Fashion
Valentine's Day Outfits Worthy of Bettie Grable, Marilyn Monroe, Dita Von Teese, and Your Own Cute Self
Holidays are one of the few excuses we have, as a society, to whole-heartedly embrace the cliché. Sparkles on New Year's Eve? A witch costume on Halloween? You're not a lemming, you're just adorably caught up in the spirit of things.
As we plan our Valentine's Day outfits, whether for our annual Love is Dark Like My Black Black Heart anti-Valentine's bash, or for an over-the-top, oysters-and-champagne dinner for two that'll have onlookers rolling their eyes, this is one day when channeling a pinup girl — whether you're a Bettie, a Marilyn, or a thoroughly modern Dita — is wholeheartedly okay.
A wiggle dress
It’s called a wiggle dress, but how you move in it is up to you.
Masuimi Dress in Deep Plum, $98, pinupcouture.com
Tattoo-inspired earrings
Kitschy, plasticine, and weirdly reminiscent of those tacky-but-romantic tattoos sailors used to get on their massive biceps.
Red True Love Stud Earrings, $6, unique-vintage.com
High-waisted red jeans
The better to shimmy in, my dear.
Gotta Jet Set Jeans in Red, $59.99, modcloth.com
A cropped sweater
It’s all so casual until you wear a bullet bra underneath.
Kimchi Blue Shaker Cropped Sweater, $29, urbanoutfitters.com
Tight top, low neckline
Optional: Scarlett O’Hara’s 17-inch waist.
Peasant Top in Red, $56, pinupcouture.com
A pastel romper
Like something Dita Von Teese might wear during her off hours — does she even have off hours?
Rachel Pally Zenobia Romper, $211, shopbop.com
A crinoline
Instantly make any skirt more pinup-worthy — and about 50 percent bigger — with a cloud-like petticoat underneath.
Va Va Voluminous Petticoat in Cotton Candy, $59.99, modcloth.com
Lolita sunglasses
Lolita wasn’t exactly a pin-up girl, but she sure knew how to work her charms. Ew.
Wildfox Couture Lolita Sunglasses, $189.00, urbanoutfitters.com
A modernized wiggle skirt
Denim and leather make this skirt as city-slicker as they come.
Denim and Leather Look Wiggle Midi Skirt, $41.67, asos.com
A demure-ish dress
You don’t have to show a lot of skin to join the pin-up club.
Full Steam Ahead Dress, $109, shabbyapple.com
A comfy top
Spanx and heels not your thing? Channel the spirit of the day in a cozy sweatshirt that lets Marilyn do most of the talking.
Worn By Pin Up Crew Neck Sweatshirt, $46.30, asos.com
