Nikki’s Inbox: To Dress or Not to Dress
(The Valentine’s Day Dilemma)
Hi Nikki,
My boyfriend and I are celebrating our first Valentine’s day together. He’s taking me somewhere for dinner (I don’t know where, it’s a surprise) and I don’t know what to wear! We’ve been dating for a month now and I still want to impress him. I’m a bit of tomboy and I’m always in jeans or shorts. I don’t usually wear dresses but would like to make the effort for our date. Please help – what to wear?
Janice
Oh vacations! I miss them but I missed my gorgeous readers, too! Good thing I came back just in time for your dilemma.
There are times when I don’t love sweet surprises and this is definitely one of them! I always prefer an advance notice for such events so I can look my best. Personally, my dress-for-a-date philosophy is always dress for the place and occasion. Not knowing where you’re going makes coordinating an outfit a bit tricky, but not entirely a disaster.
Since it is Valentine’s day after all, you can count on him bringing you somewhere romantic, even if it’s not fancy. The burger joint where you shared your first date maybe, or perhaps a home cooked meal (I hope he rehearsed the menu). He wouldn’t be (or shouldn’t be) so smart as to not tell you to dress up if he’s taking you out for some fine dining.
My advice for this date is to go for a look that’s sweet and brings out the girl in you, but remember to stay comfortable and to look suitable for your age. Try a body-conscious one-piece dress and heels for a look that’s a little bit smart, sultry and feminine at the same time. You can choose a strapless dress, for a sexy look, cap sleeves, or with a sweetheart neckline for modesty. You can always cover up with a cropped jacket or cardigan for modesty.
If you want something more casual, try a smart shirt -dress or T -shirt dress. These are a little more relaxed and definitely comfortable to wear. Accessorize with statement earrings, bangles and a lovely bag to upgrade your look. These types of dresses will be a bonus for a tomboy like you; you can wear them again and again when you want to look a little more femme.
More than just being giddy with love, you should feel comfortable sitting through dinner with your guy. If dresses just aren’t your thing, don’t force it. There are other great alternatives, like a pencil or A-line skirt. Halter or strapless jumpsuits are always chic and sassy but again, that may be too mature for you.
Finish it off by spritzing on a yummy fragrance that’s bound to keep his attention focused on you all night – regardless what you’re wearing.
Ultimately, at the end of the date, your attire shouldn’t matter. If he really loves you, he’ll love you in anything, be it a drop-dead sexy dress or your old, teddy bear PJs.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Xoxo,
Nikki
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Tags: accessories, date, dinner, fashion Q&A, mock two-piece, one-piece, perfume, shirtdress, style advice, Valentine's Day, what to wear

























