Bling in the New Year
By Linda Miller | Published: December 27, 2012
New Year's Eve is just a ticktock away.
If you're still wondering what to wear on one of the best dress-up nights of the year, let us make a few suggestions: shine, sparkle, sequins.
Any one of those three S's on a dress, tank, scarf, pair of shoes or statement piece of jewelry will help you put an exclamation point on 2012 and start the New Year on a stylish note.
Whether you add a sprinkle or go all out, shine, sequins and sparkle can make you party-ready in an instant without too much stress or hassle.
“I once read a caption that said, ‘Everything is better with bling,'” said Angela Crawford, owner of Closet Moxie. “I immediately thought that is my life mantra. I think a little shine here, a little sparkle there, is eye-catching and intriguing. I love shine and shimmer all year-round, but there is not a better or more festive time to wear it than the holidays.”
And with so many options available, from jackets and jeans to tanks and shoes, there's no reason not to add a touch of shine or shimmer.
“You don't need to spend a lot of time to pull it off either,” she said.
For an informal party with friends, it's as easy as throwing on a pair of soft gold jeans and adding a cobalt blue sequin top, Crawford said. No need to stick with black, unless that's your preference. A pop of blue looks great with gold denim.
Terrific transitions
If you're going straight from work to a New Year's Eve party, look for pieces that you can wear to the office and then transition to evening, she said.
Crawford likes the look of a lame snakeskin dress with high-low hem and a pewter metallic blazer.
“Both work, no pun intended, for the office because of their classic shapes,” Crawford said.
Then when the work day ends, practice your quick-change skills. Either wear the two pieces together, opt for the dress alone with a great necklace, or pair a silky tank, leggings and boots with the jacket. All are easy options.
Simple can be special
Jane Webb, owner of CK & Co. said sequins, sparkle and shine can make a woman feel good and look good. And there's just something about all three that elevate an outfit and make it really special.
She agrees with Crawford that dressing for New Year's Eve need not be complicated.
Grab your favorite little black dress and accent it with a pair of sparkly pumps. “Keep it simple and dance in the New Year,” Webb said.
Or think about a sequin skirt with a classic black blouse. It's even better if the blouse is softly tailored and sheer for an understated sexy look.
“Choose one item and let it shine,” Webb said.
And, of course, an all-over sequin dress is always right. “Sometimes if you're going to shine or sparkle, it's fun to go big.”
Or make big changes.
Rock that sequin mini as is or pair it with leather leggings and tall boots, Crawford said. It will be stunning either way, but with leggings and boots, you won't be freezing as you count down the seconds to 2013.
Dressing for New Year's Eve, and every other event that comes during the holiday season, is all about versatility, Crawford said.
“Point is, the holidays should be merry and bright, so no stressing about holiday wear,” she said.
