The Art of the New Years Eve Outfit

Other than sparkles and jewels, what should you actually look out for when planning your New Years Outfit? This is the outfit you are stepping into the new year with. It sets the tone for your personal fashion journey. You've come to the right place to get started. Let's look at the materials to focus on when planning an outfit.

Sequins, Silk, Lace, Chiffon.

Sequins

The most obvious and safest choice that instantly screams New Years is sequins. They make you iridescent, helping you stand out even in a dim lit room. The key is playing with is the size and design. There are right and wrongs for sequins and it can look cheap if not executed well. So pay CLOSE attention to quality. Make sure they are secure at the trim and not loose or falling off. The safest bet with small sequins is for there to be so many and so tiny that you can barely distinguish them individually. They blend together into one seamless shiny fabric. With big sequins, GO BIG! Make it fun and make it a statement.

Sequins are your chance to get creative. Choose pieces where the sequins form a design. This could be flowers or a repetitive pattern. Something that is intentional. Don't be shy. This is the night to maximize to go all in on sequins.

Silk

Out of all of these fabric types, many can be paired together. Layer, layer, layer! Continuously layering is what elevates an outfit. I will say this forever. Sequins in particular pair beautifully with silk, creating one of the chicest combinations for a New Years look, especially if you are color drenching. Take a look at this photo below.

See how black is elevated when she color drenches both sequins and silk. Its an easy pairing that instantly makes you one of the best dressed in the room

And it's not just black, pink does the job here as well.

Fur Trim

So what else pairs beautifully with silk? Fur! Fur is the fabric of winter. It provides warmth while giving that chic, expensive look. Fur trimmed dresses, skirts, pants, or tops paired with silk will create one of your most elevated looks to start the year. In this case, I recommend adding contrast with the fur. Have a black dress and deciding between matching back fur or contrasting colors? Go for the contrasting colors. It gives a more expensive look than a full blackout look.

Here she contrasts the black silk dress with pink, black, and white. Without the fur trim, this outfit wouldn't have nearly the same impact.

Lace

Now let’s talk about what else you can add. Maybe your outfit feels like it’s missing something, and you’re not sure how to take an all black look to the next level. The secret is lace. Pairing well with at least two of the three material types (sequins, silk, and lace) at the same time is a guaranteed recipe for a successful outfit. Lace can be added in a handful of ways, but the easiest is through tights. Lace tights add a sexy edge that instantly elevates a simple look.

A pop of color with lace tights adds another layer of interest. Red lace tights especially are trending when paired with an all black outfit. And if you’re crafty enough, sewing lace into your sleeves or the hem of a skirt adds that extra bit of pizazz. Lace is never boring, so if you always include it, your outfit never will be boring. I don’t make the rules :) , I just want you to look good.

Chiffon

Chiffon! It is the answer when you want to feel sexy while still keeping things modest. It moves beautifully and feels light on the body. No heavy material to make you feel weighed down. When paired with lace or sequins, chiffon creates the perfect balance between flirty and chic. It gives just enough drama without ever feeling overdone. This might be the best option of them all!

See how there is so much character in a simplistic design. The sequined flowers in the first photo add an edge that is truly unique.

Other Add Ons

Tassels & Fringe

I am so excited that these are back in style! Make them your best friend for the rest of the year. They make your outfit fun to spin around in and add that extra layer to give your outfit more shape than its original form. I love how it continuously moves with your body making every turn dramatic and flirty.

Like are you kidding. I absolutely love.

The Color to make a Statement

So what New Year’s colors should you be targeting? My personal favorite is a shiny, chrome-like light green. It feels festive while still being fresh and not overdone. Green also represents growth and renewal. This aligns with the start of something new and starting over. This is done best when paired with silk to really enhance its shine. Not the mention when photographed in this color it catches the light in a such flattering way that make you stand out.

And of course, there’s black. Simple, chic, and reliable. It works every time, shapes the body, and creates a slimming effect. It's timeless. It doesn't belong to any trend or fad and will always work. Black is also paired well with sequins, silk, lace, chiffon, fun, and tassels. Basically all of the above.

Makeup

Don’t be shy with your eyeshadow this year. Start with a matte color (my recommendation is blue, light green, red, or anything that matches your outfit), then layer a shimmer coat on top. Don’t hold back, make it noticeable. Compliment it with dark eyeliner, finishing with a bold top winged look like the one below. The goal is eyes that stand out, feel intentional, and instantly elevate your entire outfit.

See how she is already the coolest girl in the room. Her eyeshadow screams confidence and makes a statement without saying a word. It shows that she is the most chic person there, effortlessly ahead of the curve. She isn’t afraid to try new trends or experiment with bold ideas. She owns her look and she owns the room.

New Years Outfit Inspiration

Here is a mini Pinterest board for some NYE look inspiration. Check out my Pinterest @catherinepinotti for more ideas.