What To Wear When The Ball Drops
New Years Eve is right around the corner. What are your plans? Are you headed out on the town in sequins to sip champagne? Celebrating at an intimate dinner soiree? Or hanging at home for a super casual get-together?
No matter where you go, you need something fun to wear. To get you started here are some tips for selecting your look:
- Focus on YOUR best asset – flaunt it and make it scream. If you have incredible shoulders, wear a halter, strapless or one-shoulder. If you have a defined waist, cinch it with a belt. If you have great legs focus on your hemline and show those shapely calves.
- Dresses – Are perfect for any occasion, especially New Year's Eve. When selecting a dress, first consider the fabric as it defines the 'dressy-ness' level. Dresses made of jersey or soft cottons are more casual where as dresses made of silks, sheer or stiff fabrics are more formal and dressy.
- Accessories – Really are a girl's best friend. An over-sized cocktail ring, metallic clutch or dramatic, jewel encrusted chandelier earrings make any outfit dressier and more interesting. Think of your accessories as your outfit maker. Adding them finishes the look and creates style.
- Embellishment – Any accent makes an outfit unique and special. Sparkles, sequins, feathers or fur create individually. The key to embellishment is balance, a little goes a long way. Don't over do it.
- Fit is critical! The most beautiful, well-made dress will look like a sack if it doesn't fit properly. Tailor it – so it fits YOU perfectly.
If you're headed out on the town for a night in sequins to sip champagne…. Go all out! It's time for a cocktail dress, embellished jewels and all that sparkles. New Years Eve is a glamorous night. Bring on the glam!
- One shoulder sunburst dress by Black Halo. This dress is for you if you have great shoulders. The billowy sleeve is soft and feminine! Jewelry should be kept to a minimum, but pieces worn should be bold. Try a chunky necklace or a huge cocktail ring. For makeup and hair, think modern. Sleek, pulled back hair keeps with the theme. Makeup should be strong and bold. A smokey eye would do the trick.
- Teal dress by Catherine Malandrino. I love her signature tone-on-tone cutout detail on her hemlines. The sash tied at the waist gives hourglass definition and the bare shoulders, so sexy. Hair worn up or tied back in a messy knot with oversized chandelier earrings. Stunning!
- Black knee length Daisy skirt by Heidi Merrick with winter floral silk top by Rory Beca. Pretty yet conservative from an exposure perspective. This is a great option if you don't want to show too much skin. This winter floral is great for warmer skin tones. Make sure you really play up your makeup – a little bronzer adds warmth to skin. For a more formal option choose a black floor length skirt instead. Tip: A floor length black skirt is time-less and an AMAZING addition to any woman's closet. It is classic.
- Banana Republic Cleopatra-style silk, pleated dress. A belt at the waist creates shape as well as emphasizes the waist. The combo of the neckline detail and the skinny leopard belt are a perfect compliment. Loose billowy, soft, wavy hair and a bold red lip – perfect!
- Brown feather dress by Elie Tahari. The combination of the lace and the feathers are ultra feminine without being over the top. So pretty! The feathers are the focus so keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum. Hair up elongates the silhouette. For makeup, focus on the eyes and balance out with a natural lip. Add sparkle to the eyes to up the glam effect.
Celebrating at an intimate dinner soiree? The range is a bit wider for this category. Some parties are dressier than others. So how do you know what to wear?
Consider the host/hostess – are they formal or casual? If host/hostess dress to the nines most of the time – you should too! If they are more relaxed, their party will be too. What is the food situation? If it is a formal sit down, multi-course meal, it's dressy. If it's mingle, self-serve buffet style. It's more casual.
Either way you have a wide range of options – going from most to least dressy here are some ideas:
- AllSaints Aditya Dress – this black wrap dress features the most beautiful, puffed hemline. The oversized collar, wrap waist and flowing hem create the most beautiful hourglass shape. This is my version of the perfect LBD (little black dress.) It is classic with a funky twist. Hair up is a must to show off this beautiful collared neckline. Stiletto boots – like stretch knee-high, ankle or booties add funk and edge. Pony hair animal print chunky heels do the trick too! Have fun with this one.
- Navy, silk, ruffle top by Amanda Uprichard and champagne, silk, box pleat skirt with Stella & Dot floral necklace and Calvin Klein oversized gold weave belt are a bit more casual but still dress the part.
- Black leather skirt by Vince, fur vest by Du Monde, black t-shirt by Rubbish and three strands of black beads by H&M offer an edgy, fun yet comfy option for a more hanging-out get together. Hair pulled back in a sleek, low pony keeps the look clean and edgy. The leather skirt can be substituted for skinny black jeans too.
Hanging with friends for a super casual get together? Yup one of my favorites! PJs baby! Some years you're just not into all the hubbub of NYE! So go with it and go comfy! Fun, long sleeve t-shirt, maybe leopard PJ bottoms and pink fuzzy slippers. Pair it with a ponytail and no jewelry. Comfy and cute!
To find these pieces and ones similar visit any of the Nordstrom Rack stores, either Neiman Marcus Last Call locations or Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th Outlet locations. Additional merchandise can be bought online at AllSaints and Stella & Dot.
Tricia is an Image Consultant, style guru, writer, marketer, blogger and style addict. Through her Image Consulting services Tricia helps women of all shapes, sizes and ages with their image and style needs. As a marketer and writer Tricia puts her ideas, tips and expertise to good use via the StylishShe website and blog, Facebook, twitter, style articles, and soon...her book. Visit www.stylishshe.com to learn more.
