Up until recent years I think it was pretty widely accepted that most people are one of two things: Valentine’s Day enthusiasts, or completely apathetic to the entire thing.

Now, though, there’s a third approach to Valentine’s Day, and I must say, it’s my favourite: Galentine’s Day! As a woman who doesn’t care about the day in a romantic sense but loves to use it as an excuse to get together with my best friend, wear something sexy and luxuriant while consuming a truly indulgent three course meal together, Galentine’s Day is definitely my thing.

Typically I wear all black, not as some sort of anti-romance protest against the idea that I should want to spend the day with a man, but more as the opposite. All black slinky outfits make me feel the most sexy and sassy, and what better way to feel when living it up with one of your most loved companions? Thanks to Joanie Clothing, this year I’ve dreamt up another All Black Ensemble that ticks all my Galentine’s boxes, and would even work for those of you who do want to spend it with your Significant Other.

Skirt: Black Shirley skirt C/O Joanie Clothing
Top: Plus Plunge V neck Lace Body by Boohoo.com
Belt: Collectif 
Bag: Vintage

The Shirley skirt comes in both black (as pictured, attitude optional) and red (perfect for actual Valentine’s lovers.) The latter would work beautifully for constructing an all-red outfit, the other monochromatic colour-scheme known for making woman feel sexy and powerful. If, however, you love hearts, pink and everything ruffled, it would be equally possible to construct something truly twee around it, if that is your flashing-lights, gently-vibrating, cooing-dove-noises heart’s desire.

This skirt is a simple piece, a full circle closed with a hidden back zipper. It beats out many other circle skirts, though, by having hidden pockets in both side seams, eager to be practical as well as charming. Circle skirts produced by most vintage inspired companies do tend to be on the slightly longer side, measuring somewhere between 26-30 inches typically. While that works a treat for ladies like me (I’m 5 ft 7,) I know my petite pinup pals find such lengths overwhelming on their daintier frames. This skirt is 23.5 inches long, so while it does manage to touch my knees I know it would be a happier length than many for you pint-sized beauties in search of full circles.

I typically wear an 18 in Joanie Clothing, but I asked for this skirt in a size 20 since I was between the 18 and 20 on the size chart. It’s not unusual for me to need to size up in skirts compared to dresses, and I thought I’d rather have to take it in if necessary than have to breathe in the whole time while wearing it. At it happens, it runs almost a whole size large, so the 18 would have actually been the better fit. The size 20 I have flat measured just shy of 40 inches with stretch to 41, so I had to take it in along the back for a more snug fit as shown in these pictures.

The Shirley skirt comes in black and red in UK sizes 8-22. If you’re in desperate need of a Valentine’s outfit, Joanie Clothing have Next Day Delivery available, as well as a Valentine’s Date Night Edit all ready for you to peruse.

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[Disclaimer: This skirt was gifted to me by Joanie Clothing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own, with no input from Joanie Clothing or any other individuals. The discount code provided does not earn me any commission.]