And just like that Christmas has come and gone and the New Year celebrations are days away. Now that I’m past my roaring twenties (thank you twin toddlers) I am much more keen on low key New Years Eve festivities typically consisting of a good run with the Mister, our dog, and the boys in the stroller followed by a fondue dinner and bubbly in the evening. That said, there’s much to be said for an intimate NYE gathering with close friends and family, not to mention it would be completely nonsensical to turn down a good invitation on the one night of the year when it is practically expected to get all dolled up and perhaps drink one (or three) too many cocktails. Whether you’re headed for a ritzy night out or watching the ball drop from your couch, read on for my favorite styling tips and shopping picks for New Years Eve.
If you’re headed to a party this weekend and are at a loss for what to wear, I’ve assembled a NYE shopping list full of exceptional cocktail party pieces that are perfect for ringing in the new year, but also all-around solid additions to your cocktail attire wardrobe that can be worn many times over. If Kate Middleton can recycle ball gowns and cocktail dresses, so can you!
Some of my absolute favorite cocktail attire pieces in my closet are items I bought specifically for a New Years party. I’ve gotten tons of mileage out of this New Years Eve past black slip lace dress from Zara in particular. I wear it on its own from time to time, but my absolute favorite way to wear it is with a knit sweater layered on top for a casual date night or New Years Eve at home. As many do, I gravitate towards black and white for NYE, but am quite choosey about only selecting pieces with exquisite details and fabrics that I know I will love wearing on many occasions.
In addition to the detailing of the dress, what really makes a top notch NYE look is how you style it. The best way to really turn up for New Years Eve is with metallics, sequins, statement jewelry, and unique color blocking. As a french girl wannabe I’m very fond of the very Parisian pairing of black and navy together and the key to nailing this elegant and unexpected color combination is to use contrasting textures that allow both colors to stand out and complement one another. Think black leather + navy knit, black crepe + navy tulle, black lace + navy silk.
Just like any other girl, I really love to wear sequins during the holidays, but I use a simple trick of layering a button down shirt underneath a sequin top or dress to put my own spin on holiday sequins. This trick is particularly useful if you’re headed to an event that is more casual but you still want to sport your sequins without feeling too dressed up.
Last but not least, you can’t go wrong with a top knot or pony tail to showcase the new gems you got for Christmas 😉
With that, I’ll leave you to my favorite NYE party picks (which are almost all on sale right now,) and wish you a very safe and happy New Year!
Gorgeous outfits, since we are Going to a casual gathering this year the black flats and earrings are my favs.
Thank you Lynn! New Years Eve has been ultra casual for me the last few years so snazzy flats and statement earrings have been my go-to’s. Happy New Year to you!