I think we can all agree that too much pressure is placed on this single day to celebrate love each year. Maybe you’re dating someone new, maybe you’re getting a babysitter and are looking forward to a precious night out with your long-term love. Maybe you’ll be celebrating your friendships on Galentine’s Day instead. Whatever you are up to, once plans are made, our minds instantly snap to the next important considerations: should we buy a card? Is a gift too much? And, of course, what will we wear?

The last thing we need is to add stress to our lives worrying about finding the perfect look. Instead, when looking for Valentine’s Day outfit ideas this year, look to your own wardrobe for inspiration. The key thing when dressing for a date – and indeed for life – is that you want to project a happy and relaxed sense of confidence. As a fashion director, I turn to well-loved outfit formulas that have served me time and time again. It’s important to be comfortable if you want to project confidence, and because it’s February, I’m thinking layers and outerwear.

Here are three failsafe formulas for the perfect Valentine’s Day outfit that you can build from what you have in your wardrobe already. Read on to be inspired.  

At this time of year, coat-first dressing is essential. Whether you opt for a tailored overcoat, as seen here, or a wild and fluffy faux fur number, it’s going to be the first thing your date sees. It is also the perfect thing to pair with your evening dress if you are going for a more formal evening out – perhaps for a dinner date at the restaurant of the moment. 

Mix pretty and romantic lace with a classic woollen overcoat. The styling trick of adding coloured tights and shoes to match – especially in cherry red – makes this whole look feel really contemporary. And crucially, it adds an extra element of warmth to beat the February chill. 

Denim is traditionally a workwear staple, so it’s the perfect fabric to turn to if you’re keen to keep things looking cool. Also, a full denim look is comfy, so you’ll feel like yourself – a must for dates and a given with friends.  

Barrel and wide-leg jeans are the styles I am currently reaching for. Pair these with a simple denim shirt, ankle boots and a tonal coat for an easy, undone look that’s perfect for the cinema or pub. 

If you favour a skirt, a boxy denim jacket worn with a midi skirt in the corresponding denim wash, as seen above, is a modern take on a cocktail dressing. 

When you have an outfit that you are broadly happy with but perhaps needs some sparkle, look to accessories. The accessory of the moment is a bonnet. Or a small bag in a bright colour will add some instant charm to your look. 

If you’re yet to purchase a bonnet, tie a woollen or silk triangle scarf around your head to create a similar vibe. This cute, eclectic style is perfect for mooching around at an exhibition solo or with friends. 

I also love the addition of a heavy boot, which is a surefire way to cut through the sweetness of any look and will keep you comfy, too. 

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands