On Valentines Day, there will always be one everlasting dilemma that brings all women together, regardless of relationship status. This phrase, while uttered countless times throughout the year, rings a higher note of importance on the day of St. Valentine: “What do I wear?”

Yep, that’s right. Whether you’re snuggling with a pint or two of Ben & Jerry’s (we suggest the cinnamon bun flavor), hitting the town with the girls, or heading to dinner with a love interest, the question remains. 

We all want to look fabulous without looking like we put in any effort. That is, unless you think he’s going to — God help us — propose. In that case, put down this paper and start primping!

For the rest of us ring-less schmucks, we give you Valentine’s Day Dressing 101.

 

Just you and Ryan Gosling…in ‘The Notebook’

 

We’ve all been there, and sometimes consuming unforgiveable amounts of junk food is actually, well, forgivable. There’s a trick to this method of self-loathing, however, and it’s to not let it follow you to next week. 

Trade your ice cream for some frozen yogurt and swap your milk chocolate for Dove dark chocolate: fewer calories and love in the form of foil wrappers — hey, beggars can’t be choosers. 

Give yourself a good night’s sleep and in the morning rock your sexiest sweats at the gym. Some mood-boosting cardio paired with the way those yoga pants hug your hips will help fill the void Allie and Noah left in your heart. 

Plus, yoga pants will be comfortable even after all that frozen yogurt.

 

Ladies night

 

You’re too independent to get caught up in this Valentine’s Day stuff, so you and your girls are proving it out on the town. 

You want to dance on the sexy line, but be careful not to cross into trashy territory. Stick to a dress with leggings or a sassy pair of leather pants. 

You’re not out to impress anyone, so now is the time to experiment. Don’t skip the heels!

 

It’s complicated

 

You’re stuck in flirtatious limbo.  You never know how to respond when your friends as what you two are.  All you know is that you have Valentine’s Day plans and that’s just as good as a label, right? Wrong. 

Amp your outfit up to the next level and hope your relationship follows. 

Let your shirt dip a little low, but wear a clear beaded necklace to cover any traces of racy. It’ll drive him crazy knowing what’s hiding behind that curtain of crystals. 

Push him over the edge by applying an appropriate shade of lipstick topped with gloss. 

Your perfect pout will keep him wondering: Will that lipstick be smudged by the end of the night? 

 

You’re comfortable

 

I commend you on landing and keeping a significant other around long enough to integrate them into your daily routine. 

Now it’s more than just looks, it’s about what’s on the inside. And by inside, I mean lingerie. 

Slip a cocktail dress or sequined sweater over your lacy surprise and top it off with some dazzling earrings to keep him off his guard.

 

Expecting a ring?

 

What did I tell you? Put this paper down and get ready! But make sure you slip on something sentimental. 

Whether it be the shirt you wore the first time you kissed, one of the six dresses you bought out of nerves before your very first date, or the earrings he put so much thought in and bought for your three-year anniversary, give yourself a little reminder of why tonight will be the best night of your life… for now.