An Unconventional Yet Stylish Guide for Women this Valentine's Day

Evocative of lingerie, lace has always had a sensual quality to it, making it the perfect choice for a Valentine's Day outfit. So why not try something lacy to evoke a sense of old-world glamour?

For an ultra-sexy look, take cues from Kourtney Kardashian. She pairs a boudoir-inspired, semi-sheer corset style top with fitted, high-waisted pants to accentuate the waist. This sultry, strong yet still feminine look is a perfect way to make a statement for the occasion when teamed with pointed pumps, smokey eyes and a nude lip. 

If you're into a more girlish aesthetic, Miranda Kerr's cami dress in the palest of pink lace is the perfect outfit inspiration. Light-coloured lace may feel a little dated, but the peek-a-boo lace with large floral motif and nude underlay created a truly elegant, statement ensemble that oozed feminine sensuality. Slim cami straps and a body-hugging fit lent modernity to the dress while the scalloped, raw lace hem and midi length provided a touch of romanticism. She teamed the vintage feel dress with a mix of modern and classic accessories. Statement pear-shaped drop earrings hinted at old Hollywood glamour while an angular, silvery box clutch and clear strapped heeled sandals provided that contemporary edge.  

Clean crisp white may not be the first thing that pops to your mind for Valentine's Day, but it can create an ethereal, fairytale look that is just perfect for date night. 

For some serious Grecian goddess vibes, look to influencer Camila Coelho. Her stunning white cut-out dress with o-ring detail featured ruching throughout. The ruching created depth and movement while accentuating the body with its slinky, skintight fit. A high front slit added to the sensuality and she kept her accessories simple with silver hoop earrings and pointed nude, open-toe heels. To add a little drama to the look, she played it up with edgy-romantic make-up, pairing a brown smokey eye with bold lashes and brown lipstick that had a slight rosy hue to it.   

If you're after a princessy vibe, German blogger and model Caroline Daur has got you covered. Her white, milkmaid style dress with subtle, sweetheart neckline and puff sleeves sang of alpine romance and felt reminiscent of Lisel's white dress in 'The Sound Of Music'. Its more fitted, streamlined nature and high slit created a more modern silhouette and the look was accessorised with a statement chunky gold chain choker necklace and Gucci's Mini Diana bag in a deep tan. Her shoes lent a unique fairytale element to the outfit as well. In a tan hue to match the bag, black bow details added a girlish charm. 

Deep, rich and alluring, chocolate brown is not only right on trend this year but provides a great alternative to black. Plus, you know what they say about chocolate being an aphrodisiac. 

Instead of a dress, channel Jeanne Damas' cami and midi-skirt ensemble. The deepest of luxe chocolate browns featured a low, squarish neckline and slim straps. A ruched midi cut just at the keens provided an element of understated Parisian chic glamour as the burst of chocolate brown-hued florals lent ornate femininity that is just perfect for the occasion. Strappy, caramel-toned block heels completed the look while a handbag in a contrasting hue provided a pop of colour.

For something a little more minimalistic, former Victoria Secret Angel, Jasmine Tookes' classy, sultry chocolate brown satin cami dress is one to take inspiration from. Featuring a low V-neckline, flowy, bias cut and body-skimming silhouette, the sensual number evoked the feel of luxurious, melted chocolate. The understated glamour of the dress was teamed with classic pearl accessories in the form of round pearl drop earrings and a teardrop-shaped pearl pendant on a minimalist gold chain. The low V-neckline and longer length chain elongate the neck and showed off the decolletage while bright white accessories like Bottega's pouch bag and strappy, tie-up white heels provided the perfect element of contrast to further highlight the decadent chocolatey hue. 

For sultry sensual vibes, the molten look of satin evokes a truly romantic mood. To create an ethereal fairytale feel for the occasion, go for light-hued satins like influencers Matilda Djerf and Patricia Bright. 

Swedish influencer Matilda Djerf is seen in a stunning silvery grey satin dress with front halter straps. Paired simply with a delicate, minimalistic, short gold chain necklace. The look whispered a quiet, understated glamour, often associated with Scandinavian fashion. A refreshingly elegant date night look, the minimalism of it all lets your natural beauty shine through. For contemporary Cinderella vibes, take inspiration from Patricia Bright's powder blue, satin, cowl neck dress. This is a great shade to go for to create a princessy look and the sleeker, bias-cut of these popular, satin slip dresses helps keep the look chic and modern. Team it with silvery jewellery or a sweep of frosted shadow across your lids to amp up the princess aesthetic.  

