Got a bae?
If so, expect to definitely be spending some serious cash on Sunday, Feb. 14. Between flowers, chocolate, dinner and gifts, Valentiene’s Day can suddenly feel like the new Christmas. Especially for guys.
Studies say an average man will spend around $128.90 when shopping for their significant other. Ladies are not too far behind however and have been known to dish out an average of $62.47.
On top of these numbers, do not forget about the new outfits that couples need for the big holiday.
Whether an individual and their significant other are heading out or staying in, looking nice is always top priority.
Isabella Badolato, junior social work major, is planning on going out for a nice dinner in Philadelphia with her boyfriend of three years. Buying a new outfit for the night out has been on her mind for a few weeks now.
“I definitely plan on going out shopping and buying a new outfit,” Badolato said. “I think Valentine’s Day is a nice excuse to get something new.”
Jess Breuning, junior graphic design major, has similar plans with her boyfriend of one year.
“This will be our first Valentine’s Day that we get to actually spend together,” Breuning said. “Last year he was away so we just got each other small gifts that we exchanged a few days later.”
Breuning is looking forward to something much nicer this year.
“I’ll still get him something again this year, along with the usual heart-shaped box of chocolates,” Breuning said. “We’re also planning on getting a little dressed up and going out to dinner.”
Valentine’s Day does not always have to mean getting dressed up for a nice dinner.
For some couples, it is not about how much money they drop on each other. Rather, about just spending some extra time together.
Kelly Merk, junior elementary education major, does not like to make too big of a deal out of the day with her boyfriend.
“We really don’t do anything special,” Merk said. “We already know how much we love each other so I don’t think we need to pay any extra special attention to it on one day.”
Merk says she and her boyfriend will probably just spend the day hanging out and maybe going out for drinks at night.
Harlee Scanlon, senior exercise science and health promotion major, feels similarly to Merk.
“My boyfriend and I actually haven’t celebrated Valentine’s Day for the last five years,” Scanlon said. “It was kind of a mutual decision since all the restaurants are always packed and it’s a hassle trying to find somewhere we both like that has available reservations.”
Scanlon says she actually enjoys their more casual take on the day, rather than the fancy night out.
“We usually just stay in and watch a movie,” Scanlon said. “He’ll bring flowers home one day after Valentine’s Day to surprise me on a random day. It may seem different, but it’s something I really like.”
With more casual plans like these, a new outfit may not be necessary.
If couples are planning on spending a more casual day together, there is no reason to spend money on a new outfit. In this case, jeans and a nice shirt would do just fine.
One can not talk about Valentine’s Day fashion trends without wondering what goes on underneath.
Lingerie: is it a dying trend or a forever tradition?
For some couples, it is a must. However, for others, it is an expensive waste of money.
For couples who care more for the undergarment fashion trends, lingerie can be the perfect gift to spice up the holiday.
However, just like dinner and a new outfit, what is worn underneath can get pretty expensive too.
A store like Victoria’s Secret can charge up to $90 for some lingerie.
Intimate time with your significant other is important, but is it really worth that much? Nikki Kline, junior psychology major, says she owns some lingerie, but understands why some couples might not want to make the investment.
“It was pretty expensive,” Kline said. “It was something I felt was worth the money because it was something special for both my boyfriend and I.”
Regardless of one’s feelings on the topic, many guys will be giving lingerie as a gift for the upcoming holiday.
If one is just down on the whole Valentine’s Day idea in general, head to the local mall.
People will be sure to catch a guy or two heading into Victoria’s Secret, looking awkward and confused, hoping no one will catch him on his journey into the land of bras and panties.
