Date night looks different depending on the mood. It might mean a long dinner, a late movie, or staying in and cooking something delicious. For 2026, we asked ourselves what we actually reach for on date night, from dependable denim and go-to dresses to beauty staples and finishing touches that always make the cut. Consider this our edited approach to getting ready for a romantic evening, whatever the plans.

And if you're one to bring a gift for someone special on date night – we've rounded up the best of the best Valentine's Day gift ideas, sure to impress that special someone.

Sophia Serafin

Implementation Manager

I am a casual girl through-and-through, so my date ‘essentials’ include a pair of denim jeans (anything from Neuw or Agolde), a cute top (this pointelle tank from Mode Mischief is perfect), then perhaps a mule to dress it up - a red-bottom from Christian Louboutin feels appropriate. If it’s a‘dressier’ occasion, I’d opt for a dress from One of Others - their pieces are so flattering. I also love this halter dress from Kallemeyer, paired with a fun heel like these from Zimmermann. For accessories, a dream bracelet from Monika Ruggerino, a shoulder bag from COACH (in love with the suede option too), and RATIONALE’s tint for the lips and cheeks.

Jaime Carmody

Digital Marketing Specialist

At the moment, I can’t get enough of sheer dresses, they feel so effortlessly sexy. I recently bought a red one from Little Yarn and instantly fell for it the second I put it on. I’ve also been reaching for a sheer piece from KYE Intimates, which is equally stunning and flattering. I love the idea of layering it over a lace bra and briefs, or pairing it with silk pants for a softer look.

For date nights, I usually turn to my Margiela Tabis (they’re my reliable go-to). I’ve been coveting this mini bag from Brie Leon for ages. It's the perfect size for everything I need: phone, wallet, keys, and my Merit lipstick, which I never leave home without. This gold heart ring from Arms of Eve is the sweetest finishing touch for any outfit and honestly, the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

Cassandra Dimitroff

Features and Production Editor

For me, an ideal V-day is one spent at home, cooking up something incredible. So my date-night essentials look more like a great crock pot (like this Cast Iron Le Creuset).

Of course, a great dress should be worn – the The Gia in Havana from Realisation Par is a dream. And finally, the right scent is key. I’d be choosing between Le Labo’s Thé Noir or TSU LANGE YOR’s By Your Side (the perfect perfume and perfume name for the occasion).

Samantha Corry

Social Media Coordinator & Assistant to Editor in Chief

I love going to a bar for date night or a night at the cinema. There is no in between. So you will either find me in my Uniqlo x JW Anderson jeans, Haviana black thongs and white Beare Park T-Shirt – with of course an oversized sweater (as it always gets cold).

And as for my other ideal date night, you can't go wrong with a deep V neck blazer from Beare Park with a mini white skirt, and kitten heels from Toteme. My bag of choice would be Charles and Keith’s micro bag as I bring only the essentials; a lipstick.

Serafina Angeli

Campaigns Manager

I never end up veering too far from an all-black moment for date night. I have had my eye on this SIR top for awhile, which would be so chic worn with this skirt from Maison Essentiele. Paired with these burgundy slingbacks from Amina Muaddi and this Khaite bag for a romantic pop of colour.

My date night beauty essentials are a handbag size of my signature scent, Satin Oud by Maison Francis Kurdijan and a lip gloss such as YSL Love Shine Plumping Lip Oil, that can easily be reapplied in between sips of wine. I never leave the house without my Water Drop bracelet from By Charlotte, so naturally it’s coming with me to date night.

Mia Steiber

Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

For date night, I really can’t go past a Realisation Par dress. I have a few but I’ve been eyeing this one too. If I wanted to be a bit more comfy-cool, I would do a baggy jean with this top I just bought from Isabelle Quinn. I love a mid strappy heel, I recently bought these from Country Road and I was shocked by how comfortable they are.

Tying it all together with the right makeup is important. Like just about every other makeup-wearer I’ve been trying to emulate the Nina Park lip. The best colours for my skintone are the Merit liner in Capricorn or Tabac or mac cosmetics in stone, then I use a pinky-brown gloss. My Natalie Marie necklace and bracelet and Panthère watch is my current favourite jewellery combination. Finally, I can’t get this A-ESQUE Cloud Clutch out of my brain. It came up in a recent Google search and I think it’s the perfect date-night bag.

Emily Algar

Beauty Editor

There’s a high chance I’ll end up at home on Valentine’s Day (no complaints) but if I do go out, I’ll probably wear jeans and a nice top (this goes for any date night, really). I’m a die hard Agolde denim fan, or Beare Park for something edgier (also, the inseam is super long so they’re great with heels). I love this simple halter knit from Camilla & Marc, ideally with a statement earring to compliment the neckline… I adore Sophie Buhai, so these would do nicely. I’m really drawn to the cleanliness of silver and onyx right now, too. For shoes, comfortable but glamorous is the brief – Khaite python print mules to be precise. I rarely do anything adventurous when it comes to beauty so I’ll stay true to myself and keep it low-key: Rhode blush, some Westman Atelier lip liner and my wedding day perfume: Musc Ravageur. I’ll stash it all for touch-ups in my beloved Row 90s bag.

Kirsty Thatcher

Digital Editor

I feel like I have my date night outfit formula down pat these days, and I generally always keep things pretty casual. Denim jeans are my go-to year-round, but I like a darker wash for something that feels ‘dressier.’ This Agolde pair is great, and I also love the Coco Relaxed shape by Neuw Denim. The top half of my look is where I like to have a little bit more fun. It’s nice to show some skin, and this sheer organza top by P Johnson is a forever favourite of mine, and it looks great over a simple black bra. I’m also newly obsessed with this tie top situation by Christopher Esber. Or, if you prefer something a little more simple, the Evie camisole by Realisation Par is failsafe.

I’m tall, so I prefer to stick to flats, but I’ll make an exception for these Tony Bianco pumps in chocolate. I’m also currently drooling over these woven mules by Staud. Beauty wise, I’d be lost without my Dyson Airwrap. I also recently received a few of these Copini lip crayons and to say I’m obsessed would be an understatement. Rhubarbie is my favourite shade; everyone needs to have one in their bag. Speaking of which, something small and simple like this is always a good option.

Feature Image: Sex And The City