If you want a little drama, ruffles are the way to go. Not only do they lend femininity to an outfit, but they evoke a whimsically romantic feel as well – reminiscent of Spanish flamenco dresses. Depending on the type of ruffles and cut of the dress, ruffles can evoke different moods giving you options to suit how you're feeling for the occasion.  

For an edgier ruffle-centred look, try black ruffles for a hint of mystique and ultimate glamour. Former Miss U.S.A Olivia Culpo is seen in two all-black, ruffle ensembles, both of which are just perfect for the occasion. Softer, more feminine ruffles graced a two-piece set comprising of an off-shoulder crop top and full maxi skirt. This dreamy look oozed edgy, modern-day princess vibes. In another look, more structured ruffles are seen on a mini dress. Crisp and chic, the mini dress was teamed with a round clutch and black, strappy high heels that made a strong statement. Though she kept her make-up natural in both the looks, opt for a vampy, burgundy lip, and gold statement jewellery to create a more romantic feel for the evening.

Prints are a great way of expressing yourself so let your personality show this Valentine's Day by opting for a fun one. Prints may not scream "sexy V-Day outfit" but they can be just that when cut in body-hugging silhouettes with features like thigh-high slits. Model Rocky Barnes and style influencers Matilda Djerf and Leonie Hanne prove just that with these printed ensembles.  

Rocky's date night in New York City outfit is one for the powerful tigress who wants to make a statement. Bold, vivacious tiger stripes featured on an elegant figure-hugging midi dress with a high neckline and long sleeves. Cut slightly below the knees, the longer length of the dress lent formality to the animal print while barely there, strappy heeled nude sandals ensured that no attention was taken away from the statement dress. For a fun element, try mixing an animal print like this with a boldly coloured bag just like Rocky. She teamed the dress with Bottega Veneta's pouch bag in a vivid shade of sky blue. 

Who says roses are the only flower for the day? For something a little artsier, let out your creative side and take inspiration from Matilda Djerf's abstract floral print, one-shoulder dress from Rat & Boa. This outfit gave off some seriously whimsical, celestial, bohemian goddess vibes. The asymmetric, flowy hem and thigh-high slit coupled with the toga dress silhouette made for a truly unique statement look and the orchid print floral makes a refreshing change from a rose floral print. The graceful orchid, after all, is said to symbolise things like love, beauty, strength and luxury. Matilda accessorised with a simple yet chic pair of black pointed pumps to ensure that all eyes are on the dress. 

Old glamour seems to be coming back in style so whisk your look to the date nights of yesteryear and try something a little retro. Take inspiration from the queen of vintage glamour herself, Dita Von Teese or for a fresh, modern take on retro-glam, take cues from Danielle Bernstein of We Wore What.

Traditional retro-glam is all about the cocktail dress. Cut much further down the knee, these figure-hugging garments are sometimes known as wiggle dresses and have hems that are cut narrower than the waist. This creates a beautiful, hourglass shape on the body. Dita Von Tesse is pictured in two sensational, head-turning numbers that exuded '50s glamour. 

A stunning jewel-toned blue satin dress with asymmetric ruffle waist and fitted corset style princess cut bodice is seen paired with matching pointed heels, vampy dark red lip, and a statement choker necklace. Jewel tones like emerald green or this almost sapphire-hued royal blue are great options if you're going for a luxuriously elegant look as it adds a hint of regality. Her pitch-black, velvet cocktail dress, on the other hand, featured lacy embroidery peeking at the bust giving it a lingerie dress feel. Black velvet adds drama to a look without being dramatic, personifying understated glamour. It also creates an alluring outfit while the plush fabric amps up the luxe factor. Perfect for special occasions. 

If you're looking for a more quirky, modern interpretation of a retro look, take from Danielle Bernstein who was spotted in two looks that combined bits of retro fashion with more contemporary styles. Cut much shorter than the '50s style cocktail dresses, her white and green mini dresses had a '60s mod feel but featured more contemporary necklines. She teamed the white mini dress with '70s style chunky, raised platform heels in black while long black gloves and a bow hair accessory lent a feminine, girlish charm. The addition of black pantyhose added to the retro feel of the look. Elements like lacy gloves and a black minaudiere are seen teamed with a green mini dress that featured a tiered ruffle skirt. Top handle miniandieres are also another accessory that helps lend a retro feel to a look.