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Valentine's Day Style Guide

Published by Englin's Fine Footwear on 10th Feb 2017

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. For some, that knowledge is a source of unbridled joy, and they look forward to spending a romantic day with that special someone. For others, it's a time to sip wine, eat chocolate, and either lament or celebrate their singlehood, often in the company of friends. No matter which category you fall into, the worry of what to wear has probably crossed your mind.

At Englin's, we've always believed that the right pair of shoes is an essential component of a truly stylish ensemble. You might be surprised how creative and chic your outfits become when you build them from the shoes up! On Valentine's Day, many women are hoping to leave an impression, try something fresh and eye-catching with their style, or simply play up the sweetness and romance of the occasion. Whether you're painting the town red with your date or spending a night in with your friends, we've got the cutest, classiest, and flirtiest looks for a memorable Valentine's Day!


Classic Romance: The Dansko Louise

Classic Romance: The Dansko Louise

Featuring the Dansko Louise in Stone Burnished Nappa. Also available in Black Antiqued Calf and Taupe Suede Burnished Nappa.


When it comes down to it, Valentine's Day is all about romance. If your ideal Valentine's Day involves a bouquet of roses, soft candlelight, and power ballads, you're not alone. Whether your night is everything you hoped and dreamed or perfectly imperfect, you can keep romance alive with this adorable ensemble!

An embellished floral top in pale, dusty colors forms the center of this outfit. Add a lacy skirt in blush for a look that's both classic and on trend. If it's chilly outside, a maroon capelet like this one is a lovely, feminine alternative to a jacket or cardigan. Jewelry featuring natural stones adds to the overall charm, while the smoky blue tones play off the colors in the top. A slim purse in a complementary shade, such as this one in rose gold, is perfect for keeping your necessities close at hand. Finish up with a "natural" makeup look—sometimes less is more!—and a deep wine-colored nail polish.

We chose a low-heeled oxford-style shoe for this ensemble: The Dansko Louise! There's something about women's oxfords that brings together youth, energy, refinement, and poise. No matter your sense of style or personality, a heeled oxford like the Dansko Louise is a versatile addition to your shoe collection. Like you, the Louise is more than just looks: inside, a triple-density footbed offers optimal arch support, but it's removable if you have custom orthotics to insert. All in all, the Louise is everything you want for that romantic evening: Comfort, style, and timeless charm.


LBD: The Naot Mystery

LBD: The Naot Mystery

Featuring the Naot Mystery in Silver Luster Leather. Also available in Black Raven LeatherKhaki Beige Leather, and Polar Sea Leather (Navy).


The little black dress, or 'LBD,' is iconic for a reason. You simply can't go wrong with a black dress for special occasions: It's flirty yet sophisticated, and with the right accessories, it can help you wow everyone in the room. The LBD is also an extremely versatile fashion piece that can be dressed up or down to suit the moment. Most of us have at least one LBD in our closet already—freshen it up with trendy accessories, and you have a perfect date night look! Or, since you can never have too many dresses, have fun shopping for a new one that makes you feel gorgeous.

For this outfit, we've chosen a curve-flattering black velvet dress with mesh sleeves to add just a little bit of warmth for chilly temperatures. You could also combat the unkind weather with a moto jacket or faux fur coat depending on your style preference. Because the LBD is fairly simple and unadorned, we chose to glam it up with sparkly silver accessories. Chokers have recently grown in popularity and show no signs of disappearing from the fashion world, so we included this glitzy choker and a pair of diamond studs to enhance your natural shine. A sultry smoky eye and a metallic ruby lip combine for a dramatic and unforgettable makeup look.

If you're looking for a glamorous shoe that will also get you through the evening in comfort, the Naot Mystery is a no-brainer. This rhinestone-studded wedge sandal might be a bit airy for February, but we think that with a pair of hose or tights underneath, it's totally wearable! There are two main reasons to love Naot shoes like the Mystery: they're beautifully handcrafted in Israel, and they typically feature a contoured footbed of cork and latex that molds to your foot's unique shape over time. The Mystery's 2.75" wedge heel provides the height you want without the pain or instability. Add that extra dose of allure to your Valentine's Day look with the Naot Mystery!


Fairy Tale Princess: The Clarks Brier Dolly

Fairy Tale Princess: The Clarks Brier Dolly

Featuring the Clarks Brier Dolly in Black Synthetic. Also available in Nude Synthetic and Navy Synthetic.


Has your date invited you to a truly swanky event? If you're scrambling to decide on an appropriately elegant outfit, take a page out of your favorite fairy tale! Many of us wanted to be princesses when we were small, and while we might not be discovering hidden royal heritage anytime soon, we can always dress the part. If you're one of those ladies who still secretly (or not-so-secretly) watches Disney princess movies and looks up to Kate Middleton as the epitome of poise and style, this is the look for you!

The centerpiece to any royal look is a gorgeous gown. This baby blue, A-line dress with a plunging neckline perfectly balances elegance and allure. Opera gloves in white satin add grace that transcends the ages. Don't be afraid to accessorize with a trendy choker—Cinderella did it and so can you! If you have long hair, sweep it into a graceful updo or let it fall in loose curls. The tiara is optional, but how will everyone know you're a princess without it?

