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New Look Valentine’s Outfit Ideas at Midsummer Place MK
Hey everyone! Today were on the topic of Valentines, and if you’re anything like me, you probably feel that sudden "what on earth am I going to wear" panic the second February hits the calendar.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you have a massive romantic dinner planned or you’re just grabbing a casual drink with your best friends, finding the right outfit is always a bit of a mission.
I have some pretty exciting news to share, too. I’m now an official ambassador for Midsummer Place! Being part of the ambassador family means I spend a lot of time wandering the halls of the centre, scouting out the best deals and the newest arrivals. I basically get to be your eyes and ears on the ground in Milton Keynes, making sure you don't miss out on the good stuff.
So, naturally, for my latest mission, I headed straight to New Look. I wanted to see if I could find some Valentine’s looks that actually feel wearable. I was looking for pieces that are cute, comfortable, and most importantly don’t cost a fortune. And let me tell you, I found some absolute gems.
The Wild Card: The Ruffled Romper
The first look I want to mention is this dark floral/lace ruffled romper.
This is for the girl who wants to stand out. It’s very short, very ruffly, and very feminine. It almost has a vintage or "coquette" feel to it. Pairing this with the heavy black boots was a must for me, it keeps the ruffles from looking too "girly-girl" and adds a bit of weight to the look.
How to style it:
- Since the ruffles are very feminine, I’d pair this with a chunky oversized blazer. It balances out the short length and adds a bit of structure to the look.
- I definitely recommend sticking with a heavy black boot like I did here. It stops the outfit from looking too "preppy" and gives it a bit of a rock-and-roll edge.
- Because the romper has a lot of texture and ruffles, keeping your hair sleek or in a high ponytail helps the outfit look intentional.
- Let the ruffles do the talking! You don't need a necklace with this neckline, so maybe just stick to some silver rings or a simple bracelet.
The Power of the Little Black Dress (LBD)
Next we have an absolute classic. You really can’t go wrong with a black dress. It’s the ultimate "safe" choice that always looks expensive and put-together. But for Valentine’s Day, I wanted something with a bit of an edge.
In this look, I’m wearing this stunning off-the-shoulder black mini dress. What I love about this is the neckline. It’s straight across, which feels a bit more modern and sleek than a standard V-neck. The long sleeves keep it balanced since the length is on the shorter side.
I paired this with some tall black boots. This is my favorite trick for winter dates. It keeps your legs a bit warmer, and it tones down the "dressiness" just enough so you don't feel overdressed.
How to style it:
- Since the neckline is the star here, I’d skip a necklace and go for some bold statement earrings instead. It keeps the look clean but still adds that "wow" factor.
- If you're heading out for dinner, a long camel or cream wool coat looks so sophisticated draped over your shoulders. It creates a nice contrast against the black.
- You can’t wear an LBD on Valentine's Day without a red lip! It’s the easiest way to make the whole outfit feel romantic and intentional.
Tip: If it’s freezing outside (which, let's be real, it usually is in February), throw on some sheer black tights and a long camel coat. You'll look like you just stepped off a plane from Paris.
Dark Romance: The Brown Bodycon
If you want something between a casual jean look and a fancy black dress, this dark chocolate brown mini dress is the winner.
It has a square neckline and long sleeves. The fabric is a bit thicker, which I appreciated because it feels more supportive (and warm which is always a win!). Brown is a great alternative to black—it feels a bit softer and looks amazing with gold jewellery.
I wore this with the black boots again (can you tell I love these boots?). It creates a very cohesive, sleek silhouette. This would be my top pick for a "first date" outfit. It’s cute but not intimidating.
How To Style It
- This dress is so sleek that it looks amazing with slicked back hair and some gold chunky earrings.
- To keep it looking sophisticated for a dinner date, throw on a long wool coat in a cream or tan colour.
- The black boots I'm wearing work perfectly, but if you want to dress it up even more, you could swap them for some pointed toe heels to elongate your legs.
- Since the dress is a neutral earthy tone, a deep berry or classic red lipstick really makes the whole look "pop" for Valentine’s Day.
Keeping it Casual: The Baggy Jean Vibe
Not every Valentine’s date needs to be a formal event. Maybe you’re going bowling, heading to the cinema, or just grabbing a pizza. If that’s the case, a dress might feel like overkill.
I tried on a couple of looks using these wide-leg, light-wash jeans from New Look, and I’m obsessed with the fit. They are mid-waisted and baggy, which is exactly what’s in style right now.
In the first look, I paired them with a simple chocolate brown crop top. Brown is such an underrated colour for Valentine’s. It’s warmer than black but still feels sophisticated. This look is so effortless. It says, "I didn't try too hard," even if you spent forty minutes on your hair.
I also tried the same jeans with a black long-sleeve mesh top. This is a great "night out" version of a casual outfit. The mesh adds a bit of texture and looks really cool in photos. Plus, it shows off a bit of your waist without feeling exposed.
How to style it:
- Wear your favourite chunky white trainers for a day date.
- Swap to some pointed-toe heels if you want to dress the jeans up for the evening.
- Add a small shoulder bag to keep the 90s aesthetic going.
Do you prefer jeans over dresses for a date? I used to be a "dress only" girl, but honestly now I love a good 'jeans and nice top' combo.
The Romantic "Little Red Top"
You can’t talk about Valentine’s Day without mentioning red. It’s the colour of the season, but wearing a full red dress can sometimes feel a bit "costume-y" if you aren't careful.
I found this bright red strapless tube top and paired it with a black skater skirt. This is such a fun, flirty look. The contrast between the red and the black is really striking. I pulled the tall black boots back out for this one, too.
This outfit feels very "classic Valentine’s." It’s cute, it’s young, and it’s perfect for a party or a dinner. The skirt has a bit of movement to it, which is always nice.
- Since this look is quite "sweet," I love throwing on a cropped leather jacket.
- These black knee-high boots are a lifesaver. They bridge the gap between the mini skirt and the top.
- Because the red is so bright, you don't need much. I’d just go with some simple gold hoops or a thin chain.
- A tiny black shoulder bag is all you need here. It keeps the silhouette clean and doesn't distract from the outfit.
Shopping at Midsummer Place
I have to give a shoutout to the New Look in Midsummer Place specifically. The changing rooms were clean, the lighting wasn't too terrifying (we've all been in those dressing rooms that make us want to cry, right?), and the staff were so helpful.
Midsummer Place is great because you can hit New Look, then grab a coffee or a snack at the food court right after. It makes the whole "finding an outfit" feel more like a fun day out.
Final Thoughts on Valentine’s Fashion
At the end of the day, the best outfit is the one that makes you feel like yourself. If you feel awkward in a tiny dress, don’t wear one! Those wide-leg jeans with a cute top are just as "romantic" if you feel confident in them.
Confidence is the best accessory. I know that sounds like a total cliche, but it’s true. If you’re constantly pulling at your skirt or adjusting your top, you aren't going to have a good time. Choose fabrics that feel good and cuts that let you move.
Which look was your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!
I’m leaning towards the jeans and the mesh top for a casual activity, but that black dress is calling my name for a fancy dinner!
Thanks for reading, and I hope this gave you a bit of inspiration for your Valentine’s plans. I hope you feel amazing in whatever you choose to wear!