New Year's Eve. It's a strong love-hate relationship, isn't it?
Well, for me, I love it because it's just one more reason to dress up. But, there always is the feeling of gloom because it's another year over, another night to question what you accomplished that last year.
My suggestion? Surround yourself with people you love, at a place you feel comfortable in, rocking an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks (even though with my help, you will definitely not spend that much).
Fashion for New Year's Eve should be fun, should make YOU feel good about wearing it, and as far as I'm concerned, should positively SPARKLE.
Depending on your plans for the night, there is a way for you to incorporate at least a little bit of sparkle and shine in any outfit you wear.
The great part about the timing of New Year's is it falls after Christmas, which equals sales, sales and more sales!
Not to mention the horrible sweater that great-grandma gave you (bless her heart), which you can now exchange for that perfect New Year's piece.
Most of my research and suggestions landed at TJMaxx for awesome finds. I have seen great clothes elsewhere, but the sales won't be there until AFTER Christmas, so you'll have to do some investigating on your own.
Go ahead, it's fun. For now, TJMaxx has the best prices, with a big variety of choices for New Year's Eve.
Big party plans? Or maybe a memorable dinner at a beautiful place with someone you love followed by a night out?
In any case, a dress always is an easy answer. And it's always a simple way to shine, literally. If you want all out sparkle, without a guess, these great all sequin dresses from Amber Blue are the way to go.
For less than $20 (before any sales), these dresses come in silver, black and a really beautiful blue sequin.
This dress will be the only real accessory you need for the night, so just add some simple shoes (feel free to add a colored shoe to the black or silver dress), simple jewels, maybe a great faux fur coat and you're ready for whatever comes your way that night.
Maybe one piece of sparkle isn't the way you like to go. If that's your choice, then Montbleau has an adorable black peplum style dress, with a fantastic sequined Peter Pan style collar. This dress is simple but that collar makes it a rocking number. (Trust me, because I bought it.)
One of the reasons I loved this dress was the freedom it gives me to accessorize it and I LOVE my accessories. There is so much you can do with this dress BECAUSE of its simplistic style, which is why it's my choice for New Year's Eve.
You can add just about any color of heel you want with this - pink, teal, silver, black, gold, red, green any color will work wonders with this dress. Add a great jacket or blazer to this as well, since it is sleeveless, and you'll throw your outfit into a different territory.
Because of the Peter Pan collar, a necklace isn't really something you should wear with this dress, but make sure you grab some great earrings and bracelets.
Target has really amazing jewelry finds at perfect prices to keep this all within a budget.
If your plans are more subdued, such as a night with friends for a delicious dinner and drinks, or a fun dinner party with family, you can certainly dial your outfit down a bit, but you don't have to cancel the sparkle.
Pairing a nice pair of jeans with a beautiful top always is a classic go-to style and it's no different this year. A big trend in shine this year is with a silk style shirt with sequined sleeve cuffs and collar.
This type of shirt can add just the right amount of sparkle without making you feel like you're a disco ball (if you feel like that's a bad thing, of course).
Living Doll makes this shirt in several colors, including a beautiful green with gold accents, for less than $17. Again, with the sequined collar, I don't suggest a necklace, but a pair of statement earrings is the way to go.
You can add more sparkle to your shoes if you'd like or keep them simple.
Since you're wearing jeans, you always can do a pair of knee high boots or a flat as long as it flows with the feel of everything else.
There also is the fail safe combo of a strong blazer with a tank underneath. Tank tops with shine and sparkle are very easy to find, as well as a really stylish blazer. This look is very easy to throw together last-minute with a pair of jeans, some heels and great jewelry.
And most of us have at least one of these items in our closet, so finishing it is definitely in the budget during sale time at our local stores.
My last suggestion on what to wear for this New Year's Eve is relatively easy to find, and unbelievably well priced a smile. If I was honest, this is my favorite accessory.
And if you add it to whatever you choose to wear on Dec. 31, I bet 2013 will start better than you might have thought.
Be stylish, and be safe. Happy New Year!
Morone may be reached at life@sun gazette.com.?Her Fashion Forward column is published on the third Friday of each month in the Lifestyle section.
