Ending the Year on a Fashionable Note
December 26, 2009
New Year’s Eve is a last chance to make an impression on 2009. It was a challenging year to be sure, but it was also one that exhibited flashes of brilliance within the realms of food, fashion, and technology. Rarely has human love and ingenuity for culture been so apparent. As you look back on the past twelve months, remember it for its many pleasant surprises, and not just its bleak economy.
Use the final night of 2009 to make your own contribution to the celebration. Since this was the year that fashion became a spectacle—with its many over-the-top fashion shows and rising pop fashion icons—it’s only appropriate that you attend your New Year’s Eve with a fashion statement of your own.
New Year’s happens to be a perfect time to take some style risks since the carefree environment tends to be more forgiving (or forgetful) towards adventurous outfits. Plus, any faux pas can be left behind in the passing year as you start fresh in 2010.
Below we’ve gathered a few “statement pieces” that should appeal to various Dining DNA strands. Any one of these will sufficiently spruce up an otherwise typical cocktail dress or blazer and jeans ensemble:
A Bow Tie
Since it’s a time of the year meant for retrospection, Suave Sophisticates can cease the opportunity to make their outfits a throwback to New Years of yesteryear. A bow tie, topped off with a fedora or a blazer is always a sophisticated combination. Agile Improvisers, on the other hand, can combine a bow tie with an otherwise more casual outfit to make for a classic and quirky ensemble. Those who strive for hipsterism can also go the extra step and select a flashy tie like a colorful, velvet bow tie, or a jewel-studded one.
A Feathered Cocktail Hat
If your date happens to be a Suave Sophisticate wearing a bow tie, try being a formidable Protagonista and one-up him with an eye-catching cocktail hat that maintains the throwback theme. This pre-war chic feathered hat from Urban Outfitters is perfect for the occasion. It’s a classic beauty that tops off an outfit without sending it over the top. Consider the white feathers a blank canvas for specks of confetti. Lastly: when else will you be able to get away with sequins on a hat?
A Shiny Belt
Shiny is the general theme of New Year’s Eve. It’s one of the few occasions on which we give into our natural attraction to all things that sparkle, glow, and twinkle. If you’re a comfortable American not prone to fashion experimentation, try the simplest statement piece of the bunch—a metallic-hued belt. It’s the cheapest and most subtle options that will literally hold your outfit together. Try it with dark wash jeans.
Metallic Outerwear
Continuing with the theme of shininess, this gold vest by Pyrenex at Opening Ceremony and shimmering jacket from Phillip Lim are strictly for more adventurous protagonistas and agile improvisers. These items are useful for anyone planning to spend a portion of their night out in the cold, plus you’re bound to garner more attention than any dropping ball or fireworks display. As a side note, metallic fabrics have been cited as an upcoming fashion trend, so you may get a surprising amount of mileage out of this ostentatious outerwear.
Frilly Slippers
Women: If there’s any chance walking a straight line will be a challenge by night’s end, why not leave the heels at home? There are plenty of ways to make a statement without the added inches to your height. These Lanvin ballerina slippers are lightweight and comfortable, and still eye-catching thanks to their cool steel blue hue and ruffled trim. If, however, you’re adamant about wearing heels, you could always bring the slippers as back-up—they come with a dust bag for easy traveling. Your feet will thank you.
A Final Note
When selecting a statement piece, remember, this is New Year’s, not Halloween. You’re not aiming for a complete costume. Settling on one standout clothing item or accessory is more practical, stylish, and affordable. Consider each of the above an extra dash of spice that will bring out the flavor of your entire outfit, whether you’re a Suave Sophisticate, a Protagonista, or an Agile Improviser (or, if you just want to dress like one for the night).
Photo courtesy of:
polyvore.com;
urbanoutfitters.com;
topman.com;
openingceremony.com;
aloharag.com;
aloharag.com;
curiouswines.ie.
Print ThisPosted in Fashion, Impress, New Year, Trends, holiday season |
