Like blue cheese, people either f*cking hate or love New Year’s Eve. I, for one, fall into the latter category, even though it’s kind of off-brand for me. I generally skip any sort of outing at which I am forced to listen to Top 40 and see youths make out, but there’s something about New Year’s Eve that I truly love. Maybe it’s the open bar, or maybe it’s the outfits. If you know me, and most of you prob do by now, you know that my general uniform is jeans and an oversized white T-shirt, but on this particular holiday, I go all the f*ck out. Short dress? Check. Sparkles? Sure. Five-inch heels? Why the hell not? I’m just now realizing that I described an extra from the set of Wolf of Wall Street. Whatever, I’m not mad about it.
My point is that on New Year’s Eve, anything goes, which means your choice of attire is truly up to you. So whether you’re like me and like to get dolled up like it’s the night of the big dance at Rydell High or you aim for something a little more low-key, this is what your NYE outfit says about you.
Sequins
Forever21 Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
I know I said I am a firm believer of sparkles on this day, but let me just state for the record that sequins and sparkles are different. IMHO, any piece of clothing with sequins on it is from Forever21. Even if it’s Chanel, it might as well be Forever21. If you’re rocking sequins on NYE, you’re either a hipster who lives for irony, or you’re a vanilla traditional gal who goes to the types of parties you see in every tampon commercial/episode of The Bachelor featuring a live performance by some Tim McGraw knock-off. Sequins, to me, are like Kanye West: they either need to somehow make themselves cool again or make it be 2006 again.
LBD
Likely Alia Puff-Sleeve A-Line Mini Dress
If you’re wearing an LBD out on the town, you’re a Meredith Blake type who knows that a bunch of dudes and probably a few ladies are checking you out as you walk by. I support you. The type of woman who wears an LBD to a NYE party is radiating Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s vibes and I absolutely stan Holly Golightly. An LBD on any occasion is classic, but on NYE, it demonstrates sexiness with a tiny but of restraint. Like, you may take five straight tequila shots, but you won’t go for the sixth. And when you puke, you’ll do it in a toilet like God intended.
Jumpsuit
If you are wearing a jumpsuit to a NYE party, you are a girl who wants to f*cking dance and take a ton of photos. You will sacrifice practicality for fashion and risk getting walked in on butt naked in the bathroom if it means you’ll look so hot that you get a “happy new years” text from your ex.
T-Shirt
Madewell Rivet & Thread Ex-Boyfriend Long-Sleeve Tee
If you remember from a few paragraphs ago, I love T-shirts. But even though I wear one almost every day, I’ve never been told I look good in them. Then again, nobody wears a T-shirt to look good. You wear it because it hides your holiday bloat and you don’t feel like picking up your dry cleaning… or maybe that’s just me. The girl who shows up to a NYE party in a T-shirt probably just came to nurse a martini and Irish exit before the ball even drops. She’ll tell everyone she’s in the bathroom when they ask where she is, and while everyone else is on the verge of checking themselves into the hospital the next day, she won’t be a sliver of hungover.
Anything Else
Zara Floral Printed Flared Pants
I know this seems really broad, and it is, but things that fall into this category include, but are not limited to, floral, tuxedo jacket dresses, one-sleeved tops, silk trousers, you get the point. If you’re wearing something that doesn’t fall into one of the other categories, you want people to ask you where your cool dress is from so you can say something like, “I don’t even remember! I think I got it in Paris, but I’m not sure!” when you definitely ordered it on Rent the Runway for this specific occasion. Miscellaneous pieces are not necessarily bad, they’re just unexpected, and you thrive off that element of mystery, even if you have to put in a lot of effort to seem ~mysterious~. You’re the type of person who would dress as some elaborate pun for Halloween just so you could spend the entire night explaining it to anyone who glances in your direction.
Images: BoConcept / Shutterstock.com; Forever21; Bloomingdales.com; Parker; Madewell; Zara
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New Year’s Eve is the one night it is socially acceptable to wear head to toe sparkles, and for that one reason only I will be going out. NYE plans are always changing at the last minute (you should see my group chat right now), but no matter what, it’s always a struggle to figure out what to wear. Whether you’re going for something a little more reserved, or all-out glam, you want to look great. I’ve put together three outfits for three different occasions, and of course, they’re all looks for less.
My first look is inspired by Kourtney Kardashian’s birthday dress. Maybe Kourtney will spend this NYE babysitting Sofia Richie? This is the quintessential New Year’s sparkle dress. I found this dress from Get Choosy, which perfectly replicated Kourt’s sexy look. To complete the look, I paired the dress with a simple heel and a hoop earring to, just like Kourtney. Throw on a black fur with this and it’s the perfect New Years Eve party look. The best part about all of this? The dress is only $55.
My next look is perfect if you want something a little flashy, but aren’t feeling the full glitter fantasy. I found this silk mustard dress from Zara, and paired it with thigh-high boots and a sheer bodysuit underneath. This look is great for a nice New Year’s dinner, whether you’re hitting the club after or not. This particular dress is a great purchase, because it can be worn in so many different ways, and this color is also very on trend right now. Full disclosure–I added the slit in this dress, and I think it really makes the look. If you don’t spend a lot of money on something, you don’t feel as bad changing it up!
My third look is for the person who wants to go all out this New Year’s Eve. This set is from Zara but the bodysuit and top can be worn long after the ball drops. This bodysuit is perfect with black pants or jeans if you’re staying low-key but want a pop of sparkle for a fun night out! These pants can also be worn with a simple black top and a chic pair of pumps. The set is perfect together for your over the top NYE glam, but it’s also a good investment piece. This specific set is sold out online, but it is still in stores, and here is a similar look!
If these looks are not your vibe and want to wear all black, I’ve totally been there. To add a little something interesting, here are a pair of statement earrings that will turn your low-key outfit up a notch. New Year’s fashion is all about having fun, so play around with your personal style, and take a risk!
Images: @kourtneykardashian / Instagram; Shutterstock; Alexandra Gordon (3)