Depending on whom you ask, Valentine’s Day is a nauseating celebration of humanity’s most saccharine tendencies, or second only to Christmas in the holiday hierarchy. Whatever your take, it’s surely sound advice to try to behave as lovingly as possible towards your nearest and dearest on a regular basis, so what’s another day of loveliness? Plus, you get to drink champagne and eat a nice meal in flattering candle-lit surroundings, if that’s your thing.

If you want our opinion (and given you have a vested enough interest to click on this article, we’ll assume you do), it’s largely the cloying cloud of pomp and circumstance engulfing the day that puts people off 14 February. No one wants a cheap polyester teddy bear with cutesy eyes (unless it’s very cute), but that doesn’t mean it’s an entirely pointless pageant. So, however you’re spending the day – whether the aforementioned dinner for two, staying in with your beloved or celebrating/lamenting your singleness in solitude – read on for three ways to style it out.

You’re more than capable of expressing your emotions in a healthy and communicative way, thank you very much, but there is something to be said for making an unspoken effort. Namely, with what you’re wearing. It should be formal, but it’s advisable to steer clear of anything too business-like. Turning up in the commute-rumpled suit you wore to work won’t go down well if your significant other has spent hours perfecting their look. Instead, go for a plush rollneck sweater in a neutral tone under a more relaxed suit, such as this charcoal one from our own line, Mr P. The floating canvas construction softens its structure to give it a slightly more relaxed feel. Add some smart but sturdy loafers from Thom Browne. You’ll thank us when the prospect of a post-dinner dance is raised.

Forgot to make a reservation? You can still play Romeo in the comfort of your own home. We’re sure your cooking skills are more than up to scratch, but just in case, be sure to impress in the dressing department, too. The trick here is to maintain a casual demeanour, but still look as if you’ve made a bit of effort. Jeans, for example, are more than acceptable, but you may want to swerve anything ripped or – quelle horreur – acid washed. This black selvedge pair from sophistication specialist Tom Ford looks great dressed up with a crisp shirt-and-sweater combo and smart, but slightly sporty, sneakers from Brunello Cucinelli.

Our earnest defence of Valentine’s Day didn’t convince you? Whether you’re single and not mingling, or loved up but preferring to maintain a safe distance from overpriced set menus, why not plant yourself firmly in the warm embrace of your sofa? No matter if you don’t have anyone to keep you warm. The right attire will be more than cosy enough. Sweatpants are non-negotiable, of course. Aimé Leon Dore’s colour-block pair are cheery and are made from cloud-soft fleece. Footwear, on the other hand, isn’t a necessity for a Thursday evening parked in front of Netflix’s latest true-crime series, but slip on Mulo’s shearling-lined slippers if (when) you answer the door to the Deliveroo driver. It’s their Valentine’s Day, too.