New Year’s Eve is the most predictable event on my social calendar, and the only one I’m continually stumped on when it comes to getting dressed. You can usually find me sitting in a puddle of garments at 8 p.m. the night of, huffing and puffing about how I have nothing to wear. You could call it the ultimate procrastination — what else offers a year-long run-up? — but what my whiny, sweaty admission of defeat is actually trying to express is: none of the clothes I actually want to wear seem festive enough for the occasion. And sparkles aren’t really my thing.
I usually give in anyway — scavenging whatever twinkly pieces I can find in my own or my friends’ closets. I don silver and sequins like they’re a dress code, and without fail, once I’m out in a sea of my own lookalikes, I feel intense dread for not settling on something more me.
This year, in an uncharacteristic attempt at forethought, I decided to conduct some preliminary research on the investigative platform commonly known as Instagram. How could I look festive without looking “festive”? Need I sparkle? If you’re pondering the same questions, enjoy the fruits of my labor below: seven spirited outfit ideas that can stand up to the occasion that is New Year’s Eve, no sequins need apply.
Pattern clashing can give sparkles a run for their money
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🌳Mi Anne said I look like I’m in Salem and idk she’s definitely not wrong🌳🦜
A silky wrap dress always seems to be a safe option when I’m preparing for an occasion. But safe is rarely satisfying, especially on New Year’s Eve. That said, I just might borrow a page from Michelle Li’s styling book and jooj this dependable number. The decision to incorporate those patterned Saks Potts tights and whimsically printed Nikes took this wrap dress from blending in at Sunday brunch, to stealing the spotlight at a Saturday cocktail party.
Black isn’t always the absence of light
La’Shaunae looks so badass in all black that she’s making me consider tossing every single brightly colored garment I own. Plus, the PVC material is so sleek and seductive, making it the ideal option for slipping right into the new year. To finish things off, I’d vouch for an equally shiny pair of knee-high boots, and maybe even this patent purse with fur trim by STAUD for good measure.
To make a statement, double down on animal print
I’m loving Marjon’s decision to pair two tailored, python-printed pieces together, but I imagine the results would be just as enchanting if replicated with leopard, zebra, or tiger prints. One detail I definitely wouldn’t change? The sculptural statement boots, guaranteed to put a good foot forward into 2019.
Or plaid — take your pick!
Is there anything more dignified than a not-too-fitted, not-too-oversized plaid blazer? Perhaps pairing said blazer worn with a not-too-flared, not-too-skinny pair of checked trousers. Thanks to the combination of tailored pieces and quirky additions, like the dad sneakers and baguette bag, Nnenna strikes the ideal balance between business and pleasure — which is coincidentally my 2019 resolution.
Statement silver is the new sequin
I was aware that silver jewelry is having a moment right now, but per Paloma, this trend isn’t limited to earrings, necklaces and rings. That belt and clutch are so mesmerizing that I can’t decide which I want to kiss at midnight. And to make things even harder for myself, I’m fantasizing about adding these crackled metallic mules into the mix.
A good suit can do all of the heavy lifting
I admire this suit for the same reason I admire almost any co-ord: low maintenance, high impact.
Being swathed in opulent, fuschia velvet from shoulder to ankle is undoubtedly festive, but also takes the pressure off in regards to “matching.” Though having such a uniform base for an outfit, I think it might be punchier to swap out that baby-blue bag for this polkadot pouch from Ganni.
Jeans are not out of the question
Why don’t more people wear jeans on New Year’s Eve? This combination of neon orange, tiger print, and metallic on Leeanna dresses these jeans so far up that I might end up wearing a similar pair myself this year.
Should I ring in 2019 with one of these looks, or return to tried-and-true sequins? What are YOU wearing? Let’s toast to all decisions in the comments.
Feature image via Michelle Li.
