A number of factors influence the way we dress: weather, mood, love. Yes, that’s right, love. Being in love can majorly influence your look. For one, you’re happy – at least one would hope you’re happy if you’re in love. Happy people wear brighter colors, and their cheeks glow brighter as well.

In honor of what might be your most dreaded or beloved holiday – Valentine’s Day, that is – The Wildcat explores how being in a relationship affects your fashion sense. Does partner number one begin to mirror partner two’s style, or vice-versa?

Here are some of the best-dressed couples we found on and surrounding campus. As you can see, each partner is presented in an individual, fashionable manner and also compliments his or her other half.

Take a hint guys; it’s the little things that can be the most romantic. For example, Tim Minker, a pre-physiology sophomore, will probably have to work on Valentine’s Day, but when he’s done, he plans on making dinner for his girl, Stephanie Lew, a Pima Community College studio art student.

Minker, in Armani jeans he found at the ol’ Buffalo Exchange, cites another charmer as one of his style icons: Jude Law.

Lew, a self-proclaimed bargain hunter, looks crisp and clean in a blank tank and jeans.

While both Lew and Minker wear relatively basic attire, they add their own funk and flair through their grooming habits. Lew adds a dash of drama by creating smoky eyes with black eyeliner, and Minker’s jagged haircut gives him a hipster edge.

Journalism senior Samantha Jameson combines looks from different genres to make her own personal statement.

“”I like mixing cowboy boots with Parisian elements,”” Jameson said. “”Or I’ll do my hair up in a ponytail like a rocker chick and then wear it with a little dress.””

Her nautical sweatshirt tee contrasts and compliments her olive green cords from Urban Outfitters – which were a steal at $9.99!

Jameson says her cowboy boots are high-end, imported goods. …

“”They’re from this little boutique called Tar-get,”” Jameson joked.

Her beau, economics senior Matt Sydor, in James Jeans and a custom-made T-shirt from Brooklyn, says The Strokes are one of his major style influences.

“”You like the punk-skater look,”” Jameson chimed in. “”But you also like the pretty boy look.””

For Valentine’s Day, the stylish duo plan on getting out of Tucson for some R&R.

“”A little weekend retreat,”” Sydor said.

Senior architecture students Melody Rees and Matt O’Bright are a perfect example of two well-dressed individuals whose styles are aligned.

“”We’re both somewhat artistic,”” Rees said.

Rees’ artsy, black ensemble features layers upon layers, a smart choice for Tucson’s wonderfully unpredictable climate.

Her standout piece, a short black trench coat from Forever 21, is a must-have.

And it’s also no longer just a detective’s uniform. Any stylist, model, fashion journalist, etc., will almost always cite a trench coat on the top of her staple list. While Burberry is usually the high-end choice for this particular piece, stores like Forever 21 are making what can sometimes be practically a replica at a reasonable cost.

O’Bright says he tends not to pay much attention to fashion, but goes more for the comfort factor. However, his black Prada glasses are quite fashion forward.

“”Aren’t they great?””

Reesasked.

O’Bright racks up a couple more style points by supporting artists in Portland, Oregon, where he snagged his locally crafted T-shirt.

As for their love life, the couple acknowledges the big day next week but has no plans set in stone just yet.

“”But I’ve got some plans up here,”” O’Bright said, tapping on his head.