You will L.O.V.E. Holley’s post today! Next week is Valentine’s Day and she has pulled together a Cupid-curated ensemble sure to take you from Love on the Rocks to Be Still My Heart!

Valentine’s Day is the day we celebrate love and romance symbolized by the color red. Cupid is another Valentine’s Day symbol, and in classical mythology Cupid is the god of desire, love, attraction and affection.  So let’s talk about some beautiful red outfits we love, are attracted to, and possibly desire!

Two interesting facts about the color red:

  1. Seeing the color red can make your heart beat faster…
  2. …and I’m pretty sure when you see this week’s Pinterest board, your heart may even skip a beat!

Let’s start off with casual red outfits and accessories.  I love a red jacket paired with jeans.  Just add sneakers or animal print flats.  Doesn’t get any cuter than that!  And red-checked in anything from a jacket to a pair of rain boots is adorable.  This is the time of year to think about adding a red cable sweater to your wardrobe.  Maybe you are desiring a pair of red rain boots or rain gear.  And what looks better under cloudy skies than a red umbrella?  Red shoes with jeans are another great way to add a pop of color to your ensemble.  

No matter how gray it is outside, when you add a little red to your wardrobe, the clouds seem to disappear.  If you want to purchase one statement piece this season, I would suggest a red handbag.  A red Sophie Hulme bag has been the perfect pop of color for so many of my outfits….especially my black and white ones.  Plus, it looks awesome with blue and white denim in the spring.  I just love it when my favorite accessories transition to the next season!  I have been crushing on a red Louis Vuitton backpack.

Don’t you think a red backpack would be a great addition to a travel wardrobe?  There is nothing like a red piece of luggage at the airport to stand out.  Isn’t that the idea?

Besides being the color that represents love, red is also a power color.  So let’s talk about incorporating red into your work or committee wardrobe. A classic red dress or suit is the perfect power look.  I love a red jacket with a floral skirt, and in the winter just add tights.  I dare you to think outside the red box….what about a red leather skirt or pants?  I’m serious.  If the length and fit are conservative, then why not?  Add a pair of nude pumps and possibly a leopard print handbag. Throw a sweater or jacket over your shoulders, and you’ll have a red hot look that’s powerful and professional!

But this is the month of romance, and what is more romantic than a red evening gown or red cocktail dress?  Are you going to the Kimbell Art Museum’s “Red Party” or possibly the Tarrant County “Heart Ball” this year?  Start thinking ahead about how you want to radiate in a beautiful red dress.  There are so many options, from off the shoulder gowns to strapless.  My favorite is a beautiful midi length cocktail dress complemented with a little bling.

For a causal Valentine party, think about wearing a red tulle maxi skirt topped with a black leather jacket, or possibly a red midi skirt with a black and white striped top.  Both of these will be great for transitioning into spring.  How desirable is that?

Be sure to watch the short video on our Pinterest board featuring a gorgeous red Vera Wang dress.  The title of the song is The Other Side of Hope.  Just like there are many shades of red, there are also many shades of hope.  And knowing that actually makes my heart skip a beat!

Holley Williams is a personal stylist specializing in closet inventory, seasonal shopping, closet organization and wardrobe consultation.  Contact Holley at [email protected].