Since we don't currently offer glass slippers, we chose the equally dreamy Clarks Brier Dolly pump. Nothing says sophistication like a high-heeled, black patent pump, yet despite elevating you by 3 inches, the Brier Dolly remains incredibly comfortable thanks to a cushioning heel-to-toe Ortholite footbed. Whether you're dancing the night away or enjoying an evening at the opera, the Clarks Brier Dolly will get you through it in comfort. Bring home the Brier Dolly for an unforgettable Valentine's Day, then wear it again and again with party dresses, pantsuits, and even jeans!


Keep It Casual: The Munro Dylan

Keep It Casual: The Munro Dylan

Featuring the Munro Dylan in Black Leather. Also available in Cognac Leather.


Of course, just because it's Valentine's Day, that doesn't mean you have to get dressed up. Often, the most fun, memorable, and romantic dates are the simple ones, when you're both comfortable and being yourselves. If you and your significant other are laidback about your Valentine's Day plans—maybe a favorite café followed by a romantic stroll is more your style—then your clothing choices might reflect your casual-cool attitude. Never fear, you can keep your jeans and still reflect a little of the day's sentimentality in your wardrobe.

Figure-hugging black skinny jeans look great on everyone, so that's an excellent place to start. A heart-printed top like this long-sleeved tee shows you're in the holiday spirit. Of course, we couldn't leave out that oh-so-trendy choker, this time with a sweet, skinny bow. Keep the jewelry minimal, but monochrome earrings with just a little bit of sparkle can't hurt. Let your eyeshadow be the pop of color in this gray-and-black outfit, or add in a bright, solid-colored bag.

Ankle boots saw a surge in popularity last fall, and they're still a go-to for fashionistas everywhere. Few booties embody the trend as well as the Munro Dylan. This heeled bootie features a buckled wraparound strap, adding interest to its sleek profile. Like many of our other featured shoes, the Dylan has a removable ergonomic footbed designed for your comfort. Its natural rubber outsole is shock absorbent and slip resistant, so even if conditions are less than ideal, the Dylan will keep you on your feet. Rock the Munro Dylan this Valentine's Day and be your chic, unique self.


Rainy Day Date: The UGG Sienna

Rainy Day Date: The UGG Sienna

Featuring the UGG Sienna in Neon Lime. Also available in BlackNeon BlueNeon GreenNeon PinkTango (Red), and more.


Englin's Fine Footwear is based in Indiana, where the weather is notoriously unpredictable. We've adapted to the fluctuating temps and random precipitation by keeping a closet stocked with foul-weather favorites. If you suspect that there might be snow or rain on your Valentine's Day date night, you might be uncertain about how to dress for the conditions and still show off your sense of style. Never fear! With the right shoes and accessories, you can look your best without suffering from the cold, snow, or rain. 

A fun, printed mini-dress is a flexible base for any outfit. Wear black leggings or tights underneath to stay warm when the wind blows, and don a long, fitted coat to protect your arms from the cold without adding too much bulk. Keep accessories simple in contrast to the eye-catching print of the dress, like these black disc earrings and a black-and-white striped choker. Metallic eyeshadow and a nude lip finish off this unique look.

Of course, when wet weather strikes, rubber rain boots are a go-to for most women. Rain boots don't have to be unsightly just because they're practical-- just look at the adorable UGG Sienna! The UGG Sienna is a modern update on the classic rain boot look, with a glossy rubber upper that's available in a palette of flattering shades. This boot sets itself apart from the crowd with signature UGG comfort: A luxuriously soft UGGpure™ wool insole cushions your foot with every step. The UGG Sienna makes puddle-jumping fun again!


Girls' Night In: The UGG Classic Short II Neon

Girls' Night In: The UGG Classic Short II Neon

Featuring the UGG Classic Short II Neon in Chestnut. Also available in CanvasPencil Lead, and Soft Ochre.

Not everyone has a significant other on Valentine's Day, and many women loathe the idea of enduring an awkward first date on the most 'romantic' day of the year. Fortunately, there's an enticing and stress-free alternative: Spend Valentine's Day with your single friends! We all have pals in our lives without whom we would be lost, so why not celebrate your friendship on the official day of love? There are a myriad of ways to show your appreciation for your besties and spend an enjoyable evening together—shopping, volunteering, hitting the gym, going out on the town—but we like the idea of a movie night. Comfy clothes, a bottle of wine, and all your favorite flicks will turn your uneventful Valentine's Day into a fun-filled girls' night in!

It doesn't get much cozier than a hoodie and leggings (and hey, don't listen when they try to tell you leggings aren't pants). These simple chevron earrings add a touch of class, but you could just as easily go all-casual with some offbeat statement earrings. You're never too old for "best friend" bracelets, so be sure to pass some out to all your gal pals. Add in a bottle of wine and the movies you all love the most, and dates will be the last thing on your mind.

UGG boots are everywhere for a reason. Most women fall in love with their UGG boots the moment they first slip them on. The only downside to this popularity is that women who like to create their own unique style instead of following the crowd may be reluctant to give UGGs a try. The solution? UGG's adorable Classic Short II Neon! This boot takes the beloved Classic Short II silhouette and incorporates bright neon stitching and accents, giving it a fresh new look. Inside, the plush sheepskin that makes UGGs so cozy will cushion and pamper your feet. Plus, like all the UGG New Classics, the UGG Classic Short II Neon is pretreated to resist water and stains, and it features a durable, traction-enhancing Treadlite sole. Even if the weather doesn't cooperate, the UGG Classic Short II Neon will get you to your girlfriends for a full evening of fun!


What are your Valentine's Day plans? Whether you're spending it with your sweetie, hanging out with your besties, or flying solo, we hope you have a lovely day! 


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