Unique Vintage: Best Valentine’s Day Dresses
Ah, Valentine’s Day. Maybe you love it, maybe you hate it. But a common misconception I see about the holiday is that it’s basically brand new, only starting within the past 100 years or so. And that couldn’t be further from the truth!
It all started with the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was a lively fertility celebration taking place in mid-February. Near the end of the fifth century, Pope Gelasius I forbid the holiday. Sometimes, we hear that he is the one who replaced it with St. Valentine’s Day, but like much of history, it’s a bit vague.
So…who is the day named after? We’re not exactly sure. There were several men by the name of Valentine who were martyred. Some think that it was a priest who was martyred in 270 CE by emperor Claudius II Gothicus. According to legend, he signed a letter to his jailer’s daughter “from your Valentine.” Allegedly, she became his friend and healed his blindness. Like I said, there were some other martyred men by the name of Valentine, but it’s totally possible they were all the same person.
It became associated with love because yet ANOTHER legend states that a St. Valentine defied the emperor’s orders and secretly officiated marriages so that the husbands wouldn’t have to go to war.
Formal “valentines” (cards) started in the 1500s and were first commercially printed in the U.S. in the mid-1700s. The 1800s saw Valentine's Day become more prominent. Today, it’s widely celebrated as a commercial holiday, symbolizing love and affection among various cultures around the world.
But the age-old question: What do I wear? Never fear, I’ve got your back. Here are some of my favorite vintage-inspired dresses from Unique Vintage that I think perfectly capture the essence of the holiday.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Don't worry, you won't pay any extra – sometimes you might even get a tasty discount.
Starting off strong, because OMG. Can you imagine the twirl power of this dress?! You will undoubtedly be the belle of the ball and the envy of all in this cupcake dress.
Dorothy Gale, but make her modern and pink. It is Wicked season, after all.
Black & White Sequin Heart Mini Dress
$53.99 on sale
I will never stop loving 60s mod dresses, you can rip them from my cold hands. And the heart pockets? Muah.
Black Mesh & Glitter Hearts Organza Dress
$78.99 on sale
I’m envisioning Audrey Hepburn on the dance floor. The feather hem is everything.
Yes, it’s a romper!! Which means you get all the comfort of shorts with all he cuteness of a skirt. Imagine this with a little white cardigan and some white go-go boots, and you’ve got yourself a positively adorable V-Day fit.
Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle. This one’s perfect for a special dinner or a night of slow dancing. Omg, and how elegant would it be with a little faux fur shawl? It’s giving Jessica Rabbit.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Hot Pink Chateau Cowl Neck Jumpsuit
$45.99 on sale!
If you’re not into dresses, never fear! You can be both comfy and sexy in this ever-so-suave jumpsuit.
Burgundy Velvet & Pink Bow Neck Shift Dress
$25 final sale
I don’t know about you, but I’m super into the academic aesthetic (and it makes up a significant portion of my wardrobe). But rarely do I see academic-style pieces in color, and I LOVE it!
Hot Pink Sequin Sweetheart Fit & Flare Dress
$25 final sale
This is SO Barbie coded. The sequins, the puff sleeves, the little bow on the neckline. This is quintessential Valentine’s Day garb, and I’m here for it.
Glitter Lips Love Interest Babydoll Dress
$25 on sale!
I think this would be the It Girl dress for Galentine’s Day. Sip some cocktails (or mocktails!) with your besties and bask in the power of platonic love.
Red & Gold Glitter Heart Flare Dress
$25 final sale!
I’ll be honest, I’m really impartial to this neckline. It evokes the vibe of a powerfully feminine Oxford professor. Plus the little gold hearts make it so cute and modern!
That’s all for now, friends.
Whether you’re spending the holiday with a partner or with your platonic soulmates, I hope you have the happiest Valentine’s Day! You’ll definitely look the part. ;)