You know Clinton Kelly knows a thing or two about what not to wear, but did you know he's also a genius when it comes to planning a perfect evening out? Below are his tips on making this Valentine's Day completely, totally, 100 percent freakin' fabulous.
Watch exclusive video of the freakin' fabulous Clinton Kelly!
Freakin Fabulous Valentines Day
As co-host of the hit TLC show What Not To Wear, Clinton Kelly has already established himself as a fierce fashionmonger. But his expertise is not limited to wardrobe, as evidenced in his new book, Freakin' Fabulous: How to Dress, Speak, Behave, Eat, Drink, Entertain, Decorate, and Generally Be Better than Everyone Else. Here, Clinton shares his trusty tips for having a Freakin' Fabulous Valentine's Day.
Watch exclusive video of the freakin' fabulous Clinton Kelly!
Freakin Fabulous Valentines Day
Don't Wear Red
"It's not unforgivable to wear red, but it's the obvious color. Plus, it's hard to wear. If you've got a lot of pink in your skin, or blemishes or rosacea, red will only highlight the problems. If you really want to wear red, do something more cranberry with a little bit of blue mixed in. And remember: No holiday sweaters ever. Period."
Freakin Fabulous Valentines Day
Have a Sense of Humor
"You need to have a sense of humor about Valentine's Day. Nothing kills romance more than the pressure of being romantic. You might make a nice dinner and if the steak gets overdone, you feel like you've ruined everything. The best thing you can do is laugh it off, because the man won't care! He just wants to have a good time."
Freakin Fabulous Valentines Day
Dress Sexy for a Valentine's Day Date
"If you're single and going out for Valentine's Day, dress in something that makes you feel sexy. If you have an hourglass shape, wear something that's belted. If you love your collarbone, wear something off the shoulder. If you love your legs, go with a great pencil skirt. Something with a little bit of feminine detail is nice on Valentine's Day, like lace trim, puffed shoulders, and fabrics with a little bit of sheen."
Freakin Fabulous Valentines Day
Dress Up -- Even if You're Staying In
"If you're staying in, you should still take it up a notch for Valentine's Day. If you normally have dinner with your significant other in sweatpants and a t-shirt, polish it up with jeans and a nice blouse. Or if that's what you normally wear, take it up even more with a pair of trousers or a skirt."
Freakin Fabulous Valentines Day
Wear the Right Lingerie
"There are bras that are meant to be sexy and bras that are meant to keep your boobs up. Generally, you want to make sure you're wearing the best bra you possibly can. However, those tend to not be the best looking bras in the world. Wear the good bra under your clothes, and then when things get romantic, run into the bathroom and put on the lingerie. And that's where you can wear the red: A white blouse with a red bra is a classic look that all men can appreciate."
Freakin Fabulous Valentines Day
Dress Your Man for the Occasion
"The average American male goes wrong in three major places, but they're very easy to fix. One: Footwear. Sneakers are not appropriate shoes for dinner. Loafers are just as comfortable as sneakers, but even easier because you don't even have to tie them! Two: Jeans. Get rid of those button-fly medium-blue jeans invented for miners. Upgrade to a modern jean with a darker wash and detail. Three: Wear clothes that fit! Don't just buy small, medium or large. Get button-front shirts with numbered sizes by neck and sleeve measurements."
Freakin Fabulous Valentines Day
If You Can't Get a Dinner Reservation...
"Run to the supermarket, grab some food and make it at home, or, if you really want to go out, eat at the bar of a nice restaurant or a hotel – a lot upscale bars serve great food. You may have an even better time because it's usually very chill."
Freakin Fabulous Valentines Day
Set the Mood
"Lighting is essential! Use lots of candle light, but please, put the scented candle in the bathroom where it belongs, or bring the lights down with dimmers. And don't forget the music: Stack your mp3 player with classic romantic tunes. Barry White is a must."
Freakin Fabulous Valentines Day
Keep the Meal Simple
"Men want meat. I repeat: Men want meat. Make him this Steak au Poivre recipe with some steamed asparagus or a small salad."
