Love out of lockdown

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Stephanie Smith finds out how romance – and High Street hopes – are on the fashion cards for spring 2022.

Are we all in the mood for love, romance and a splash of pure indulgence this Valentine’s Day? The fashion and retail industries certainly are, and, judging by my inbox at least, there is a massive level of excitement, with high hopes pinned on manifestations of affection this year.

Last year was all about stay-at-home Valentines – romantic enough but low-key, with sleepwear and a delivered dinner for two offering the hottest dishes on the menu.

This year, we can go out if we want to dine a deux, or we can take off for a bona fide mini-break in manner of Bridget Jones and Daniel Cleaver, or we can do cocktails and carousing, even dancing on the table (actually, I am not sure if that is allowed yet. I’ll ask Sue Gray).

The idea of wanton adventure beyond the home for a Valentine’s night out suggests that dressing up is back, in which case we had all better buck up because “I can’t be bothered” is so 2021.

Fortunately, the spring collections are already making their way in-store and online to encourage us back into sartorial splendour and spending.

For fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, Valentine’s Day takes place at a trans-seasonal time of year, as winter starts to ease and hopes turn to spring – and the run-up to

February 14 is a handy opportunity to showcase new collections. Leeds