Ankita Shukla
Though love is beyond the whims and fancies of appealing visages, you would still want to look the best for your love- especially on a day as special as the Valentine’s Day. A day that epitomises romance, it has lovers going out on dates to profess their love for each other.
It is said that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, but doing that extra bit to look somewhat different on a particular day to spice up your love life is always welcome.
So here are some tips that you need to keep in mind while going on a date this Valentine’s.
Keep it simple: Whether it’s a new date or one with your long-time beloved, what matters the most is that one should keep it simple. Lesser the pretence, the better it is. One should never forget that one cannot go out of the way projecting an image which is unreal and not true to oneself. So try and be yourself rather than putting up an unruly façade.
Stay neat: Neatness is the key to look impressive. One does not need to tax oneself with lots of unnecessary things. Take a nice, long shower or bath on the D-day. Ensure you have clean hair and nails, as that is the least expected.
Smell good: You should smell good, but not overpowering. Avoid heavy perfumes and aftershaves, especially since your date could be allergic to them.
Go easy on makeup: Ladies, go easy when applying make-up and aim for a natural but groomed look. For such a look you can apply a light lip-gloss leaving your lips nude; a little kohl would definitely do wonders to your deep eyes.
But if you still want to go the bold way then go for heavily kohl rimmed eyes and a little mascara. To compliment the strikingly done eyes, wear a dark lipstick shade perhaps something from the family of pink and plums. It will surely make you stand out from the crowd.
Indulge in accessorisation: You don’t want glittering gems to attract attention do you? But make sure that you try a whimsical pendant or a necklace to add to your look for the day.
Men can accessorise their smart and simple clothes with their favourite sleek watch or cuff links. This much will do the bit for them.
Choose your clothes beforehand and carefully: This tip goes for both boys and girls. You should have several outfits laid out on the eve of the date. This way you won`t have any last minute panic when you realise you have a stain down your favourite shirt or dress. Plus, it will allow you to try on a few different looks on the day of the date and see which one fits your mood most comfortably at the time. A great outfit gives an insight into your personality and should flatter your form.
Girls, keep in mind that your clothes are not too skimpy lest you will end up attracting all the undue attention and giving out wrong signals. Don’t bother with anything frilly or flirty; as that will only make you look out of place. Go for a cute top in a dark colour (Brights scream LOOK AT ME while subdued shades can speak volumes about the wearer’s low-key confidence). Well-tailored jeans fit the bill, but make sure you like how you look in those. Since it’s still officially winters, either get into a jacket or slip into a cozy sweater and you are set for the date.
The ladies who would want to go the traditional way can always go for the safe n sound combination of a bright-crisp kurti and jeans accompanied with a nice pashmina stole.
Complete your look with a pair of classy tall stilettos so that you have the world at your feet.
Clothes make the man, so beware all you guys out there. If you know your strongest point is not picking the perfect pinstripe then have a sister, friend or the like, give a second opinion on what you are planning to wear. Dress comfortably and look like yourself. There is no point in looking like James Bond on a date only to return home and throw on your usual ratty sweats. You can wear a simple shirt in colours like red, beige and the old favourite black, which are in these days. Team it up with your favourite trouser and for God’s sake do not go for the pleated ones, there are just not in! Some men still swear by their choice of blue jeans and a tee. That ain’t bad either, but in that case do not wear the one’s with quotes as no one wants to read them.
For those simpletons who still have their hearts beating for the Indian wear, you can always dress up the fusion way by teaming up an elegant ‘bandh gala’ or Nehru jacket with a trouser or a pair of jeans. That will surely not take much of an effort would it?
Floss and brush your teeth: Make sure that you floss and brush your teeth thoroughly before leaving for the date as oral hygiene is of utmost importance on a date.
Carry enough cash or your credit cards: Since it’s going to be a special day/night out for you make sure you are pocketing enough cash or your credit cards are accompanying you as running out of cash would be the last thing that you would want to face.
PS the ladies, don’t think that you have nothing to take care of here. Please carry enough cash and don’t depend on your guy to pay the pill or else you will end up spoiling your well-manicured hands washing the dishes.
Be punctual. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your rendezvous. Keeping your date waiting will start off things on a wrong note.
