Outdated Valentine's Day Trends To Ditch In 2026

Valentine's Day comes with its own style guide, and the beloved holiday extends its aesthetic powers far beyond traditional pinks and reds. So whether you're planning a Galentine's Day or a romantic date with your significant other, Valentine's Day 2026 is all about striking the right tone, and ditching outdated trends that don't capture the spirit of February 14.

As one of the rare bright spots in the void of winter, Valentine's Day is all about honoring love and romance, giving folks something to look forward to in a dreary season of frigid temperatures and short, gray days. The special holiday also presents a unique opportunity to showcase the season's newest trends, both in fashion and in the larger cultural zeitgeist. For instance, considering the current economic instability faced by many, splurging on dinners and exorbitant nights out are being replaced by thoughtful, homemade gifts and cheap-and-cheerful dates that touch on sentimentality and romance without a huge bill at the end of the evening. Valentine's Day 2026 is sure to bring a much-needed collective jolt of love, while sticking to styling trends that are hot for the moment and date ideas that resonate. 

The bodycon dress, such a staple of style in the early 2020s, is taking a back seat in 2026. Because it's extremely tight by nature, the bodycon dress can be notoriously difficult to style. On top of that, February 14 is a very cold day in many parts of the world, and warmth is a critical focus. So for Valentine's Day, a skimpy, form-fitting garb isn't the best choice for your date night. 

Instead, the dominating trend in 2026 is a flowing dress. It's less about restrictive fabrics and more about luxurious textures and clothing that moves with you. Cape dresses, lace, and ruffles are where it's at, and this can apply perfectly to your Valentine's Day outfit. Best of all, these richly textured dresses offer the possibility of more warmth in cold weather, and layer beautifully over tights and knee-high boots, making them a great choice for February. On top of that, there are so many fun ways to accessorize the perfect outfit. For instance, Valentine's Day nail ideas that are as scrumptious as a box of chocolates, and will pair beautifully with a textured, feminine dress. 

Barbiecore had everyone oversaturated with pink. Similarly, the spike in popularity around Millennial pink had everyone wearing the color, and then everyone got sick of it. The pink hangover is still in effect, even though it's one of the most traditional colors for Valentine's Day. Pink fatigue means that Valentine's Day 2026 is offering a new color palette. 

This doesn't mean that Valentine's Day is ruined. It's just that the traditional tones of the holiday have shifted toward more sophisticated hues. Reds are still a dominating color trend of 2026, and chocolate brown also has staying power, offering a new, creative way to dress for the romantic day. So instead of a bubblegum pink look, get creative with rich reds and mocha mousse shades. Incorporate jolts of crimson into your Valentine's Day look by opting for red boots and a bold, red lip. Since Valentine's Day traditionally has a sexy edge to it, a chocolate brown corset is a stylish way to incorporate the lingerie trend, no pink required. 

There are mistakes that every couple makes on Valentine's Day, but thankfully, there are easy ways to avoid them. One such mistake that's distinctly outdated in 2026 is the overpriced restaurant. Instead of shelling out for an expensive dinner, this year is all about thoughtful, enriching activities instead of bougie reservations. While fine dining has long been lauded as one of the traditions for February 14, couples are replacing a hefty dinner bill with activities that resonate with their love story on a more personal level. 

Part of the reason that this tradition is outdated is because of the current financial state many are facing. Based on economic data from early 2026, people are experiencing financial hardships with the cost of living and inflation making splurges harder to justify. As such, an expensive dinner makes less sense as a form of intimate bonding this year. Instead, choose an activity that will allow you to make new memories as a couple. Having fun together is key to a healthy relationship, and that sage relationship advice applies more than ever to Valentine's Day. A romantic, winter walk is a touching choice. A workshop in your city is another way to grow together. Signing up for a dance class is a sure way to have some laughs. Ice skating is seasonally appropriate (and a nice reference to the popular show "Heated Rivalry"). 

There are some major Valentine's Day red flags to watch out for this year, like if your partner completely ignores the day. Similarly, if you are explicit about what you had in mind for February 14 and they pay no attention, or deliberately do something different, that might be something to note. But if everything's moving along nicely, there's another minor factor to watch out for on Valentine's Day. 

In years past, luxury gifts have been the norm, at least in the media, which presented an idealized version of what couples should do for each other on Valentine's Day. This included brand-name gifts or pricey jewelry. However, the loud luxury trend that was popular in the early 2020s has been replaced by stealth-wealth and quiet luxury trends. This means that conspicuous consumption is passé, and an over-the-top gift isn't on trend. Instead, something thoughtful and handmade is the vibe of this year. A homemade card strikes the perfect note, or a sentimental scrapbook of your favorite memories together as a couple has far more romantic power than a heavily-branded gift. If you do want to purchase something, a simpler gift takes the pressure off. For instance, there are several Read With Jenna book club picks that are perfect for Valentine's Day and make a charming present.