By MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
When the time comes to choose your Valentine’s Day fashions, local fashion gurus said you can choose to follow the trends… or you can choose not to follow the trends.
It’s all up to you, they said.
Waterbury fashion stylist Hannah Vitarelli took a look at what has been on the runways and in the boutiques. And for those women looking for trends to wear on the traditional day of love, she said think about “pops of color.”
“When thinking Valentine’s Day,” said Vitarelli, “red and pink are the first colors to pop into mind.”
Wolcott’s Alyssa Anderson, a former prom stylist and currently Miss Watertown, said. “There is no specific color that you need to wear but some of my favorites are red, pink, and black.”
“If you are one to stick to neutrals, play around this Valentine’s Day,” Vitarelli said. “Try mixing shades of reds and pinks to create a fun fashion forward look.”
“Monochromatic outfits are a unique styling trend this season that can introduce color into any wardrobe,” said Vitarelli.
Anderson also said, “There’s no right or wrong when it comes to Valentine’s Day outfits, but when it comes to spending the night out with your significant other, you never want to be underdressed.”
“Valentine’s Day, to me, is a day where you can go a bit over the top when it comes to fashion and makeup,” said Anderson. “Some hot ticket items to keep an eye out for this Valentine’s Day are dresses and jumpsuits.”
“A dress is a staple for date night, but there are so many ways to dress up jeans. Heels can easily amp up the look of any outfit,” said Vitarelli.
“Also,” Anderson said, “you can take any outfit to the next level with your makeup. I love to amp up my outfits with a smoky eye, winged eyeliner, false eyelashes, and a bold red lip.”
Naugatuck’s Katrina Orsini, the founder of Hartford Fashion Week, said she’s not one to recommend that women blindly follow trends. Instead, she suggested following one’s own muse.
Torrington’s Julia Sloan of Brazen Bettie’s follows a similar philosophy.
“My best advice [on how] to make Valentine’s Day your own is to first figure out how you want to feel and then dress for that occasion,” said Orsini.
“Wear your mood on your sleeve this Valentine’s Day instead of actual hearts,” said Sloan. “Take the guesswork out, and the pressure off, by first checking in with yourself. How do you feel? What tone do you want to set? Do you want excitement and romance? Or are you vibing more with a low key hang?”
“Once you have that piece figured out, everything will be coming up roses,” said Sloan.
“If you are going out for a romantic dinner, I would suggest looking at recent red carpet looks that put a contemporary spin on Old Hollywood glamour,” said Orsini. “This will help for both fashion and make-up inspiration.”
“If you want to have an extremely sexy night, perhaps a night in is best so you can dress the part there’s no shortage of lingerie or candle sales at this time of the year,” said Orsini. “For the folks looking for that Valentine’s Day sizzle and spice opt for touches of black lace,” said Sloan, “Add strategic splashes of red, think red nail polish and lipstick or sexy red heels/boots.”
“If you’re looking for a comfy night together, try looking at a chunky knit or oversize sweater,” said Orsini. “They are both cute and cozy for snuggling in to watch a good movie.”
“If you have a movie night and snuggle-fest planned,” said Sloan, “be sure to wear your best lingerie under some cozy PJ’s. It’s sure to be a thrilling evening.”
“A well-wrapped scarf can kick a sweater up a notch and can be tossed off when you’re relaxed,” said Orsini.
“Finally, if you are ditching the holiday all together and are opting for a Gal-entine’s, I suggest wearing the one thing in your closet you always want to wear but never seem to find the right occasion,” said Orsini “No one is more likely to support your favorite wacky ensemble than your girls.”
“As you pal and prowl around with your Gal-entine’s Day crew, add some sparkle to stand out. Glitter fashion trends can be found everywhere and on everything,” said Sloan.
“The most important trends are self-love and self-confidence,” said Sloan. “They go hand-in-hand.”
“Cupid can’t resist someone that exudes confidence,” said Sloan.
“If you’re taking the holiday by the horns,” said Orsini, “grab your closet by them, too.”
