These past couple of weeks my Twitter feed and Facebook timelines have been flooded with Bitter Kittens going, “Valentine’s Day is a cash cow designed to fund flowers and set menus.” Even if I sorta agree … I have to say, bitter or sweet, don’t be a V-Day Scrooge. From a fashion standpoint, Valentine’s Day is bursting with possibilities. If you’re a hopeless romantic, this is your chance to wear your heart on your sleeve (literally). If you’re not, well, you can dress ironically to mock those lovey-dovey dopes who walk too slow in the mall.

Floral power

Echo the masses of bouquets that are going to be exchanged this day by wearing a floral print. Luckily, florals have been a huge trend since mid-2011, so you won’t have a hard time finding something you like.


The expected take is the flirty floral dress – perfect for a demure daytime movie date. (Mia Dress from Bayo).



Florals need not be cute and safe, though. Edge it up a bit with an androgynous, frayed tee (Topshop). Or go fashion-forward with floral pants. These are Isabel Marant, but I’ve seen similar designs at SM Department Store. Wear together for maximum irony.


Pink and red
The colors of Cupid’s day, and possibly the crayons most worn out in classrooms across the country. 


Hubby or fiancé taking you out on an expensive, classy dinner? Show up in this mullet dress (Topshop) in a shade that perfectly straddles blush and lipstick red. The fluttery fabric is soft and romantic, the crossover bodice is sexy and the uneven hem is fashionable — but not too much to puzzle your date.




Dateless darlings can appropriate Valentine’s Day cards too. I recommend moping in separates that combine the day’s signature colors: wear this bright red sweater (Kamiseta) with eye-searing fuchsia jeans (Heritage 1981 by Forever 21) and top with a giant hair bow (Forever 21), then give couples dirty looks as they edge past you.



I Heart You

It’s only logical that day of hearts = heart prints. Dresses and blouses made from sheer fabric with dotted with little hearts are a bit clichéd, however, so try these takes:

This classic LBD (Yep, another Topshop dress) is simple, but reveals a daring heart-shaped cut-out when you turn around. Wear it to the theater / museum / concert with a date you don’t mind rubbing your back all night.



Spend V-day with other singletons wearing shirts emblazoned with big cartoony hearts. People won’t figure out if you’re celebrating or mocking them. Bonus: with a bit of paint and a stencil you can DIY your own shirt!

(left: Wildfox sweater; right: Forever 21 Lovestruck tee)


Lingerie

Single, taken, multi-partnered or happily alone; sweet or bitter; get yourself some new lingerie on Valentine’s Day – it’s more of a gesture of self-love anyway as nine times out of 10 no one will see it. You can be as sweetly demure or naughtily sexy as you want. Just pick out something that’ll make you smile to know you have it on, underneath your clothes.



What are you planning to wear on Valentine’s Day?

Katrina Atienza, writer, wife, mom of two and fashion devotee, blogs at Plus Size Fasyon Mudra. Follow her on Twitter (@iggyatienza).