Call us old fashioned, but there’s something about dating over winter that’s just a little bit more romantic. Who doesn’t want to be one of those annoyingly cute ice-skating couples you see in city centres everywhere from October onwards? Plus, the cold weather is a great excuse for cosying up/ordering the heartiest thing on the menu/grabbing another glass of mulled wine – oh and booking a taxi at the end of the night instead of waiting for the bus. Maybe we’ve watched The Holiday too many times, but here at E5P we think winter is made for dating. Tempting as it may be to go into hibernation from now until March, you shouldn’t let the cold spell get in the way of planning your next date (whether you’re single or not). Dress to impress without feeling the chill this season; here’s how to dress for date night come winter.
Lower Your Hemline
Two words: midi dress. Seriously, if you buy one thing this season (or any season, for that matter), make it mid-length. Yes, you can update your summer midi dresses and skirts for winter; just swap out your sandals for some heeled boots and you’re good to go.
And when it comes to cocktail hour, midi dresses are the perfect accompaniment to martinis too. Look out for something suitably sparkling and pair it with heeled knee-high or ankle boots to stave off the chill. There’s nothing more stylish than seeing a flash of hemline peeping out from underneath a sleek wool coat.
Sparkle in Sequins
If you really want to make a statement, turn up in sequins (FYI, we’re not exclusively talking about dates here – live your best life and sparkle wherever you are!). In the lead up to Christmas, there’s no better time to get your (glam) rocks on. Whether you wear sequins from head to toe or just bring a touch of sparkle to your outfit, shine bright all winter long – regardless of how the date goes.
For a more versatile take on the trend, a sequin or embellished top is the way to go. You can wear it with a smart pair of trousers or a pencil skirt for the office, then head straight to your date for post-work drinks or dinner. Keep your makeup fairly neutral during the day to avoid overkill; you can always add a smoky eye before your date later on.
Wear Night Time Knits
Knitwear doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, these days knitwear has become next-level fancy, and – as lovers of all things cosy – we couldn’t be happier. When it comes to date night garb, having a few sparkly, embellished or embroidered jumpers and/or cardigans to hand is a must. When the mercury drops, you really do need to throw on a knit to stay warm; you may as well turn heads whilst layering up. Wear yours with minimalist separates; tuck a lurex jumper into a leather pencil skirt (see below) or a pair of wide-leg trousers for a city-chic finish. Trust us, knitwear can be fun.
Do Ladylike Leather
If you want a winter-friendly item that’s suitably smart-casual for date night, get yourself some luxe leather. A faux leather skirt has a high-fash charm with a dash of street style chic thrown in. Your pleather (or leather) separates should be a go-to at this time of the year. You can even make your lightweight leather jacket work for the cooler months by draping a heavier coat over your shoulders; wear it (as per) with your trusty skinny jeans, heeled ankle boots and a chunky knit. Similarly, an oversized jumper is all your leather pencil skirt needs for date nights throughout autumn and winter; look out for on-trend browns for a runway-inspired finish (yes, the 70s are here to stay this season!).
Layer Your Look
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; layering is key from September until about March. Whether you go for a smart shirt-under-jumper combo or opt for a glam faux fur gilet, throwing on some layers is a sure-fire way to stay warm and stylish this season. Check out our guide to layering if you’re wondering how best to go about this [potentially bulk-baring] business. Master the art of layering and you’ve got your winter date nights covered (not to mention your work days, weekends and any occasion in-between).
