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Updated Mar 06, 2025Men's Valentine's Day Outfit Ideas for 2024
Show your love by making your presence as good as a present.
Photos, from left to right: Alex Mill, Todd Snyder, Madewell
Outside of your actual wedding day, there are few romantic occasions more stressful to dress for than finding the perfect men's Valentine's Day outfit. It's the night when the pressure's on to show up dressed your best–but don't worry, it's often way easier than you'd expect (especially if you've already locked in the perfect gift). The key to a great fit is often as simple as putting in a little more effort than you usually do (and, you know, adding a festive pair of underwear). Not every outing is going to warrant a suit and tie, nor should it require you to dress in clothing you wouldn't usually be comfortable in. As long as you put some thought into your attire, your partner's going to love it.
Should you need some help figuring out how to put that thought into your fit, you've come to the right place. From casual evenings to date night formalwear, read on for some of our favorite outfits for guys to bust out on February 14th.
In this article:
What to Wear for Valentine's Day as a Guy
Do you need a suit and tie? Is red a required color? Can you wear sneakers? All of these are common and valid questions guys have when it comes time to dress for Valentine's Day (and if we're doing rapid-fire answers: not necessarily, no, and maybe). The real secret to putting together a great Valentine's date outfit is to just put in the effort. This doesn't always mean getting dressed for a formal affair, especially if your date is on the casual side. It just means putting in the same amount of thought and effort your partner will be.
The level of thought doesn't just relate to outfit composition but can be a sentimental gesture as well. Is there a piece of clothing or an accessory you wore on your first date with your partner? Have they complimented or made note of liking a particular piece in your wardrobe or style of dress you've tried out? Asking yourself questions like these and working the responses into your date night look is a simple way to let your partner know that you've thought of them ahead of a special night.
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In terms of more concrete details as to how to dress for your Valentine's date, consider the venue, the vibe, and if you're celebrating anything outside of your typical Valentine's Day. My advice would be very different for someone celebrating an engagement (or even preparing to propose) versus someone who's just having a nice, chill night out with their significant other.
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Men's Valentine's Day Outfit Ideas
Below you can find some suggestions, mood boards, and shoppable selects for my favorite Valentine's Day looks, covering everything from casual to formal. The good news? You can recycle most of these for date nights year-round as well.
Keep it Simple
Jacket: Alex Mill,Shirt: Buck Mason,Jeans: Huckberry,Shoes: Converse
You know what's never looked bad, ever? A white button-down (maybe even one with subtle striping), a pair of crisp blue jeans, and a sharp jacket. Don't overcomplicate things. This combo is perfect for nice restaurants, a casual night at a favorite bar, or a concert featuring one of your shared favorite artists.
Sweater Season
Sweater: Brooks Brothers,Pants: J. Crew,Shoes: Myrqvist
Even with spring right around the corner, February is still firmly sweater season. Lean into it with a cozy, casual-feeling fit that still looks good enough for any restaurant where you may need a reservation ahead of time. Wear it with simple, solid pants and a good pair of loafers.
Cool and Collected
Shirt-Jacket: Madewell,Tee: Buck Mason,Shoes: Adidas,Pants: Madewell
If your Valentine's date is on the lowkey side, no need to overdo it. Fits like this are often as simple as a good overshirt or jacket. A (good, non-wrinkly) basic tee and a solid pair of pants, plus a pair of classic kicks is all it takes to dress for the occasion.
Red Carpet Ready
Shirt: Percival,Pants: Todd Snyder,Loafers: Morjas
A knit polo with a sharp pair of trousers is all you need to look like a bonafide celebrity–this look is a red carpet and press tour staple for guys like Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson these days. It's also great for nice dinners, a night out dancing, and anything else the evening may throw your way.
Double Down
Suit: Spier & Mackay,Shirt: J. Crew,Tie: Brooks Brothers,Shoes: Taft
If you're planning on suiting up, Valentine's Day is the time to go red–or at least burgundy. It's also a great time to lean into one of our favorite suiting trends in 2024: double-breasted suits.
Pleats and Polos
Polo: Banana Republic,Pants: Abercrombie,Shoes: G.H. Bass
Sweater polos are pretty unbeatable as a date night outfit–this one is perfect for an intimate candlelight dinner. Pair it with some sharp-pleated trousers like these and you've got a look your partner won't mind you recycling for a few other date nights down the line.
Formal but Fun
Sweater: Luca Faloni,Tuxedo: Todd Snyder,Shoes: Ace Marks
If you're going the suiting route, it doesn't hurt to lean into the season. This dusty pink velvet tuxedo from Todd Snyder is formal but still festive and fun. It's perfect for an upscale night out where you want to look great but not feel stiff and boring.
