Date Night at Home | February Stylish Monday Link Up
I am not entirely sure how an entire month has passed since our last Stylish Monday post, but we are…another month into the new year and hopefully another month wiser. However, whether we have gained wisdom or not during the first month of this year is fairly irrelevant to styling an outfit for a date night at home.
Stylish Monday is a monthly series published in collaboration with a group of 14 international fashion and lifestyle bloggers. It is another opportunity to be creative with our personal style as we join together each month with a style prompt or theme. We also host a link party where anyone is welcome to add their personal style posts. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the party.
We fashion bloggers love style prompts and themes! They keep us on our toes and they keep our creativity blooming. They force us to think outside the box and try new things. They push us out of our comfort zones and really great things tend to happen when you step out of your comfort zone. With outfit inspiration from over a dozen different women with different styles, you are bound to find something that appeals to you. Be sure to visit each of these amazing women for not just fashion inspiration…each woman in this group brings different and interesting elements to the blogging community.
Back to the topic at hand…date nights at home. Jeff and I have been big fans of date nights at home for nearly as long as we have been a couple. During the first few months of our dating life, we enjoyed many nights out at local watering holes or eateries. Until we realized just how much money we were spending on these date nights out. Even hanging with friends in bars started becoming much too expensive as we would quickly run up bar tabs in excess of $100. We did drink a lot in those days!
In an effort to be a bit more frugal with our drinking escapades, I had suggested that we go to the liquor store and spend $100 and we could entertain our friends at home for the same financial investment required to entertain just ourselves at a bar. Our tiny little apartment back then quickly turned into the place to hang out. We loved it, our friends loved it, and so began our life of date nights at home.
These days we drink much less and this pandemic has eliminated opportunities for entertaining friends at home, so date nights are now reserved for our alone time whenever we have are offered the chance at a kid-free night.
Back in the days when I could outlast the kids in the nighttime hours (I usually go to bed about an hour before anyone else in my house these days), we would put the children to bed, I would get all dressed up, and Jeff and I would enjoy a quiet dinner at home. These days we do rely on our best friend Adam to keep the kids overnight when we are needing a date night. And we do the same for him.
But I have gotten lazy over the years when it comes to date nights at home and much prefer comfort above all other things when choosing an outfit. This usually means leggings and a giant cozy sweater, no bra, and whatever other layers I need this time of year to keep warm. I really do often look like I am wearing everything I own in my attempts to keep warm in winter. However, for purposes of this post, I wanted to create something that was comfortable and a little bit dressy to offer you all some style inspiration for a date night at home.
I recently found this black velvet pant suit on a thrifting adventure. The brand is DKNY and it was $12.99. I couldn’t resist the lush black velvet, the wide legged elastic waist trousers, and the long drapey cardigan. It feels much more like loungewear than dress clothes and was perfect for this date night at home style prompt.
Now let’s check out my stylish friends in their wonderful date night at home outfits.
Amy of Amy’s Creative Pursuits
“A date night outfit to wear at home has to be comfortable and cozy, yet pretty and romantic at the same time. This black floral kimono was a gift to me from my husband. I love to wear it on our home date nights with a romantic camisole. I completed the ‘Comfy & Cozy’ requirement with a pair of soft joggers.”
Amy
Andy of Pearls and Pantsuits
“The hubs and I enjoy date nights at home every Sunday night, and they rock for me, because he usually does all the cooking! He also mixes up one heck of a cocktail. I found this beautiful rose top at Target, and styled it with my favorite jeans and booties, added my Mom’s pearl necklace and felt super fancy! Pop on over for all the deets on my outfit, and that cocktail recipe you are NOT going to want to miss!”
Julie
Emma of Style Splash
“We don’t usually go out for Valentine’s Day – and we certainly won’t be this year – but I welcome the excuse to wear red! The rainbow striped sweater with the word ‘amour’ on it (French for love, of course) seems very appropriate.”
Emma
Gwen of Gwen Lives Well
“I don’t know about you, but I can probably count on one hand the number of times I’ve actually been out on Valentine’s Eve. I mean, yes, when I was in my twenties with no kids, maybe I might have ventured out, but more often than not, home is where I wanted to be. Why deal with busy restaurants, cold food, harried servers when you can have a romantic Valentine’s date night at home? Sharing some suggestions for fab date nights at home, whether it’s Valentine’s Eve or not!”
Gwen
Julie of Fashion Trends and Friends
“Mr. FTF and I are pretty boring when it comes to at home dates. We like keeping it simple. For us a good time date night at home includes: carryout (I don’t cook!), Netflix, maybe a bowl of popcorn or some type of desert and LAUGHS, always lots of laughs! I’m usually dressed super casual – think sweatshirts and sweatpants (I do have the cutest Valentine’s set!)! However, since it is the week of LOVE, I’m sharing all of my Valentine’s looks – many can actually be worn year round. By the way, we love to go out and do so at least once a week. Illinois is back open for indoor dining so we have reservations at our favorite restaurant for Valentine’s Day! Hope you feel all the LOVE this week and have many reasons to LOVE BIG!”
