Let’s all be honest right now. This is a safe place, right? By the time my husband gets home from work, which is later because he’s a resident at Wake Forest, I am wearing either my pajamas or sweatpants and big old sweatshirt. I love to dress up when I’m not at home, but by the time I get home…my standards have gone way down and it’s all about comfort.

I’m changing that for Valentine’s Day because my poor hubby only sees in my pajamas or sweats. We will be going out to eat for a little Valentine’s date and I’ll dress up then, but I’m also vowing to step up my at-home wardrobe, too. Stay tuned for a future article on how to amp up your casual-wear at home. Today I’m sharing some of my ideas for your Valentine’s Day outfit with your sweetie!

For a Date Night In:

Are you cooking together this Valentine’s Day? It’s always fun to spend time together in the kitchen and I love to make it extra special on Valentine’s Day by wearing something dressier than usual. My favorite date-night-in outfit is skinny jeans, a sparkly top and high heels or booties. If you want to dress it up even more, think about bringing out that little black dress in the back of your closet that you don’t wear enough. Add some sparkle in your necklace or earrings and voila! you’re all set for a romantic date night in.

For a Dinner Out:

My sweetie and I usually go out to eat a few days after Valentine’s to avoid the crazy restaurant crowds. I love to choose a fancier place than usual to make it extra special. Fancy doesn’t necessarily mean expensive! There are so many delicious affordable options here in Winston-Salem. For my date-night look, I usually wear a festive sweater dress with tights and high-heeled boots. Now that I’m pregnant, I may swap those high-heels for flats! I also love to rock a wrap dress because wrap dresses are oh-so-flattering and fun anytime I wear them.

3 Quick Tips to Dress Up Any Outfit:

Take a look at my 3 go-to tips to dress up any outfit for a special occasion. If I am standing in front of the mirror and feel like I need something else to add or my outfit needs a boost, I go to one (or all) of these tips. It’s no fail! Give it a try!

• Add extra sparkle! Pick a couple of necklaces to layer, some dazzling earrings, dangles and/or a fun hair clip.
• Pair heels with your outfit. Anytime you add heels to your outfit, you instantly elevate (literally) your outfit to a dressier level. This could mean pumps or boots. You choose!
• Add a blazer or dressy jacket. I love to add my velvet blazer if I am feeling a little sassy. It looks great with a pair of skinny jeans and heels.