CREDIT: FASHIONISTA88.COM
Keep it subtle and classy this Valentine’s Day!

What's black and red and sexy all over? You, this Valentine's Day. Whether you're planning a hot date, staying in with your sweetheart, or getting together with your ladies for a celebration of your single status, there are plenty of ways to dress for the occasion and look fantastic.

To look the part, incorporate red, leather, lace and sheer details into your look. If red isn't your colour, black is a sexy alternative that is slimming, seductive and flattering to every skin tone. For a romantic dinner date at a dimly lit restaurant, aim for a subtly sexy look. To put together an alluring ensemble, pick a feature and work it.

Makeup-wise, choose to accentuate either your eyes or lips. A bold red pout seems perfect for VDay, but remember that if you're going to get amorous, both you and your beau will have to worry about smearing lipstick all over your faces. If you're going to go with a seductive smoky eye, keep the lip neutral and glossy. Style your hair down in flowing waves for feminine perfection.

In terms of your outfit, choose which skin you're going to flaunt, and then cover up the rest! A deep V-neck will work to your advantage if you have an ample décolletage — choose something with sleeves and with longer hemlines if you're going to go that route. If you've got great gams, put on that long-sleeved mini-dress and your sexiest, strappiest stilettos. A Hollywood red carpet favourite is to choose a backless dress. It is elegant, refined and unexpectedly sexy. While putting all you have on display is undeniably provocative, I believe it's always best to leave a little to the imagination.

Sheer paneling and lace details, as well as cut-outs, two-piece dresses that expose midriff and otherwise revealing clothing is popular for formal and evening wear this season. Leather, real and faux, is also having a big moment. If I were Beyoncé, I'd wear a black leather bodysuit and knee-high socks for my date, but my best advice is to choose something that makes you feel sexy and comfortable for your best odds of having a good time. If you're tripping over yourself all night in those six-inch heels, they stop being sexy. If you have to pull up that tube top every 10 seconds, you won't seem classy. If you feel like you can't breathe because your bodycon dress is sucking the life out of you, you will be too self-conscious to be yourself.

It doesn't matter if you're going on a first date with a new person, trying to impress your longtime love, or out on the prowl with your girls, work Valentine's Day ideas into your outfits in the way that best complements your style.