Julie
Michele of @seechele_styles
“I wore this thrifted blue and white heart sweater to date night last weekend paired with my vintage Levi’s jeans and pop of red hand bag and fun sneakers with red shoe laces.”
Michele
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
“For a date night at home, I let Gerben choose his favorite outfit on me! Can it be anymore boring? In my eyes, I don’t even like black and white together. And although he said that I have a lot of beautiful dresses, he likes a black pencil skirt, a simple white blouse and classic pumps. A few simple golden jewelry and, and that is what he likes the most of course…my black stockings! Oh men…”
Nancy
Nicole of High Latitude Style
“Date night means dancing for us. Then a sleek fit-and-flare dress is a Must. This dress has too much cleavage for my taste, but works well for layering with a halftee underneath. In Interior Alaska, date night can also be early in the morning. In winter, it’s dark until late in the morning…only 3.5 hours of daylight at winter solstice. In summer, there is daylight 24/7 for 84 days. More on Alaska lifestyle on the blog.”
Nicole
Nina of Sharing a Journey
“Wondering what to do for Valentines Day this year? I’ve got you covered with a two part series! Last Friday I created a whole post about what to do for Valentines Day 2021 and today I’m sharing some great outfits to go with a variety of possible dates!”
Nina
Suzanne of Ask Suzanne Bell
“Like many moms, I don’t remember the last time I went out on Valentine’s Day with just my husband. But, that doesn’t mean we don’t celebrate with a bottle of wine and usually steamed mussels for the 4 of us, and of course a yummy dessert! Jennafer Grace makes the most beautiful, old Hollywood style comfortable pieces – like this 2-piece shimmer set – perfect for lounging in style at home. Today I’m sharing how I style a few of my Jennafer Grace favorites along with a recipe for my favorite cocktail…Cheers!”
Suzanne
And me!
“This date night at home theme was announced just before my scheduled date night at home for our 11th wedding anniversary. While I had plans to dress up a bit for our special night, my hormones decided otherwise and slammed me with debilitating cramps all night long. And so I ended up spending our date night in my coziest things curled up on the couch! But if I had been able to dress up, I would have worn this comfy black velvet pant suit that is a recent thrift shop acquisition. I love the elastic waistband and wide legs of the pants making them feel more like pajamas than dress pants. I layered a cowl neck sweater under the velvet cardigan and slipped my cold tootsies into some furry lined rose gold mules. A simple tassel necklace and earrings in gold and rose gold completed my look. All set for date night 2021-style!”
Shelbee
Whether you have a date night with a romantic partner, with a friend, or just with yourself, how do you dress for a mini celebration at home? Won’t you share with is in the comments and join the link party with any of your fabulous style posts!
Happy styling, my friends!
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these fun Link Parties.
Shop my look…
Outfit Details: Velvet Pant Suit-Thrifted (DKNY) / Sweater-The Limited / Shoes-Burlington Coat Factory / Tassel Necklace- DSW / Choker Necklace and Earrings-c/o Happiness Boutique
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
40 Comments
Lovely
Love this comfy and look for a home date night. Your jewelry is cute!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Lovely! I hope you have a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
Such a great classy cozy look!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Tamar! Have a great week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I love the pop of gold!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer! Have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kellyann Rohr
That’s awesome that you have a friend you can trade off childcare with – date nights are so much better when they are followed up with a sleep in day!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Kellyann! Dates night are definitely better when you can wake up in the morning without the children! And yes, I am so blessed to have great friends to swap childcare with!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gwen Gottlieb
Such a sweet post. Your date nights at home sound cozy and romantic, and I love the outfit you are featuring. Those look-a-like Gucci black slip ons with the lining are calling to me! Cheers to date nights at home, good friends who watch the kiddies, and comfy, cozy fashion.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gwen! This was a really fun theme for a style post! Oh my gosh, my Gucci lookalikes were only $13 at Burlington Coat Factory about 5 years ago. I wore them in L.A. a few years back and a sales lady in Aldo gasped as she asked me if these were Gucci slides. She did not find it all that funny when I replied, “Nope. And they only cost me $13. I guess the joke’s on Gucci!” Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
I love this outfit! It looks pretty while still super comfy. I love the gold accents and may try that with my sparkly silvery top I thrifted last week. We’ll be doing a date night at home Valentine’s maybe rent a movie.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mireille! I was a little unsure about the gold jewelry with the gray turtleneck. I feel like silver pairs better with gray, but I wanted to wear my gold slides. And I ended up really like the gold after all. We have never really celebrated Valentine’s Day. It’s never been my thing, so I am sure our Sunday night be much like all the other Sunday nights!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
I had no idea it was black velvet till you mentioned it. It is truly stunning and looks so comfy and cozy. I love the gold shoes with it.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! It is hard to capture certain textures in photographs sometimes, but yes, all velvet! And I love velvet so I was super excited over this thrifty find!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Those friend are ideal! That’s a good arrangement. Love the cozy look of your outfit. At home we need to feel cozy!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Yes, they are, Nancy! And I couldn’t be more grateful for such amazing friends! This was a fun style prompt!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mariann Yip
I absolutely love the necklace in your first outfit 🙂
https://www.mariannyc.com/wellness-products-for-2021/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mariann!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ashley
What a beautiful and cozy outfit for a date night in! I am a lover of sweaters, and almost always in the Winter time, you can find me in one, haha. I am chronically cold for some reason, so those cozy sweaters help. I’m so happy you have an awesome friend that gives you and Jeff a date night in (and wonderful that you do the same for him!).
