Valentine's Day (or as my cynical, just-dumped friend Evelyn calls it, “Singles Awareness Day”), is all about the chocolate, “conversation hearts,” and flowers; more importantly though, it's about upping the romance between you and your sweetheart. But most important of all? It's about what you wear!

While we all know that Valentine's Day is often thought of as just a gimmicky Hallmark holiday, that's no reason as to why your style shouldn't be smouldering. Regardless of how much emphasis you place on Cupid's day to shine, you should want to look your best to impress at all times. The key, ladies, is to do so without looking like you spent hours achieving your look.

Looking effortlessly put together will not only score you style points, but as well will leave more time for the essentials like that extra cocktail and dessert, not to mention the adventures and escapades best left up to the imagination. Depending upon the atmosphere of your outing, your ensemble can vary. However, there are a few definitive guidelines all you ladies should follow:

Rule Number One: Comfort is key
If your date destination requires any prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, dancing, shaking, or any other form of movement or stillness alike, think comfort first. This means no dresses or jeans that make you question whether your organs will make it through the night intact, or shoes so uncomfortable you pinch a nerve in one of your toes.

Not only are “binding” clothes a distraction from your personal enjoyment of the evening, but further, most require constant re-adjustment or attention that is just not worth the focus - which should be on the fantastically romantic date you're on. That being said, I would never be one to advocate sacrificing style for comfort.

A fail-safe, “go anywhere” date outfit staple for a more causal-girl, in my books, is slim fit black jeans, a killer pair of heels, and a cute, striking top. This could mean a slinky camisole, a form-fitting blouse, a silk draped or ruffled tank - you get the idea.

Match colours and patterns according to your personal taste, add a few accessories - an armful of bracelets, a bold cocktail ring, a skinny belt, whatever - and throw on a special cardigan if need be, like one with silk-piping or unique buttons. The idea is to have exceptional details on ordinary pieces to look outstanding WITHOUT standing out.

Rule Number Two: You can never go wrong with the LBD
If your jaunt requires your “3.0 version,” I am inclined to trust the eternally stylish and infallible LBD. The best part of the “little black dress” is its definition, which only requires it to be little and black. This allows for trends, body shape, fabric, embellishments, and cut to be chosen by the girl who will slip on whatever LBD makes her feel her best. Whatever the shape and cut of the dress in question is, it should always skim, NOT squeeze or drown your frame.

While length is a personal choice, you should be aware that anything below the kneecap will shorten your appearance, and you should also be careful to only go as short as is appropriate for the location. Otherwise, show off as much leg as you're comfortable with, so long as you promise not to change your mind and spend the night tugging at your hemline.

Keep the rest of your outfit demure by only showing off skin in a single area (i.e. not legs and décolletage - pick one!). Feel free to befriend different versions of the LBD; shift dresses, sweetheart necklines, and waist-cinchers can all be a girl's best friend.

Rule Number Three: Go cutesy, or go home
Accessories and jewellery can go “cutesy” on Valentine's Day. So long as they look childish and intentionally cheesy, you can go for the red, pink, or sparkly heart-shaped nail polish, hair accessories, and jewellery. Bonus points if your sequined heart-shaped hair pin is actually from the children's section!

Hair and makeup are obviously just as important as the ensemble, but should enhance your natural beauty, not look like you're wearing gobs of it. A great peachy bronzer with a touch of shimmer will light up any complexion, and tons is not required in order to achieve this effect. I really love Guerlain's terracotta bronzing powder as it looks super-natural.

A huge, thick fan of lashes is equally great for batting and flirting, but applying false ones is so not worth it. Instead opt for YSL's Volume Effet Faux Cils (French for “false eyelash volume effect”) — its name tells no lies.

A teeny bit of highlighter, such as NARS The Multiple in Orgasm or Copacabana, applied to the tear ducts and directly under the brow bone, will also light up your gaze, without making you look overdone.

As much as I love a bold lip, Valentine's demands a more toned-down pout. Nothing calls more attention to your kisser than Chanel's lip glossimer in Sesame - a pinkish, barely there, non-sticky shine. Nobody wants to smear their painstakingly perfect lipstick for a smooch! And who would want to give that up?!