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What to wear: Fashionistas give us their style tips for Valentine’s Day

A closet full of clothes, yet you find absolutely nothing to wear — sound familiar? We asked some of our friends to play cupid for you and your perfect Valentine’s wardrobe. Bookmark this one for style tips this Valentine’s Day, and all year long too.

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Kristine Goh, CEO and founder of FiftySix Degrees whisky
Kristine Goh, CEO and founder of FiftySix Degrees whisky

Stick to red, or try on something else?

My husband and I usually go casual, so I would pick a nice with a pair of jeans or a skirt. When I have to put in more effort I’d go for a simple clean-line black or white midi dress, pairing that with a bright-coloured bag and one or two accessories.

What’s been your favourite outfit for a date?

I like to save a few bespoke pieces from Khoon Hooi and Maarimaia from each season that I wear for special date nights.

Where do you like to shop? 

Tibi for something simple and casual, VB for more elegance and Dion Lee if I want something edgy.

Most memorable date? 

A recent one and surprisingly memorable date night was when we discovered the restaurant OpenHouse while wandering around KLCC. The restaurant overlooks the dancing foundation and we had great cocktails over Malay fine dining. This was impromptu of us because we had our dates mixed up for a party that was actually on the next day but since we were both dressed, luckily we decided to make a night of it.
How would you describe your perfect Valentine’s date?

Skiing and then coming home to a hot pot dinner. For dessert, a few drams of Scotch while binge watching Friends. 

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Po Leen Yap, investment portfolio manager
Po Leen Yap, investment portfolio manager

Stick to red, or try on something else?

I don’t think I’ve ever worn red for Valentine’s Day. Depending on my mood, I would wear something girly with a flare skirt, or something elegant and fitted.

What’s been your favourite outfit for a date?

A comfortable dress — preferably something I have room to eat in!

Where do you like to shop? 

Anything from Moda Operandi or Yoox, to something local like Doublewoot.

Most memorable date? 

I have two: one was a surprise dinner that I later found out was dining in the dark. The other was when I was working late one night, and got a call to collect ‘something’ downstairs that turned out to be a bouquet of fried chicken!

How would you describe your perfect Valentine’s date?

Either somewhere with good food that I haven’t tried yet, or a yummy home-cooked meal.

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Alena Murang, musician and founder of ART4 Studio
Alena Murang, musician and founder of ART4 Studio

Stick to red, or try on something else?

For me it’s a pair of jeans, a cute top and my favourite subtle jewellery.

What’s been your favourite outfit for a date?

A sparkly top and pants.

Where do you like to shop? 

For dates, I usually wear something I already own. From my closet I’d go with whatever I feel most comfortable in that’s also flattering.

Most memorable date? 

Being surprised with a home-cooked meal.

How would you describe your perfect Valentine’s date?

Something simple and not staged, like sitting on a park bench or a long drive — just spending time with each other without all the commercial distractions.

4 /8

Naddy Rahman, Co-founder of Alicia Sophia
Naddy Rahman, Co-founder of Alicia Sophia

Stick to red, or try on something else?

As long as it’s chic, sexy and classy. I would dress myself in an off-shoulder or toga dress with knee-high slits, with nice heels and a cute clutch.

What’s been your favourite outfit for a date?

My dress code for dates depend on where we’re going, having said that my go-to is a smart-casual dress. I love chic dresses that aren’t too revealing, preferably in black, and killer heels. Personally I prefer skirts or dresses over pants.

Where do you like to shop? 

ZARA, Bardot, and Warehouse. If I want to spend a little more, I like Club 21 because they have a lot of options.

Most memorable date? 

My boyfriend and I were in a long-distance relationship in 2016 so for Valentine’s Day, we celebrated over Skype. We had a virtual date where we both cooked chicken and pasta, lit candles on the tables, dimmed the lights and then ate together.

How would you describe your perfect Valentine’s date?

I would love to travel somewhere for Valentine’s Day, somewhere romantic like the Amalfi coast. The day would start with breakfast in bed, a walk by the beach, coffee and desserts, then a nice dinner at night with a spectacular view.

5 /8

Dr Anjhula Mya Singh Bais, Director of Amnesty International
Dr Anjhula Mya Singh Bais, Director of Amnesty International

Stick to red, or try on something else?

A touch of red or pink to complement something elegant, feminine and flowy.

What’s been your favourite outfit for a date?

I like well-structured clothes in chiffon or satin. I also think your make-up and accessories can make or break your outfit. The right gemstone and beautifully highlighted eyes will do the trick.

Where do you like to shop? 

I like shopping for bespoke, one-of-a-kind clothing while I travel, but never at a shopping mall.

Most memorable date? 

Sunrise at Angkor Wat.

How would you describe your perfect Valentine’s date?

A trip to one of the lesser-known gorgeous islands in Malaysia. Just the beach, sunsets, and our phones on ‘airplane mode’.

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Shen-tel Lee, Co-founder of Bowerhaus and Sereni And Shentel
Shen-tel Lee, Co-founder of Bowerhaus and Sereni And Shentel

Stick to red, or try on something else?

I’m a sucker for printed dresses. To be honest, I think it might be my uniform.

What’s been your favourite outfit for a date?

You can’t go wrong with a flared dress, and I say this because dates equal eating, drinking and if you’re lucky, dancing. With age I have learnt to wear comfortable heels (I’m obsessed with my pair of pearl kitten heels from FEITH London) and our Sereni and Shentel rattan crossbody bag — ideal in the event you end up at Jalan Alor for supper.

Where do you like to shop? 

Roa Skye in Kuching, M in KL, SocietyA in Singapore, Mode Sportif in Sydney and Farfectch online.

Most memorable date? 

Not a date, but my most memorable Valentine’s Day was in Year 5 when I received a card from my best friend with a cartoon bee that read “bee mine”.

How would you describe your perfect Valentine’s date?

I would love to wear pyjamas, have pizza  and a bottle of crisp cold wine in bed, and watch When Harry Met Sally.

7 /8

Stephanie Chai, CEO and founder of The Luxe Nomad
Stephanie Chai, CEO and founder of The Luxe Nomad

Stick to red, or try on something else?

Red might blend into the surroundings on Valentine’s Day so maybe not, but definitely something feminine and flora.

What’s been your favourite outfit for a date?

During winter it’s been my Maje leather skirt with a cream collared top and black tie. In the summer, I love a Camilla dress — they are so soft and flattering.

Where do you like to shop? 

Online! Some of my favourite websites are Net-A-Porter, Farfetch and Revolve.

Most memorable date? 

I don’t think I’ve yet to have a great Valentine’s Day, either me or my partner would be away for work. But I do remember being given a massive bear for Valentine’s Day when I was younger, I must say that was very memorable.

How would you describe your perfect Valentine’s date?

Mobile phones off (I’m guilty of always checking my email), a day at the spa, checking into a nice hotel with lots of room service. Voila!

8 /8

Yeoh Pei Teeng, Director of YTL Land & Development
Yeoh Pei Teeng, Director of YTL Land & Development

Stick to red, or try on something else?

I would still wear whatever colour it is I’m feeling for the night, even if it is Valentine’s Day.

What’s been your favourite outfit for a date?

My short, white Alex Perry dress.

Where do you like to shop? 

I like to shop at Alex Perry, Dion Lee and Toni Maticevski.

Most memorable date? 

Definitely my first Valentine’s Day with my now, fiancé. He made a home-cooked meal which was rare because he hardly ever cooks!

How would you describe your perfect Valentine’s date?

I’d like to go to our favourite Japanese restaurant in Singapore where we had our first date!

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