flutter smocked cuffs, a V-neckline and a loose empire waist. One customer called it a “super comfortable dress! I got lots of compliments from strangers! Love the easy wear fabric that you can dress up or down, I wore with cute tennis shoes!” Who doesn’t love a dress that you can wear with comfy sneakers and still look good?
Size range: XXS-3XL
Colorways: Two
Material: 75 percent rayon, 25 percent nylon
Fit: True to size
Related
Outfits for a casual Valentine's Day date night
If you're going out but want to keep things more low-key, Gulbransen suggests pairing your favorite pants or jeans with a Valentine's Day-inspired blouse or sweater. Or, you can up the ante and try a fun pair of red trousers.
Lillusory Batwing Sleeve Tunic Pullover
Whether you wear this bestselling brightly-colored sweater with faux leather leggings or tucked into wide-leg trousers, you're bound to rack up the compliments all night long.
Size range: XS-XL
Colorways: 39
Material: 50 percent viscose, 30 percent polyamide, 20 percent polyester
Fit: Runs large
Gap Cable-Knit Crew Neck Sweater
You'll feel comfortable and look cute in this popular Gap sweater, which features chic cable knit details and is made from a stretchy cotton material.
Size range: XXS-XXL in regular, tall and petite sizes
Colorways: Seven
Material: 100 percent cotton
Fit: Runs large
Spanx On-the-Go Kick Flare Pant
These customer-favorite pants from Spanx will look great when paired with your favorite white blouse or sweater. The pull-on slacks feature a built-in smoothing tummy panel to have you looking extra snatched, along with four-way stretch for ample comfort.
Size range: XS-3X in regular, tall and petite sizes
Colorways: Three
Material: 53 percent cotton, 41 percent rayon, 6 percent elastane
Fit: Runs large
Outfits for a Valentine's Day date night at home
A Valentine's Day celebration at home with your loved one can be just as exciting as a night out on the town. If you're having a movie night or are cooking a dinner for two, it's the perfect time to embrace a cozy aesthetic. "If you’re staying home or if you’re really playing it low-key, I love the idea of wearing a graphic tee shirt that has a heart on it paired with your favorite sweatpants," Gulbransen said.
Beopjesk Women's Valentine's Day Graphic Tee
Gulbransen suggests trying this graphic tee from Amazon. The design is so cute, we bet you'll be wearing it long after the holiday is over.
Size range: S-XXL
Colorways: 28
Material: 65 percent cotton
Fit: Runs small
Unique Vintage Pink & Red Hearts Open Long Cardigan
Cozy up in this cardigan, which also came recommended by Gulbransen. "There’s a reason why this cardigan keeps selling out," one reviewer wrote. "It is so cute and so soft! Perfect for Valentine’s Day ... or any day!"
Size range: One size
Colorways: One
Material: 50 percent viscose, 30 percent polyester, 20 percent nylon
Fit: Runs large
Old Navy Cozy Gripper Socks 3-Pack For Women
Add a subtle touch of romance to any stay-at-home outfit with these Old Navy grippy socks. You'll get three in a pack, so you can keep them all for yourself or share a pair with your valentine or galentine.
Size range: One size
Colorways: Two
Material: 60 percent recycled polyester, 38 percent polyester, 2 percent spandex
Fit: True to size
Related
Valentine's Day accessories
If bold colors aren't really your thing, Gulbransen said that incorporating accessories with heart motifs into your look can be an inexpensive way to capture the spirit of the day. If you're wearing an open neckline, like a V-neck dress or a scoop-neck blouse, try adding a heart-shaped necklace to your look. If you have something with a higher neckline, like a crew neck sweater, bold earrings are a great option.
Kate Spade Love Shack Heart Purse
TikTok has gone crazy for Kate Spade's heart-shaped accessories, and Gulbransen likes this cute purse from the brand. It can be worn either as a handbag or as a crossbody bag.
Cealxheny Beaded Drop Earrings
These beaded accessories are one of the top-selling women's drop and dangle earrings on Amazon — and they're the perfect choice for V-Day. According to the brand, they're both lightweight and nickel-free.
How to style your hair for Valentine's Day
Once you have your outfit nailed down, it's time to think about your 'do. What you're wearing has a big influence on how you should approach your hair, Burnside said, because "it gives you the opportunity to figure out if it’s going to look better up and off your neck or if it will read better down."
How to style a sleek ponytail
"If you have a busier outfit or if you have something that’s a little bit more intricate, especially around the neckline or the shoulders where you want to showcase that, I definitely think wearing your hair up would be a better option," she said. If you're going for a sleek look, a ponytail is a great way to complement that.
Whether you want to try a low ponytail with a center part or a high ponytail, the process is the same. Burnside recommends starting with a heat protectant, like an oil or a spray (she likes the NatureLab Tokyo's Smoothing Hair Oil). "It’s lightweight and workable so it really absorbs into the hair and it doesn’t look or feel greasy, it just gives enough shine," she said. Then, she suggests using a flatiron to smooth and straighten hair — we suggest Remington's top-rated flat iron, which is a Shop TODAY favorite.
NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Smooth Hair Oil
Remington 1-Inch Anti-Static Flat Iron
After you finish straightening your strands, use a smoothing brush to gather your hair where you want it on your head. "And then, one of my favorite tools to keep the ponytail really tight is a hair bungee," Burnside said.
Unlike a typical hair tie, the bungee has two hooks on each end. To use it, you hook one side into your hair and then wrap it around to hold it in place. "That way, you can really feel and create enough tension instead of relying on the size of the ponytail holder itself," she said. "You’re able to get it as tight as you need it based on your hair texture and density."
Wet Brush Custom Care Smoothing Brush
Kitsch Black Bungees
To finish the look, take an edging brush or toothbrush with soft bristles and tame any flyaways or shape your baby hairs and then lock it in with hairspray.
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Edge Tool
R+Co Outerspace Flexible Hairspray
Related
How to style romantic curls
If you're after more of a romantic look to complement a flowy dress or a floral blouse, Burnside said that a rich, luxurious curl is a good way to go. "A really user-friendly and fun way to create really rich and bouncy-looking curls or waves would be to utilize hot rollers," she said. It's an easy way to get the look without straining your arms while trying to use a wand.
To start, apply a hair oil and then add a medium-hold hairspray, which will give your hair some staying power and hold, Burnside said.
Moroccanoil Luminous Hair Spray Medium
Then, put in your hot rollers and allow them to cool completely before taking them out. "That’s really going to set the style and the curl," Burnside said. While you wait for them to cool, she suggests doing your makeup or getting dressed. "Once you take them out, you can use a wide-tooth comb — or if you want a really rich ‘70s retro-glam look, you could use a smoothing brush to mold the shape of the hair — and just brush the curls out more for a more relaxed look," she said. Once you get it in the shape you want, add more hair spray to lock in the style and tame any flyaways.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Roller Hairsetter
Burnside recommends this set, which comes with a dozen titanium ceramic jumbo rollers designed to heat evenly and give hair shine.
Conair Jumbo and Super Jumbo Ceramic Hot Rollers
This popular set from Conair is more affordable and is a TikTok-favorite. It comes with 12 jumbo rollers in two sizes, and heats up in under two minutes, according to the brand.
Meet the experts
- Sky Pollard is the head of product at Nuuly, a clothing rental and resale platform.
- Lucia Gulbransen is a fashion stylist and image consultant based in New York City.
- Jasmine Burnside is a hair stylist based in New York City. She previously talked to Shop TODAY about hair diffusing and how to manage aging hair.
