February’s a short yet sweet month where we celebrate love in different forms — be it with our family (Chinese New Year from 12 February), best friends (Galentine’s Day on 13 February) or better halves (Valentine’s Day on 14 February). With these back-to-back occasions taking place in less than a fortnight away, we’ve put together a style guide featuring three versatile fashion items that will help you to look your best as you go from intimate gatherings to cosy dinner dates with your beau. Read on to learn more.
Red wrap dress
The wrap dress looks flattering on almost all types of figures because its V neckline helps to create the illusion of a lengthier frame while its waist tie design further defines your waist. The bright red frock below is by none other than Diane Von Furstenberg, who made the wrap dress a style staple; it’s cut from crepe and is designed with elegant blouson sleeves.
Clockwise from left: Diane Von Furstenberg ‘Londyn’ Dress, USD422.66 (Photo from: Net-A-Porter.com), Charles & Keith Fruits Drops Earrings, SGD39.90/~USD30 (Photo from: charleskeith.com), Charles & Keith Textured Panelled Shoulder Bag, SGD69.90/~USD52 (Photo from: charleskeith.com) and Kate Spade New York Swing Kitten Heels, USD198
Style it: Planning a trip to your favourite aunt’s place this Chinese New Year? Deck yourself in the wrap dress and style it with colourful, relative-approved accessories, such as a pair of earrings with cheerful, fruit-inspired charms, and a coral shoulder bag that’s big enough to store your red packets. Complete the look by slipping into a pair of matching red kitten heels for a tiny height boost.
Clockwise from left: Diane Von Furstenberg ‘Londyn’ Dress, USD422.66 (Photo from: Net-A-Porter.com), Pandora Pink Swirl Heart Collier Necklace, SGD349/~USD262, CHANEL Mini Flap Bag in Lambskin, SGD5,690/~USD4,279 (Photo from: CHANEL.com), Charles & Keith Bow Ankle Strap Sandals, SGD53.90/~USD40 (Photo from: charleskeith.com)
Style it: Did someone say “swanky candlelit dinner?” Swap out your colourful accessories for more luxe-looking gems in the evening as you and your partner dine out at the latest restaurant in town. Don the same flattering Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress and highlight your collarbone with a dainty necklace. Then, top it off with a classic flap bag and a pair of ankle-strap sandals and you’re all set for a chic evening ahead.
Bright cropped cardigan
If you’ve been living in your oversized knit cardigans for a while now, it’s time that you consider adding a cropped cardigan to your wardrobe too. Check out Pomelo’s knitted button-up, which easily doubles up as a blouse to give you more options to style it for different occasions. Plus, its light orange hue goes beautifully with other vibrant red items in your closet as well.
Clockwise from left: Pomelo Knitted Button-up Crop Top, SGD34/~USD25 (Photo from: pomelofashion.com), My Accessories London Knotted Headband, SGD11.99/~USD9 (Photo from: asos.com), Mango Knitted Crop Top, SGD45.90/~USD34 (Photo from: mango.com), Zimmermann Riders Printed Crepe Shorts, USD324.40 (Photo from: Net-A-Porter.com)
Style it: Playing host to an at-home hotpot sesh for your closest friends? Treat the knitted button-up as a fun outerwear piece and layer it over a lounge-ready ensemble consisting of a crop top and drawstring shorts. Don’t forget to put your hair back in a headband too — perfect for when you and your buds feast on a variety of mouthwatering delicacies.
Clockwise from left: Pomelo Knitted Button Up Crop Top, SGD34/~USD25 (Photo from: pomelofashion.com), ASOS Design Bun Cuff in leaf design, SGD11.99/~USD9 (Photo from: asos.com), Glint Jewelry Adjustable Chain Ring With A Glint, SGD63.75/~USD48 (Photo from: siftandpick.com), UNIQLO Women Washer Satin Skirt Pants, SGD39.90/~USD29 (Photo from: uniqlo.com)
Style it: No fancy dinner dates, no problem. If you and your beau are opting for a cosy, homecooked dinner this Valentine’s Day, you can still dress up in a chic and comfortable ensemble that will sweep them off their feet. Style the knitted button-up with a pair of satin skirt pants, which feature side slits, an elastic waistband and a contoured silhouette. For accessories, go for a touch of gold with a bun cuff and a romantic ring which stars a red garnet heart-shaped design.
Embroidered puff sleeve blouse
We’re no strangers to the puff sleeve blouse, given how it’s such a fun and feminine piece which we can effortlessly dress up with a wraparound skirt or dress down with a pair of denim jeans. With this, we’ve set our eyes on Sézane’s Anton cotton-linen blouse, which comes with delicate embroidery detail and elbow-length puffed sleeves to make our ensembles look even lovelier in time for the festive season.
Clockwise from left: Sézane Anton Shirt, EUR95/~USD115 (Photo from: sezane.com), Nike ‘Just Do It’ Cap, SGD11.49/~USD8 (Photo from: asos.com), Zara Wide-leg Ripped Jeans, SGD69.90/~USD52 (Photo from: zara.com), Superga 2750 Hearts Embroidery White-Silver Shoes, SGD89.90/~USD67 (Photo from: superga.com)
Style it: If you’ve made plans to participate in a few outdoor activities with your besties during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday, consider dressing up in a stylish yet appropriate ensemble that subtly celebrates the festive season. Above, we’ve styled the blouse with a sporty red cap, a pair of ripped jeans and a pair of cotton canvas shoes which are designed with heart embroidery details.
Clockwise from left: Sézane Anton Shirt, EUR95/~USD115 (Photo from: sezane.com), Fendi FF0437S Sunglasses, price unavailable (Photo courtesy of Safilo), Mango Flowy Printed Skirt, SGD89.90/~USD67 (Photo from: mango.com), Charles & Keith Sculptural Heel Pointed Toe Mules, SGD59.90/~USD45 (Photo from: charleskeith.com)
Style it: From interlocking fingers with your date to whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears, nothing spells simple romance quite like taking a leisurely stroll around the park. Dress for the intimate affair with the same puffed sleeve blouse, but this time with a pair of sunnies, a floral printed skirt and fashion-forward sculptural heels.
What are you looking forward to the most this February?
(Cover photos from: siftandpick.com, asos.com and Net-A-Porter.com)
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