On Valentine’s Day restaurants that are normally packed with plaid and jeans are suddenly full of suits and cocktail dresses. And why not? The Hallmark holiday is a good excuse to show off a little for your main squeeze, even if you’re just planning to grab some pizza. Below, three date-worthy Valentine’s Day outfits, from casual to come-hither.
Low-Key Not into prix-fixes? Here’s a laid-back Valentine’s Day outfit for cuddling over a bottle of wine.
For a casual date, we like the boho vibe of this long-sleeved dress from <strong>Free People.</strong> $350.<br />
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<em>Available through <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/clothes-dresses/fp-new-romantics-future-heirloom-dress/">freepeople.com</a></em><br />
Chunky-heeled boots like these ones by <strong>Rag and Bone</strong> add a tougher edge to a frilly dress. $364.99, on sale from $520.<br />
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<em>Available though <a href="heer mesh long-sleeve dress with lace, ribbon and bead trimming all over. Waist has large ribbon and ruffle detailing all around. Zips up lower back with large keyhole opening at upper back. Mini button detailing at back of neck. All of body is lined, except for sleeves. ">gravitypope.com</a> </em><br />
A cross-body bag by <strong>Cambridge Satchel Company</strong> keeps your arms free for hand-holding. $155.<br />
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<em>Available at A2Zane, 753 Queen St. W., <a href="http://a2zane.com/product/brown-11/">a2zane.com </a></em><br />
Finally, an army-inspired <strong>Aritzia</strong> jacket matches the colour in the boots and completes the eclectic, vintage-inspired look. $120.<br />
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<em>Available at Aritzia, various locations, <a href="http://aritzia.com/Talula-TROOPER-JACKET/35276,default,pd.html?dwvar_35276_color=2251#start=3">aritzia.com</a></em><br />
For a romantic look, start with a dress with feminine details: ruffles, lace or in the case of this silk-chiffon <strong>J.Crew</strong> number, a pretty floral print with a sweetheart neckline. $318.<br />
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<em>Available through <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/dresses/cocktail/PRDOVR~18480/18480.jsp">jcrew.com</a></em><br />
Add an extra girly touch with a peep-toe heel, like this <strong>Ann Taylor</strong> suede ankle-strap sandal. $118.<br />
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<em>Available at Ann Taylor, Eaton Centre or Yorkdale Shopping Centre, <a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/product%3A300087/AT-MHL-Graphic-Black-%26-White/Kelsey-Suede-Ankle-Strap-Sandals/300087?colorExplode=false&skuId=12914357&catid=cat660016&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600">anntaylor.com</a></em><br />
A ladylike <strong>Kate Spade</strong> clutch with a chain strap is more date-appropriate than a large purse or tote. $368.<br />
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<em>Available at Kate Spade, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, <a href="http://www.katespade.com/post-street-madison/PXRU3925,default,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU3925_color=472&start=49&cgid=handbags">katespade.com</a></em><br />
The full-skirt on this shell-coloured topper by <strong>Ted Baker</strong> finishes off this pretty look. $390.<br />
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<em>Available through <a href="http://www.tedbaker.com/women%27s/women%27s_clothing/jackets_+_coats/103479-full_skirt_coat/detail.aspx">tedbaker.com</a></em><br />
For a pulse-quickening outfit, start with a body-con dress, one of fall’s biggest trends. The two-tone panels on <strong>Rebecca Minkoff’</strong>s Claudia dress further emphasize a sexy shape. $340.<br />
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<em>Available through <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/claudia-dress-rebecca-minkoff/vp/v=1/845524441961972.htm?folderID=2534374302063518&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=47348">shopbop.com</a></em><br />
Rather than getting too matchy-matchy with red or black shoes, try a pair of nude Louboutins with sexy cut-outs and a spike heel. $995 (U.S).<br />
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<em>See <a href="http://us.christianlouboutin.com/ca_en/shop/women/cachottiere-patent.html">christianlouboutin.com</a> for more information </em><br />
Add in a buttery-soft <strong>Loeffler Randall</strong> clutch in vampy red. The divided interior has a cell phone pocket and four card slots.<strong> </strong>$325.<br />
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<em>Available at Augustina, 138 Cumberland St., Old York Lane No. 3, <a href="http://www.augustinaboutiques.com/collections/bags/Loeffler-Randall-Bags">augustinaboutiques.com</a></em><br />
<em></em>Top it all off with a<strong> Zara </strong>coat in leopard—the most man-eating of prints. $119.99, on sale from $219.<br />
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<em>Zara, various locations, <a href="http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/12201/en/zara-nam-S2013/359009/1017012/LEOPARD%20PRINT%20AND%20COLOR%20BLOCK%20COAT">zara.com</a></em><br />