In city where a new restaurant seemingly opens every week, it’s not hard to find a great spot for date night in Seattle. The other part of the equation, deciding what to wear for the occasion, might elude some of the most well-intentioned Seattleites who might cringe at the idea of trading rain boots for dress shoes for a night on the town with their better half.

And with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, some might say this calls for professional advice, so we asked six Seattle-based style bloggers to share their tips to dressing for a romantic evening.

PS: The trend we’re seeing? A spritz of perfume or cologne is the perfect accessory to last the entire night.

Joe Gooding, The Beau

Photo: Myles Haslam

Define your sense of style.
My style often changes based on the mood I’m in, I consider myself a fashion chameleon in a sense. Some days I love to wear an edgy pair of snake-embroidered black jeans, other days I’m wearing a letterman’s jacket with a pair of smart frames—I love changing up my aesthetic as often as I can.

What is your vision for the perfect Valentine’s Day activity?
An ideal Valentine’s Day activity for me would be partaking in something intimate and relaxed, like spending the night at a luxury hotel or having a spa day.

What essential piece of clothing do you recommend for said activity?
Something comfortable yet sexy.

What article of clothing or accessory catches your attention on your partner?
I love it when a guy wears a button down, untucked with their sleeves rolled up. So simple and looks good on just about anyone.

What accessory/beauty product/fragrance is essential for date night?
I’m obsessed with Glossier’s debut fragrance: You. The perfume is made primarily with base notes that work with your body’s natural scent, so it smells different on every person.

Carolyn Yuen Marino, Hey Pretty Thing

Please define your sense of style.
I’d say my style is modern classic. I like practical, timeless styles with an updated, fun twist. 

What is your vision for the perfect Valentine’s Day activity?
Quality time together with my husband is always my favorite activity. We like to have a nice dinner out or cook together and just hang out over good food. 

What essential piece of clothing do you recommend for said activity?
If we’re eating out, I like to wear a pink or red dress for the occasion. 

What article of clothing or accessory catches your attention on your partner?
On one of my first dates with my husband, he wore a well-fitted tweed blazer. Let’s just say that caught my attention! 

What accessory/beauty product/fragrance is essential for date night? 
I love wearing a red lipstick to elevate a look for date night. Add some statement earrings and a spritz of “Lys 41” by Le Labo, and we’re off!

Avi Soor, Suited Soor

Photo: Karya Schanilec

Please define your sense of style.  
My style focuses on professional attire with the goal of inspiring corporate professionals with what to wear in the office.

What is your vision for the perfect Valentine’s Day activity?  
My perfect Valentine’s Day would be at a winery enjoying some delicious local wine, followed by a fine dining experience at an Italian restaurant.

What essential piece of clothing do you recommend for said activity?  
I always recommend a blazer with a floral pocket square for these kinds of occasions!

In your opinion, what article of clothing or accessory catches your attention your partner?  
I love nicely groomed nails (solid colors) and jewelry on my date.  

What accessory/beauty product/fragrance is essential for date night?  
Wearing a wristwatch is essential for date night because it is one of the few accessories that men can really stand out with on their body, even though it’s not always the first thing you look for or notice on a man.

Roxie Drofiak, The Little Pearls of Life

 

What is your vision for the perfect Valentine’s Day activity?
A day at the spa, massage, facial and mani/pedi. I’m fortunate enough that my fiancé enjoys all those activities! He also has developed the talent for cooking, we both enjoy a trip to Pike Place market for fresh produce that later he would use for dinner.

What essential piece of clothing do you recommend for said activity?
Comfortable clothes for the day and a classy timeless dress for the evening!

What accessory/beauty product/fragrance is essential for date night?
Coco Chanel perfume, my favorite!

Abyssinia, Amro Menor

Please define your sense of style.
I would define my style as chic and colorful. I’m really drawn to vibrant colors and pairing my trendy pieces with my timeless pieces to pull together my everyday looks.  

What is your vision for the perfect Valentine’s Day activity?
I don’t necessarily have a perfect activity in mind, but I do enjoy dressing up and attending shows on Valentine’s Day. However, I’m always down to do some sport activity outdoors. 

What essential piece of clothing do you recommend for said activity?
Comfortable shoes depending on the activity. 

In your opinion, what article of clothing or accessory catches your attention on your partner?
I love a man in a well-tailored suit.

What accessory/beauty product/fragrance is essential for date night?
I’m really into YSL’s black opium fragrance right now.

Doug Ta’a

Photo: Ashley Jacklyn

Please define your sense of style.
My sense of style leans more street. Street style is art in my opinion. Ito me that allows me to express myself with prints, colors, textures and proportions so I can be different and stand out!

What is your vision for the perfect Valentine’s Day activity?  
I’m always down for trying something new! I like to experience new things especially with the one I love. I would probably take her dancing. A date to a private dance lesson to Tango, Salsa or Bachata could be really fun! I’d take her to a dance lesson and followed by a romantic dinner (we’ll definitely work up an appetite haha). However, if i had to be honest, it doesn’t matter what we choose to do. As long as I am spending quality time with the one I love, nothing else really matters.   

What essential piece of clothing do you recommend for said activity?
Fellas, you want to bring a good comfortable pair of dress shoes. You should still dress up for the occasion. Maybe with a button up and dress pants, but a suit and tie is not necessary. But shoes! Gotta bring comfy shoes!  

In your opinion, what article of clothing or accessory catches your attention on a date/your partner?
This may depend on the activity I have planned but typically the dress catches my eye 🙂 There’s a balance between choosing a dress that accentuates the body while still being elegant and sexy. The color, cut, and details of the dress truly stand out in my opinion and is one of my favorite pieces on my date.  

What accessory/beauty product/fragrance is essential for date night?
Definitely cologne! I am a huge fragrance guy. Some of my favorites are Santal 33 by Le Labo, Chanel Bleu, YSL and Soleil Blanc by Tom Ford.