The most romantic night of the year calls for a knock ‘em dead ensemble. But first, style-setters must face the sartorial equivalent of a love triangle: Should you opt for red-hot glamour or elegant ladylike chic? To help you decide, we’ve rounded up our favourite examples of both styles. Hint: Either way, you score this Valentine’s Day. Don’t you just love fashion?

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Graphic glamour

These shoes, your favourite LBD, and a red lip = Valentine perfection with a trendy twist. Choose a hemline that hits you above the knee to show off your legs and maximize the framing benefits of the ankle strap. The wedge heel means no more precarious teetering into a cab—take a leisurely stroll after dinner or, even better, a leisurely nightcap chez lui.

Harvat shoe, $100, aldoshoes.com

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Graphic glamour

Every
lingerie wardrobe needs a show-stopper, and this chic sportif set delivers the jaw-dropping goods. Keep it under wraps—no white shirt or low-rider jeans—until you’re ready for the big reveal. Bonus: In a pinch, the set doubles as a bold bikini. Infinity pool, stat!

Bra, $14.95 and panty, $7.95, hm.com

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Graphic glamour

Doesn’t this cute, cropped tee make you smile just to look at it? Make your crush feel the same way by pairing it with a high-waisted A-line mini, tights, and towering heels. Wearing your heart on your sleeve is so 2011.

Heart Crop tee, $26, Topshop available at The Bay, thebay.com

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Graphic glamour

Gorgeous from every angle, this necklace also boasts a surprisingly versatile hue. Sure, it would look great paired with classic black, but imagine it against navy, purple or—swoon—fresh forest green.

Chain and Tassel Lariat necklace, $75, cathybjewelry.com

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Ladylike chic

This adorable tank dress combines winter’s must-try lace trend with a universally flattering silhouette. Wear it with a slim belt, collarless, cropped jacket and the knowledge that your conscience will be tested when people exclaim “I love your dress! Is it Erdem?”

Lace Racer Cute Skirted dress, $88, Topshop, available at The Bay, thebay.com

We pick the best sexy red dresses for Valentine’s Day, view them here!

More hot winter fashion trends to try on Valentine’s Day on the next page …
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Ladylike chic

Retro shades with a Grace Kelly-in-the-Côte-d’Azur vibe? You had us at “Grace.” Call it sartorial surrender of the sweetest variety.

Summer Surrender sunglasses, $58, anthropologie.com

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Ladylike chic

This lovely ring pulls triple duty: it adds a subtle pop of purple to your look, catches the light and attracts admiring glances. Butterflies, goosebumps—yep, that’s a full-fledged fashion crush.

Nirvana Petite Ring in Lavender, $165, swarovski.com


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Ladylike chic

If you’re going to invest in a pair of designer shoes, they should be basic black so you can wear them with everything….right? Sensible thinking is all well and good, but when it comes to style, sometimes you just need to follow your heart.

RIBES by Salvatore Ferragamo, $525, available at DAVIDS, davidsfootwear.com


Read more:

6 fragrances perfect for Valentine’s Day


Beauty must-haves: Fiery red nail polish



Find the perfect bra for Valentine’s Day