With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the excitement and nervousness begins with selecting the perfect outfit for the occasion. Since this month is all about love, here are some fun, flirty ways to achieve the perfect Valentine’s Day look from head to toe.

Apparel:

First, do not be afraid of color. Red is the color that best represents Valentine’s Day, but too much red can easily overpower an outfit. Try mixing the bold color with neutrals for a stylish yet sophisticated look.

You can’t go wrong with the color combination of red, black and white. Stripes are a major trend this season, so try a bold white and black sweater or jacket and a red skinny pair of skinny jeans. If that is still too much red for you, opt to incorporate the colors into your accessories.

Adding an oversized red clutch is perfect way to add some holiday spirit without looking like a Valentine’s Day card. Yves Saint Laurent has a perfect large leather clutch available at Saks Fifth Avenue that is to die for.  However, the price alone ($795) may kill you first.  Aldo’s Gallington-clutch is similar in style for a more reasonable price of $35. Statement pieces like a red clutch can be used long after Feb. 14 to spice up any outfit.

Another color combination perfect for Valentine’s Day is soft pink and grey. Fashion designer Lauren Conrad quotes on her blog, Laurenconrad.com, “There’s something so playful, yet sophisticated about it.”  Because this color combination is neutral, metallic accessories can be added to elevate the look.

Kate Spade’s Gramercy Grand watch ($225) available at Nordstrom’s in either gold or silver paired with diamond earring studs is a great way to keep the look simple, but classy.  You can keep the look simple by wearing flats but try cuffing the bottom of your skinny jeans and adding a heel for a more dressy-casual feel.  This look would be perfect for going out to coffee or lunch with some friends.

Incorporating prints into an outfit is another great option for achieving a Valentine’s Day look while showing off your personality.  Francesca’s and Urban Outfitters have a variety of print dresses that are perfect for the holiday. Choosing a floral print dress or skirt is a fun, romantic take on the traditional red dress.

You can make the look more casual by layering a loose knit sweater over the dress. The print will still be shown on the bottom and will peek through the top giving the outfit a whole new dimension.  Floral prints can also be made more edgy by adding an unexpected shoe. J. Crew’s MacAlister wedge boots are a great alternative to a traditional heel.

Choosing a dress or top with a bolder print, such as the chevron stripe, exudes a more confident, sleek style. If you choose a bolder print, keep the accessories to a minimum. A bold print top matched with leather leggings and a high heel boot is a perfect outfit for a night out on the town with friends.

Hair and Makeup:

If you want to achieve a soft, romantic look for the holiday, avoid heavy makeup. Sephora Collection’s moonshadow baked eye palette ($26) has the perfect mix of 10 neutral colors with added shimmer to brighten up the eyes. Soft eye makeup and a tinted lip balm such Baby Lips by Maybelline is all you need.

Paired with this minimalist makeup look, keep your hair down. A classic look that has been seen all over the red carpet by stars such as Beyonce, Jennifer Lawrence, and Taylor Swift is loose curls and a deep side part. It is easy to do and looks good on virtually everyone.

For a bolder makeup look, try rocking a red lip color. Use a lip stain such as CoverGirl’s Outlast Lipstain in Scarlet Pucker before application of a red lipstick. This will ensure fewer touch ups and will make the color stay all day and night.

With this makeup look, try your hair up. Straightened hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail will emphasize your bold makeup while staying out of your way. Another alternative to the ponytail is the top knot bun. These low-maintenance hairstyles will add an essence of confidence and sophistication to any outfit.