The perfect outfit to wear on your Valentine's date

We're defining dress codes for Valentine's Day, to help you pick an outfit that fits the type of date you're going on. From sundowners to dinner, we have you covered.

Whatever your plans, whether it's a fancy dinner or a casual coffee sesh – we've got the perfect looks for you to wear on your special Valentine's Day date.

Written by Robyn Steinlechner

The dinner date

Oh, The Dinner Date. Nothing goes better with a smart suit than a siren red floral maxi dress. A date-night-ready dress like this is fire, and can be dressed up or down depending on the situation.

DORISE
Free 2BU floral dress 349.95; Accessorize multi-layered necklace 249; Forever New clutch bag 499; Daniel Klein watch 1195; Forever New block heels 899

DAVID
D66 suit jacket 1199.95; D66 mandarin collar shirt 269.95; D66 suit pants 499.95

Sexy sundowners

To easily stun your date while the sun is setting, swap out your jeans for a dark floral frock. This seductive twist on the LBD is edgy without trying too hard. You’ll play the part of the Valentine's vixen in this slightly more dressed-up ensemble. Gents, ditch the trousers; shorts are no longer reserved only for sport or casual wear. Deliver a knockout blow by pulling on a navy shorts suit and checked shirt for a smart summer sundowner.

LUANA
Kelso floral wrap dress 399.95; Dune London diamanté clutch 800; Accessorize multi-layered necklace 299; Forever New leaf-detail earrings 149; earrings (set of 4) 79.95

OBED
Stone Harbour checked shirt 479.95; Stone Harbour navy shorts 299.95; Signature suit jacket 1099.95

A coffee date

If your crush wants to meet up for a cuppa, achieving a style that appears casual yet effortlessly chic is the ultimate goal. For this laid-back meet-up, we love a tried-and-tested T-shirt and pleated skirt combo teamed with trainers. In fact this stylish look works all year long, and transforms well from day to night – just swap in some killer heels and go. For the guys, play it cool in stylish stripes.

DORISE
Free 2BU T-shirt with slogan 99.95; Free 2BU floral pleated skirt 299.95; Forever New belt bag 499; hoop earrings 59.95; rings (set of 3) 79.95; rings (set of 5) 79.95; Steve Madden platform sneakers 999

DAVID
JX basic T-shirt; D66 trousers 499.95; D66 striped shirt 399.95; JX sneakers 499.95

A fine bromance

Guys, if your Valentine’s Day involves hanging out with your boys, which in turn means hitting up the swankiest bars, but you don't know what to wear – don’t worry, we're here to help. Bro culture is on the rise and hanging with the homies calls for a bold balancing act – casual with a hint of cool. Pair chinos with a crisp shirt and blazer or change up your chinos for some denim and you’re ready to rock 'n roll.

OBED
Signature suit jacket 1199.95; Signature shirt 399.959; Stone Harbour denim jeans 599.95; Daniel Klein watch 1495

DAVID
Charter Club blazer 1999.95; Charter Club shirt 499.95; Charter Club chinos 599.95

A casual hangout

A cool yet casual date outfit is a must when a dose of Netflix and Chill is on the romance menu. Although the outing doesn’t require the same standard of dress as dining at a five-star restaurant, it does merit some effort in the style department. For a more comfortable outfit, wear an effortless sweater paired with joggers and add some statement sneakers.

DORISE
Jabari graphic-print crew sweater 329.95; Jabari joggers 329.95; printed bucket hat 169.95; belt bag 80; rings (set of 4) 79.95; Puma sneakers 1299.95

DAVID
Jabari striped crew neck top 249.95; JX distressed denims 699.95; Converse sling bag 349.95; belt 129.95; Steve Madden camo sneakers 1399

SHOP FASHION 

Fashion editor: Rushana Burton. Fashion assistant: Primrose Skolo. Creative director: Taryn Rhoda. Stills photography: Paulo Toureiro/Hero Creative. Models: Dorise/Pulse. Luana/The Circle. Obed/Grace. David/Ice G. David/Grace.