Make Life Marvelous
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ashley, thank you so much! I am absolutely a lover of sweaters, too, and am bundled up in layers upon layers all winter long! I am also chronically cold. As much as I love this velvet pantsuit, it is not nearly warm enough for me to wear right now! It will be perfect in the spring or early fall though. I hope your week is off to a great start!
xoxo
Shelbee
Julie Augustyn
Shelbee,
I bet your house was the fun place to party! I bet it still is when not living in a pandemic!
It sounds like you and Jeff have a great way of celebrating date night in…kids free!
Always love your sense of style an fashion! You look beautiful and the best part is your comfortable!
Julie xo
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Julie! You are correct…Jeff and I have always been the ones to host the party for as long as we have been together! While it tends to be a ton of work and money to always host, I much prefer being in my home since I have so much social anxiety, so it works for me! We are also the house where all the kids love to hang out! And I am not complaining about that either because I like them right where I can see them!
xoxo
Shelbee
Andy
Oh my gosh! Hold up! I just noticed this fabulous golden mules! Love love love them! I enjoyed reading your post, and I’m eighth there with ya, I hit the hay before the hubs or my dog! I get tiredddddd!!!! Glad you’re part of our groups Shelby!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Andy! Oooh these rose gold slides were one of the best purchases I ever made! I paid $13 for them about 5 years ago and have worn them to death! They are so cozy with the fur lining. This was a such a great style prompt for this month. Everyone is so beautifully festive in their Valentine’s outfits. I am so grateful to be part of this wonderful group!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
Oh, this is one of your DKNY sets! I love that it’s a plush velvet – it’s definitely meant to be worn in public. Because every night is kind of date night these days (since it’s just the two of us), I have been trying to elevate my house clothes a bit for poor L, who has gotten a bit used to me in my 6 layers of hole-y cashmere and giant slippers.
Thanks so much for hosting the link-party!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Sheila! Yes, this is one of my recent thrifted suits! I was unsure if the 2 Jones New York ones would fit and I knew this one would, so I grabbed it just in case and I love it. I think Jeff might be tired of seeing me wearing everything I own at once! All swaddled in my 18 layers of warm cozy things so I don’t freeze to death in this arctic place! I hope you are having a wonderful week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
So cute! I love the pops of gold!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lizzie!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
I love that outfit- classy and comfortable. Perfect for a date night. I don’t think I’ve dressed up for a date night since we were released from the first lockdown in July. But I’ve got a Valentine’s surprise- a delivery from a restaurant- so I will make an effort this weekend!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gail! I love this outfit, too, and it will be perfect for entertaining guests at home when the weather gets a bit warmer. Unfortunately, the velvet suit by itself is just not warm enough for this cold girl! You should definitely dress up for your Valentine’s surprise! It sounds like a great date night you have planned.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
What a fabulous look, Shelbee! Lately, I have been going for clothing that is both comfy and stylish – although there aren’t as many options as I would like. Anyway, your velvet suit is very classy, that it’s also comfy is awesome.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! I had fun with creating a date night at home outfit and I love how comfortable this velvet suit is, but it is just not warm enough for me to wear right now! I need layers and layers of cozy sweaters right now if I’m to survive this bitter cold winter!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking so classy and fun. Very nice.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick!
xoxo
Shelbee
lesa
such a cute look!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lesa!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzanne
What a fun post Shelbee! I’m laughing at the part where you said you often look like you are wearing everything you own – sans a bra – in order to stay warm and cozy at home. I am the same, in fact it is what I have on right now. Ha! But, I do think it’s good for us to try a little more once in a while – if not just for our own self-esteem. A little makeup, lipstick and a cute/comfortable outfit make a date night at home a little more special.
I love pieces like your velvet pantsuit. I have a velvet duster – that might really be a robe – that I have worn out as well as inside the home, to level up a pair of leggings and lace cami.
I always enjoy reading your posts, thank you!
xx
Suzanne
http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Suzanne! The other day I was floating around the kitchen doing kitchen things and I had to remove some of my extra layers because they fall in the sink or brush against the hot stove top and such. But I was still cold so I kept my cozy beanie hat on and was just wearing black leggings, a tight black tee shirt, and sweater socks. My husband walked in and just started cracking up at me and when I inquired about what was so hilarious, he replied, “You. You are adorable. And you really just amuse me.” I don’t think I have ever gotten a better compliment! Haha
While I have been spending most days braless and wearing everything I own, I always put makeup on! It definitely helps me to feel more put together. And it looks better on video chats!
I need a velvet duster like the one you have! It sounds gorgeous even if it might be just a robe. This was a super fun prompt for February! Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Leelo
Lovely comfy look!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Leelo!
xoxo
Shelbee