Dubai: When it comes to getting it right on V-day, it's a bit of everything. There's style definitely. There is also etiquette. Plus there are fashion do's and don'ts.
So Gulf News turned to an authority in the fashion and image industry - Michelle T. Sterling. She is a Certified Image Consultant, and founder and executive training director of the Sterling Style Academy that organises Personal Styling courses in Dubai, Sydney, Hong Kong, New York, and London among other places.
Ahead of her next 3-Day Short Course in the emirate (April 11 to 13), she said, "As Valentine's Day falls on Ladies Night in Dubai, take her out for a special night on the town. Dinner or dancing, what strikes your fancy?"
Sterling, who has been featured by a host of elite media including Fox News, Associated Press, Men's Health Magazine, The New York Post, Los Angeles Times, and Marie Claire, said, "Be a gentleman by making dinner reservations. Remember, flowers are always appreciated. Jewellery is always a great surprise and delight."
Below is her Valentine's Day formula for him and her.
For her:
Start with colour. Go pink, red, or white depending on what message you want to communicate. Pink is sweet. Red is hot. And white is elegant.
Wear a dress. Worn to the knee for modesty or as a mini to look hot. An hourglass silhouette looks best on all shapes and sizes.
Select the shoes. Go high and strappy - irresistible. Leave the peep toes for the office.
Then the bag. As it's a night out on the town, select a clutch and leave your fashion ‘it' bags at home.
And accessorise. An outfit is not complete without the proper jewellery. Select something simple and tasteful.
Coordinate your makeup. If you decide on a red dress, go with red lips. If you go pink or white, go nude on the lips, darker on the cheeks and smokey on the eyes.
Finish with fragrance. Selecting one is always a personal preference. Our personal favourite, which men seem to love too, is Dior Addict II or Versace. Although we hear good things about Gucci's new Guilty Intense too.
For him:
The smart blazer - go blue or grey.
Pair with a pocket square. Select a rose paisley pocket square or a simple pink one.
The fitted shirt. Select a crisp, white or pink tailored, button-down shirt. Fitted, but not tight. And cuff links for a more polished look.
Pair it with jeans. Dark denim can always dress up an outfit.
Think of shoes. For the ultra, fashion forward man we can picture this outfit being paired with white or red, suede driving shoes - Dubai style! Or our preference - more formal shoe in black or camel.
Coordinate your belt knowing that your shoes don't always have to match. So mix it up.
Fragrance. You can never go wrong with classics like D&G, Chanel Allure or JPG. Or try Gucci Guilty Intense or Armani Code for something new. However for the best results, make sure she likes the way you smell too!
