Blast’s fashionista, Elle Bowman, guides you through the hardest part of dating for some, getting dressed.

The Valentine’s Date Outfit Guide for Her

For an upscale affair, the little black dress is always a winner. Want a spicy, jaw-dropping look that will make that special someone notice you? Make it caliente with red, which is commonly looked upon as the color of love and passion. You will stand out in a room swarming with little black dresses. For this type of affair, keep the outfit traditional but add accessories to give it a special touch. For example, turn a hot necklace into a belt, wear appropriate but awesome shoes and carry an over-the-top purse. Make it your outfit, not the designer’s.

A casual chic affair, like a club or classy restaurant has much fewer restrictions, but let the jeans stay home tonight. Step it up a bit by wearing form-fitting fabrics that bring out your feminine charm. This date is about him being the man and you being the woman. The right clothes will give you a really flirty approach to the evening and you’ll have a great time. Love comes when you least expect it, so just enjoy the evening and let the chips fall where they may.

On a casual date, pair a sexy low-cut top of a soft, feminine color with the most flattering jeans you can find. Finish the look with amazing black pumps. The silhouette that you create will give you a taller, slimmer look. No one will be able to resist staring at this fabulous you. Couple it with a fashionable handbag and a pair of sunglasses.

The Valentine’s Date Outfit Guide for Him

Upscale, black-tie events for a man require a suit or tux. There is no way around it! Make yourself stand out with red accessories. If you have the personality to pull off wearing red shoes, it might get you the girl that likes that sort of thing. Select a cologne that smells great on you, this will definitely give you added sex appeal.

A man on a casual/chic date should wear dress slacks, a crew neck shirt and leather slip-on shoes as a foundation. A button-down shirt on top of the crew neck creates the boy next door look. A blazer for a power look, and a leather jacket makes for a bad boy look. Prefer a more urban feel? Add a ¾ length jacket. This creates a place to start that has endless possibilities. The tailored jeans are still in, and a nice jacket will complete the look.

The accessories that you select makes all the difference in the world: choose a Tag Heuer or Fossil watch, a platinum ring and a belt and shoe color that match and you’re good to go.

Casual date attire begins with jeans and a white t-shirt, and you build from there. This is a great foundation to achieve a variety of looks. Adding a button-down shirt with just the bottom few closed will get you a preppy look. Add an oversized button-down to get a street look. You can go with a black leather jacket and black square toe slip-on shoes for a more manly look.

Decide what look that you want to have and add the accessories that make the grade. Eyewear/sunglasses can add a certain level, if that’s what you’re going for. She’ll be trying hard to impress you, so try to match the effort.

Fashion designer Elle Bowman keeps Blast Magazine readers looking fabulous with her style columns. She is the owner and head designer of NOESLLA.