You might not love Valentine’s Day, but some accessories are adorable

Does Valentine’s Day dressing have to involve lacy lingerie?
Sarah Henderson, Coburg, Vic

Fortunately for women with an aversion to undergarments that can make them more uncomfortable than Melania Trump spying an incoming kiss from her husband (as well as the most binary of boxers-loving men), lace is in no way compulsory come Valentine’s Day. If you’re currently love-agnostic, you can stick to clothing as uncommitted as your mood, but why skip the opportunity to wear your heart on your sleeve, chest or even your feet?

Love grinches might think the heart’s been reduced to a meaningless emoji, but don’t underestimate the power of a simple cartoon of your body’s internal pump: it has, after all, changed the fortune of fashion labels and cities. Graphic artist Milton Glaser’s “I ♥ NY” campaign, seen on countless tourist T-shirts since 1977, helped change the perception of New York as a centre of urban decay to a place people, well, love. Imagine, then, what a simple heart necklace or handbag can do for your public image. Designers at brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Moschino and, most recently, Zimmermann and Coach (pictured) are adding chic to the cute symbol’s fashion appeal.

Modern Valentine’s Day dressing involves balancing the sweetness of heart-strewn pieces with edgier items – black blazers, for instance, heavy boots, denim jackets or studded belts – that flirt with darker desires. Just like in the kitchen, when things get too sweet, add a little salt. Think romance, not knickers.

Got a style conundrum? Email damien.woolnough@nine.com.au

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