Does anyone else remember giving Valentine’s candies to your schoolmates? It’s no surprise that I really enjoyed doing that (or, at least, I remember enjoying it— maybe my mom will read this and tell me I actually loathed putting together class Valentine’s) because I like people. I remember setting aside lollipops in certain colors I knew my best friends would wants, taking the time to write everyone’s names on the little card-stock affixed to the candies, and then walking around to each classmate to share the treats and exchange candy.
I love that Valentine’s Day used to make us sweet on each other. It made us share, stop to enjoy little moments of eating candy in class, and probably was the bane of our parents’ existence when we came home with a sugar high— ha!
Maybe we can continue to bring that levity, that joy into our lives by celebrating holidays like Valentine’s Day the same way we do Thanksgiving or Christmas— by dressing up, exchanging small candies, and doing something intentional for the ones we love.
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t have much in terms of pink and red in my closet anymore— I’ve been on a roller-coaster of love/hate with colorful prints, patterns, and fabrics for a number of years; sinking, rather unceremoniously, back into shades of black, navy, and beige time and time again. But I LOVE creators who wear lots of pink. Fran Acciardo is one who comes to mind; there’s something about the color on her that I feel like makes her really shine. So maybe it’s just about finding the right version of pinks, reds, burgundies, etc. that work for you!
That’s why I put together this collection. It keeps classically tailored pieces and simple feminine silhouettes at the forefront, but adds in all the fun exuberant joy of dressing up for the holiday! Maybe it’s kitschy— why care!? What’s life without a little bit of whimsy?
Below you’ll find a collection of reds, pinks, and holiday-appropriate patterns to get you and your wardrobe in the Valentine’s spirit. I hope you love it as much as I do!
I haven’t seen fair isle patterns all over the internet like I feel I normally do this time of year, but personally I love them! I think the pattern and intricacies always lend a lot to what could otherwise feel like a fairly plain outfit.
This chocolate-chip raspberry version from Hill House is so sweet and perfect with jeans or a slip skirt!
I’ve really come around to shoulder bags as I’ve gotten older. They can be staple bags in varieties of colors, and this soft bubble-gum pink could definitely be a staple year-round in a color-loving closet!
3. Pull-On Cropped Flare Pants
If you went through the phase of debating a pair of High Sport kick flare pants, here’s a great option instead. Nothing wrong with High Sport’s pants, but these will get you a similar shape for an eighth of the price!
4. Floral-Print Wool-Blend Sweater
These old-school sweaters from Sézane feel nostalgic in a way I can’t really describe… but I don’t feel like they make them as often anymore; opting instead for more subdued patterns, ditsier florals, and stripes or polka-dots.
Got a fancy date night planned? I don’t know if anything beats a classic cowl-neck dress. It’s sophisticated but doesn’t lose any of it’s allure— and if you prioritize a versatile closet, this is a dress you could easily layer a chunky sweater over. That’s a two-for-one bargain!
6. Patent Leather Mary-Jane Pumps
If you’re anything like me, you see these shoes and immediately think you’ll feel as cool as any French girl you see on Instagram or maybe can embody Hira’s simple and chic corporate style, but you’ve never sprung for them. Valentine’s is the perfect excuse!
7. Silk Scarf
I’ll always be a scarf girl, and I feel like I can easily push them onto other people because I think they do so much for an outfit! Need a little something something? A scarf can be that. Want to accessorize but feeling a little overstimulated? Wrap it around the handle of your bag. Need a summer accessory that doesn’t make you more hot? Tie it in your hair.
Brooches are back. Plain and simple!
I love this one because it reminds me of a movie I used to watch on repeat— and I mean repeat— with my sister… Sailor Moon R: The Movie. We were absolutely obsessed with this movie when we were kids and this brooch reminds me of one worn by a character in the movie.
While I don’t think you have to worry about an alien with power over flowers, if you’re looking for an easy way to add a little pizzaz to a sweater or coat, this—or any brooch— is a great option!
The silk slip skirt is a staple for a reason!! They’re perfectly classic and universally flattering. This mauvey-pink is a great way to add a subtle splash of color without it feeling as bold as, say, a cherry red skirt.
This one is also not a classic case of marketing mumbo-jumbo— it’s actually silk.
10. Crystal Heart Pendant Earrings
It’s a little on-the-nose, sure, but these crystal pendant earrings are too perfectly suited to the holiday to pass up!
If you’re not sure about pinks or reds and you’d rather stick to subtle variations of each color, this bag is a great option for you. Blush is the great mediator of Neutrals Girls and Barbie Pink— at least in my opinion! The chain detail is also a nice deviation from an all-leather strap.
12. Bateau-Neck Long-Sleeved Blouse
This top immediately caught my eye and from the neckline to the wide sleeves, I think this would be an incredible date-night top. It’s got flare without being overly ostentatious— just enough drama to make an impression.
I hope you found something fun for Valentine’s! I’d love to know what your plans are, and what you’re thinking of wearing in the comments below if you have something in mind already!!
xx happy hunting!
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