Valentine’s Day: a day that’s filled with glitz and glamor. Though we often associate Valentine’s Day with partners, romantic relationships and gift-giving, there are plenty of other positives to the holiday. With that being said, whether you’re single or in a relationship, Valentine’s Day will always have your back in terms of fashion. Who doesn’t enjoy being impressionable?
Fashion is much deeper than clothing. Fashion holds the power to make us feel worthy, confident and appreciated. Fashion indicates that we know how to express ourselves and do what makes our brains feel satisfied. Fashion is widely accepted regardless of who you are.
Stereotypically, Valentine’s Day centers around the colors pink and red. Though anyone is free to dress in whatever colors they feel the most confident in, the most evident colors of Valentine’s Day are premeditated. The holiday is about gracious hearts and safety, and red and pink symbolize those feelings. As of 2023 and 2024, Valentine’s Day has taken over many aesthetics. Some of the most apparent aesthetic categories the holiday would falls under are “coquette” and “clean.”
Coquette
The coquette aesthetic is a favorite from several people. A major factor of this favoritism stems from the fact that bows, lace, fruit and jewelry are primary indications of the aesthetic. Additionally, coquette can fall into several other subcategories; some of the categories can be “dark coquette,” “light coquette,” “pink coquette” and “academia coquette.” Dark coquette offers a more grunge side of fashion, while light coquette includes plenty of whites and beiges. Pink coquette is the usage of several pink shades, and academia coquette is amongst the grunge aesthetic with more old-school variations.
In terms of Valentine’s Day, all of these aesthetics are wonderful. Each of the intricate styles offer romantic views of what different personalities consider loving. Shakespeare is one of the most notable and prolific romance writers of all time. He had a darker aesthetic than many, but it was just as iconic.
The implementation of bows, lace, fruit and jewelry have made an enormous impact on several generations. Bows are seen as flirtatious, and lace is seen as seductive – in an innocent way. Fruits are seen as edible, and jewelry adds detail. Some of the most popular patterns and items in terms of fruits are strawberries and cherries. In addition, the use of gold jewelry and pearls have popularized. With these aesthetic indicators, it is evident that coquette follows a guideline of romantic and fascinating. For further explanation, an example of coquette would be the album “Born to Die” by Lana Del Rey.
Clean
The clean aesthetic has lived in several people’s heads for years. It is exactly what it sounds like: neutral, sleek and classy. The clean aesthetic is based on neutral colors that include pastels, beiges, tans and whites. Lots of pajama sets and matching sets are implemented. With a matching set, you will always be ready for the day. In terms of Valentine’s Day, matching sets are popular because skirts, dresses and sweatsuits can be seen as romantic, flirtatious and affectionate.
Along with this aesthetic, makeup and hair is important to consider. Slicked back hairstyles, wavy curls and curtain bangs are admired within this look. With a clean aesthetic, attraction will follow wherever you go. Short and clean nails, a lip oil and light “soap brow,” or– eyebrow gel pulling the eyebrow hairs upward, – will qualify you for the desired aesthetic.
Instead of feeling the need to acquire a specific look, the “clean” look can take you miles. With your friends, significant others or family, you are guaranteed to make an impression with the polished look. Though there is no legitimate description of what a clean aesthetic may be, the easiest explanation is to look spotless; spotless can be your own version. Remember to always be authentic.
The aesthetics provided for a Valentine’s Day look are simply suggestions based on previous trends. I believe that the most important part of Valentine’s Day is self-love and appreciation for one’s existence. No matter how you dress, look, act or appear to others, you will always be a romantic and irresistible entity that everybody should love.
Fashion provides a sense of self-fulfillment that many don’t understand. The ability to individually indulge in a holiday – unfortunately stigmatized for the need of others’ validation – is a wonderful attribute. Valentine’s Day provides a chance to complete the second part of a New Year’s Resolution, which is the implementation of your goals.
Instead of expecting flowers from others – or expected to give flowers to others – give them to yourself! Buy yourself the corset. Get yourself a box of chocolates. Do your makeup. Get your car detailed. Do your nails. Buy a new hoodie. Tell yourself “I love you.”
I hope your day is filled with love, romance, value and acknowledgment. Let today wash away any of your insecurities, and realize your eternal worth.
To my readers, you are my forever Valentines.
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