How to dress up jeans for date night

Speed is of the essence

Valentine’s Day. Obviously a capitalist swizz designed to make us spend more money. But also quite sweet and a good reason to talk about date-night dressing.

Before kids, I was very dismissive of the concept of date night. I thought it was all a bit cringe and smug. Back in my office days, a colleague once told me she and her husband put a fortnightly date night in their shared calendar. Twenty-something me was horrified - where’s the romantic spontaneity in that?

Now I totally get it. Without making an effort to pre-plan a night out together, months can easily slip by where the only ‘quality’ time my husband and I have had is doom scrolling side-by-side on the sofa.

Not that we manage to make the effort nearly enough - certainly not every two weeks (consider me jealous of my former colleague now. And yes, she has kids). Babysitters are expensive, we’re tired, it's cold and I can never think of a restaurant anyway.

But after four years of parenting, I’ve discovered it's pretty damn nice - and actually quite essential - to hit pause on the chaos-storm that is raising children, sit down, look at each other and have a conversation about something other than online grocery delivery slots and who’s doing pick-up when nursery shuts early next week.

And it's really lovely to have a reason to dress up.

Of course there's never any time to get ready. I'm often still wresting my kids out of the bath and into pyjamas when the babysitter arrives, then have minutes to get out the door so as not to be late for whatever 7.30pm reservation I've optimistically made. I’ve learnt the hard way to not get dressed before doing the hand over (silk shirt + spat out strawberry toothpaste = GAH). So, the turn around is quick.

As I'm usually in jeans anyway, my speedy go-to is to add a few extras to turn them into something suitable for going out in. Here’s three of my tried-and-tested.

A cute jacket

Whip off your jumper, throw on a going-outy jacket and you're getting somewhere.

The the below velvet is from the Sézane x Maria de la Orden collection (£165) and I love the eighties Princess Di energy of it. It’s short, which is ideal for wearing over a dress, but with jeans you’ll have to stick something underneath, unless you don’t mind a bit of midriff showing. I’m wearing this Klayd bodysuit which is super sculpting and hugging, as well as being an effective warmth-adding layer.

This from Aligne (£99) is another good - and longer! - option. The shaped waist is sexy and nods to Dior’s Bar Jacket silhouette. A classic!

Then add big gold earrings (these! Or these!), a very fun bag and loafers to stop the whole thing looking too lady.

FYI, the jeans are the Miro from Citizens of Humantiy and I can’t stop wearing them – they go with everything. These are a lovely, less pricey alternative from Everlane.

A striped shirt

There’s something very sexy about a relaxed-fit, boyfriendy shirt - and it's a quick way to smarten things without looking overdressed. A stripe is a low-effort print for extra pizzaz. I know Gen Z say we're not supposed to tuck tops in anymore, but I prefer the silhouette. Plus, if you haven't had time to get the iron out, a tuck helps stretch out creases. Then just run your hair straighteners over the collar.

I'm wearing an old style from Whistles, but this from the current season (£79) has a similar feel. Alternatively, how great is this khaki stripe? Or this for a bit of slink - and under £30!

Chokers and torque necklaces are having a moment and feel more dressy than your everyday pendants. This one is by British jeweller, Laura Vann. Laura Lombardi’s short chain (£75) is also a delight.

Chuck it all on with a great pair of black jeans.

A sexy cardi

As well as being one of the best lines from Notting Hill (see also, “demi-cappu”) a sexy cardi is my ultimate fall back when I’m seriously up against it.

I've had Sézane’s Gaspard cardigan (£95) for years and still love wearing it. The fuzzy texture and pearly buttons make it feel expensive and special. I think the red would look so sassy, too. Not to sound Trinny about things, but you can also wear it backwards when you want to switch up necklines. How versatile.

Indigo jeans always make me feel a bit more polished. Gap's denim is looking really good at the moment.

Then cute Mary Jane flats. I’ve become quite obsessed with U.S. label Rothy’s, which does super light-weight knitted shoes that are slightly weird - but I think in a good way. The first time I wore these they rubbed a little, but now they’re like slippers. (Side note: this has become my on-the-go with the kids bag. You can put it in the washing machine!!)

If you fancy a heel, St Agni’s low wedges are such a chic shape and not a nightmare to walk in. I can't find the burgundy anywhere, but the python are on sale for under £200. A close-up of the Laia Alen bag (wear it on holiday! And to weddings!). The necklace is this from Tilly Sveaas (shorter length) worn without the T-bar - also on sale!

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One More Thing…

More jewellery! I mentioned Catch Rhys in last week's post (to recap: solid gold hoops, no crazy mark-up, East London-based, founded by fellow mum Catherine - hi!) and wanted to flag that on the 14th Feb, she’s launching single hoops. Ideal for when one from your favourite pair has been yanked out by a toddler/got lost in the playground/disappeared in the bottom of your tote bag, etc.

That's all for now. You’re doing great, Frankie x

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