Look Red Hot or Pretty in Pink for Valentine’s Day

Whether you think of Valentine’s Day as a 24-hour love fest or just a fun commercial holiday, the heart icon is an annual reminder to cherish those nearest and dearest … including you! There’s nothing wrong with getting a card, roses and chocolates, but why not treat yourself to some beauty and style cheer? After all, racy red is one of the trendiest fashion colors around now, with romantic pink right on its heels. Both are giving Valentine’s Day 2024 a fresh, romantic flair. Here are six ways to celebrate.

(Left to right) Talbots Side Button Boyfriend Shirt in Pink Geranium; Sonoma Goods For Life Everyday V-Neck Long Sleeve Tee in Cherries; Pat McGrath Labs SatinAllure Lipstick in Crimson Ecstasy; Chico’s Magenta-Red & Faux Tort Readers in Red; Ava & Viv Women’s Open Collar Sweater in Red

Talbots; Kohl's; Ulta Beauty; Chico's; Target

1. Make pink and red your soulmates.

These lively hues are far from the neutrals many 50-plus women rely on, but do yourself a favor and buy one item in each color. What seems at first like a frivolous indulgence will kick-start a color crush as these colors warm up tired skin, soften expression lines and the shadows under your eyes and brighten your usual wardrobe. Which shades give the biggest and best boost? Bright reds and saturated pinks are true attention-getters and offer the boldest impact. Lighter pinks and deeper berry reds have a softer, more romantic vibe. Follow your heart. Start right at the top with a pair of flirty readers like the Chico’s Magenta-Red & Faux Tort Readers in Red ($35, chicos.com) or a smile-enhancing lipstick like Pat McGrath Labs SatinAllure Lipstick in Crimson Ecstasy ($30, ulta.com) or just dive in on the clothes end with a more vibrant version of your favorite basic top. The Sonoma Goods For Life Everyday V-Neck Long Sleeve Tee in Cherries ($12, kohls.com), Ava & Viv Women’s Open Collar Sweater in Red ($25, target.com) or Talbots Side Button Boyfriend Shirt in Pink Geranium ($90, talbots.com) can dial up the heat fast. Compliments incoming!

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(Left to right) Vionic Perris Pump in Red; I.N.C. International Concepts Women’s Surplice Wrap Sweater in Pink Tutu; Pumiey Bodysuits for Women V Neck Long Sleeve Bodysuit - in Ruby

DSW; Macy's; Amazon

2. Show off your sexy side.

Whether you’re married, paired up, dating or happily single, V-day is an ideal time to strut your stuff … just skip the super skimpy lingerie and stilettos. No one at 50 really needs a lacy red bra and thong panties or four-inch pumps. But a pair of low slingback heels like the Vionic Perris Pump in Red ($140, dsw.com/en/us), a curve-clinging bodysuit like the Pumiey Bodysuits for Women V Neck Long Sleeve Bodysuit - in Ruby or Blush, Smoke Cloud Pro Collection ($29, amazon.com) or a shapely sweater like the I.N.C. International Concepts Women’s Surplice Wrap Sweater in Pink Tutu ($48, macys.com) are another story. Yes, there are plenty of pink and red crews, turtles and mock necks, but a V-neck has the power to elongate your neck, stretch your torso and lift the bust – and who couldn’t use that? But remember: Being sexy is not just about your décolletage, heels or bedside manner. Your everyday conversation, ability to laugh and appetite for life — that’s what’s super-sexy at 50.