What to Wear: New Year’s Eve

I’ve gotten quite a few emails in regards to what to wear on New Year’s. Never fear – La C’s here! From the dreaded corporate New Year’s get-together, family celebrations, or spending the holiday with a few friends (or your special other), I’ve tried to narrow it down to the most common of scenarios to help you all! On a general note, New Year’s festivities call for something a bit more wild  – this is the perfect time to wear your sequins again, try bright lip and eye colors, add over the top accessories, etc. This holiday calls for a bit of carpe diem-ing with what you wear; think a moderate Carrie Bradshaw to avoid any uncomfortable stares or inquiries on what the unidentifiable flower-bird-pouf object on your dress is. But be inspired by her courage to wear head-turning, eye-catching looks.

{the corporate party.}

Ah. The corporate New Year’s party, hosted by a fellow worker or an uptight boss often causes the most stress. It is one of the few events where you should still maintain a bit of conservatism; after all, it is the office. Thus said, stick to a neutral color palette (black and white is your best friend!) and save the décolletage-revealing wiggle dress for a GNO or night out with your significant other. To begin, start with the basics: the high-waisted, wide leg trousers in black. When paired with a fitted, white or cream turtleneck tucked in and a pair of patent peep toe stilettos, the overall effect is hardly conservative and boring: it’s slimming, leg-elongating, and a surprisingly demure-sexy ensemble. Take full advantage of the basics; after all, the two pieces are your canvas. So accessorize boldly! There is not better time to bring out the costume jewelry: the crystal studded, thick-chained baubles like this Tarina Tarantino necklace. Using gold as the accent color, finish the ensemble with a metallic clutch to add a bit of sparkle and color.

I know I posted this outfit already (gasp!) but I truly do think it would be perfect for work. Or a midnight celebration with the boyfriend’s parents. Perfectly business and conservative, but with a touch of personality and shine, by way of the Donna Karan sequined tank and patent pumps and clutch. Red lips and a few extra coats of mascara ought to to do the trick for a classic yet demurely smoldering look. If you do want to bring in a touch of sheen and sparkle, do remember to balance it with a structured piece (like the blazer) to create balance. I realize I mention that word too often, but balance is the key to create a perfect outfit!

{cocktail parties.}

For the uber-girly, you simply cannot get wrong with the classic one-shouldered dress. In a delicious cream, of course. I’m kind of, sort of in love with this dress. It’s the epitome of girlish glamour in a beautiful, silky satin, silvery pattern, and bow. Just imagine sipping cocktails and chatting with the girls or a particular boy (wink wink!) before the ball in Times Square drops; a bit picture perfect, no? A scene from Gossip Girl, only real and tangible. Accessorize with bits of silver here or there: gray tights, a silver clutch, bracelet, ring, shimmery Urban Decay shadow for that extra bit of glitz. Finish with a coat of pink gloss and you really could rival the New Year’s decorations.

The outfit above is fairly similar to the first, but reflecting dark glamour. Think Serena Vanderwoodsen in the pilot episode of season one on a first date with Dan meets Lanvin. New Year’s is the perfect time to embrace the more wild of trends as well as a day to go all out in metallics. Gold would the be the next best choice; this Miu Miu dress is simply breathtaking, with a rustic finish to the strapless dress. Pairing it with black opaque tights and suede booties warms the entire outfit. The chain necklace, though potentially too extravagant for regular wear, would elevate the entire look from simply beautiful to glamorous. The colors of the metals would be like icing on the cake for the dress, sitting elegantly on neckline. And never skimp on the makeup for this particular evening. A winged cat eye, balanced with barely-there blush and a sheer gloss with gold glitter would be simply ravishing.

{dancing the night away.}

If you choose to welcome the new year with a few girlfriends, a wingman, and cute boys you have yet to meet over some cocktails (drink responsibly! do keep in mind that cocktails have a lot of unwanted calories) at a fabulous club in the city, bring out the more risque tops and strappy heels. But do keep in mind that you must retain a classy air as you dance in little numbers! Keep your outfit simple; a focal-point top, a pair of your favorite skinnies, and heels that you can dance in (this is important!). I absolutely love this racerback tank from J. Crew. It’s classy, simple, yet sexy – it shows just the right amount of skin with the cut, and the sheer fabric with the bubble hem makes it truly adorable. In the dim, strobe-light filled club, you want to sparkle – and darling, you definitely will with this top! Tuck the essentials into a metallic or sequined clutch: bright pink gloss, bronzer for a healthy glow, and black shadow for the perfect smokey eye.

{with the family.}

Celebrating the new year with the family with Polaroid snapshots to adorn the fridge and glasses of sparkling grape juice is just as fun – but don’t succumb to the flannel pajamas! You can still be comfortable whilst looking adorable. A stretchy pair of jeans, though not as cozy as sweatpants, still allow you to cozy up in your spot on the couch. Layer this sequined vest over a long sleeved shirt for extra sparkle and warmth. For sense of cute homeliness, these American Eagle knee-high slippers with pom-poms are simply delightful! And finish it all with a quick coat of pink balm for that lipstick-stain-on-the-wine-glass effect you’ve wanted to be able to do as a child watching old movies or glamorous adults at dinners.

{a new year’s kiss.}

The epitome of a romantic date is that special kiss right as the new year rings in, with confetti all about and glasses clinking. The philosophy behind dressing for that memorable night: keep the entire ensemble simple! I’m completely in love with this Forever 21 dress in a gorgeous aqua; the sweetheart neckline is demurely sexy, the silhouette flattering for any body shape, the pleats and draping goddess-like, and the fabric gives just the right amount of sheen. When paired with black opaque tights (to cover more skin and provide minimal warmth, classic pumps, and a single pendant (I really am in love with snowflakes!) to adorn your décolletage, all eyes will be on you, without a doubt. And don’t forget, darlings, to apply a bit of yummy gloss ;).

.   .   .

bisous,

La C.