Cheryl Shops

This is the time of year when my Instagram feed gets flooded with red and pink dresses for Valentine's Day. Now, I am all about red dresses—and so are men, if that's who you're really dressing for—but they just seem a bit obvious to me. And can you imagine walking into a restaurant on Valentine's Day (that is, if you choose not to follow my hygge plan!) and every woman is wearing a red dress? That would be just a bit awkward. So for those of you who wish to move to the beat of your own drummer, here's my take on sexy dressing for Valentine's Day.




Full disclaimer: I usually have a rule that if I'm showing cleavage, I don't show a lot of leg. But if you've been reading Cheryl Shops long enough, you'll know that I like to break my own rules. That said, this dress is loose-fitting (and it's so comfortable, I slept in it one night in Miami when I forgot my pajamas), and I didn't actually realize how much cleavage it shows until I was editing these photos. But, hey, if there's one night to show both boobs and legs, Valentine's Day it is. Also, this dress is leopard print—abstract, but still—and styled like a slip, so it's pretty much like being naked. (Remember, I said this is my take on sexy dressing, so don't say I didn't warn you!) Slip dresses are soft and fluid and feel fantastic on the body, and the first step to looking sexy is feeling sexy, so there you go!



Speaking of things that feel good on the body, this cashmere cardigan is one of the softest things I own, and I basically live in it from November though April (and sometimes after that too). The slightly oversized fit kind of frumps up this look a bit—which is a good thing—but again, it feels so good, and it likes to slip off the shoulder, so I think it's sexy in its own way. As with any look, it's all about contrast.



This clutch (last seen here) just kind of screams "date night," being all fun and sparkly and what not, and adding to the sensual theme of this post, it's fun to stroke the sequins back and forth. And uncharacteristically for me, I kept the rest of my jewelry simple, focusing primarily on one bracelet (which can also be worn as a choker!). The embroidery is really beautiful up close, and the tie detail gives a little 50 Shades of Gray–ish twist. But unlike Mr. Grey's whips, this bracelet is very soft against the skin.


It may be a close race with the dress, but I'm a shoe girl, so these slingbacks get my vote for sexiest part of this outfit. So, real talk, these are my one and only pair of Manolo Blahniks. I've had them for ages, and they've made me understand why his shoes have such a devoted following. First of all, they make your legs look freaking fantastic. Secondly, they make you walk like a cat—you kind of slink around in them, waving your tail behind you. You could be wearing jeans and a sweatshirt and the effect would still be the same. These have a python inset, which normally I wouldn't encourage with another animal print, but I'm just breaking rules left and right in this post, so there you go.



Fun story: we shot these photos in Levi's Plaza, which is a nice little park adjacent to the Levi's headquarters, and we were both so tired, we just went home and made pizza afterward. I love getting dressed up and going out to restaurants just as much as the next girl...but I really love a cozy night at home too. Even in my date-night sexiest.



OUTFIT DETAILS: Tibi slip dress (similar here or here) || Everlane cashmere boyfriend cardigan (sold out, but similar here) || Stella & Dot Florence bracelet (on sale!), Margeaux clutch || Manolo Blahnik slingbacks (similar here)