Valentine's Week on YCS: What to Wear – Curvy Girls

By Erika, Resident Fashionista

Forget Valentine’s Day . . . we’re having Valentine’s Week here on YCS!  All week long we’re bringing you all sorts of ideas for Valentine’s Day – including date-night outfits, budget chic, men’s style, hair and make-up tips, and even last minute gift ideas (I’m talking you’re buying them at 10am on Valentine’s Day last minute gift ideas)!  Admittedly, Valentine’s Day is not my favorite holiday.  It has nothing to do with my single gal status (though, I’m taking applications for anyone who might be up for the job of being my Valentine).  I’ve never been really into the holiday.  But, any excuse to put together fun outfits for our favorite readers is reason enough to celebrate on YCS!

Up first is my post all about what curvy girls can wear for V-Day (or D-Day – whatever you wish to call it).  I’ve put together dressier looks for date night or drinks and more casual looks for a girls’ night in or a an afternoon with the kiddies.  And, I made a point to pull clothing that was ALREADY IN MY CLOSET!  That’s right, these looks are exclusively from items I already own.  You can absolutely look fabulous with what you already have!

Post-Work Cocktails or Date Night

The thing I love about this look is that it is versatile enough to wear to the office but you can still look very sleek and sexy for cocktails or date night.  Leather details are still all the rage, so I put a turtleneck on under my favorite faux-leather peplum top.  If you want to show some more skin, simply ditch the turtleneck (and grab a warm coat!).

YCS Tip: If you’re body shape is rectangular (like mine) adding peplum will give an illusion of curves on your body.  Add a pencil skirt to balance out the fullness of the peplum.

Turtleneck: H&M I Top: Fashion to Figure I Skirt: Mossimo for Target I Tights + Belt: Dressbarn I Shoes: BCGB Paris I Clutch: Nneka Saran I Watch: Charming Charlie I Earrings + Necklace: My Own

Dinner with Your Fave Ladies

I love spending Valentine’s Day with my girlfriends (I prefer my man to dote on me 365 days a year.  J/K.  But not really)!  For dinner with the girls, I picked a cute, ladylike ensemble.  I love the way this full skirt falls and, even though it’s modest, it’s still a bit flirty.

YCS Tip: To avoid feeling like a five-year-old, mix in Valentine’s Day-themed colors (like red, pink, or white) in your accessories.

Turtleneck: H&M I Skirt, Bracelet, + Earrings: Avenue I Scarf: Michael Kors I Rings: Charming Charlie + My Own I Belt + Tights: Dressbarn

Fun Activity

Disclaimer: I would totally wear an outfit like this to do something like bowling, go-karts, or some other fun Valentine’s Day activity that isn’t dinner, drinks, movies, etc.  So yes, I am the girl who wears heels bowling and packs her own socks and gloats mercilessly when she wins (which is rarely because I suck at bowling).

If you’ve got a more fun activity planned for V-Day that doesn’t require a dress, try something like the outfit below.  Skinny jeans and a sleek button down look dressy-casual and are perfect for more non-traditional activities.  Again, the red accents are a subtle reminder that it is Valentine’s Day without going overboard.

YCS Tip: Vertical stripes are your friend.  That is all (in my Miranda Priestly voice).

Shirt + Jeans: Avenue I Belt: Dressbarn I Shoes: Nine West I Clutch: Vintage

Hanging with the Kiddies or Alone

It’s also OK to totally embrace Valentine’s Day and pile on your favorite V-Day inspired colors!  I decided to wear red, pink, AND white!  A simple white button down always looks sleek.  Paired with red jeans, a pink cashmere sweater, and pink ballet flats it screams “it’s V-Day and I’m embracing that!” This look is cool, comfortable, and easy to move in – whether you’re doing arts and crafts at your child’s school or curling up for a Rom-Com love fest with Ben and Jerry.

YCS Tip: It’s perfectly OK to mix and match shades of pink and red.  Go for a softer shade of pink (like baby pink) to complement strong, red hues.

Shirt: Dressbarn I Jeans + Watch: Avenue I Ballet Flats: H&M I Sweater: Just Cashmere by Forte I Necklaces + Earrings: My Own I Rings: H&M + Bauble Bar

Don’t forget to tune into YCS all week long as we celebrate Valentine’s Day.  Do you guys love or hate V-Day?  Do you have plans?  And, most importantly, what are you wearing?

Your Chic is Showing,

Photo Credits: Rob Bergsted