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New Year's Eve: Best Party Looks For The Biggest Night Of The Year I THE STYLE INSIDER

New Year’s is the perfect excuse to dress up and show off your style. Let’s face it: it’s not quite as easy as pulling on your trusty dress or suit, especially when there are so many different dress codes. Whether you’re celebrating the New Year with a big party or keeping it more low key with your family, dare to try something new and take our advice for the ultimate New Year’s Eve outfit. Not sure where to start? Keep reading our outfit guide to get some inspiration and you’ll be dressing to impress no matter what the event.

EXCLUSIVE EVENT

An upmarket event can often be a difficult one to dress for, especially if there isn’t a defined dress code. Whether you’re going to a rooftop bar or an exclusive VIP event, sophistication is key.

Keep it classy, but modern, in a chic jumpsuit with a defined or cinched waistline to complement your figure. Jumpsuits are an amazing option for any night out but are absolutely perfect for celebrating the New Year at a classy, upmarket bar. They subtly highlight your curves, so you’ll exude pure class and sophistication without flashing too much skin.

This Patricia Lace Jersey Jumpsuit from French Connection will turn heads thanks to its beautiful frill detailing and vibrant tones. While it looks great as it is, it’s actually an incredibly versatile piece with a hidden changeable neckline. Simply undo the small clasps to put your own spin on this wardrobe essential – don’t worry about the illusion being ruined, these clasps are practically invisible from the outside.

Pair the jumpsuit with some killer black heels to elongate your legs and pop in some dainty earrings to complete this glamorous outfit.

Rob’s top tips: Metallic accessories such as this silver Ted Baker bag modernise any look without distracting from the main event – the jumpsuit.

It may be tempting to wear one of your regular work suits when celebrating dressing up for NYE, but why not make an impression with a trendy tailored two piece? Grey compliments all skin tones and has that much sought-after sumptuous look. Go for a slim fit that complements your body rather than swamping it, as this runs the risk of appearing scruffy – it is a classy event, after all.

This type of event tends to call for that gentlemanly ‘shirt and tie’ dress code, so look your best with a fitted white shirt. Avoid wearing a matching grey tie and create contrast by picking up a thin black tie to pull this dapper outfit together. Try a more vibrant patterned tie if you’re feeling daring, just avoid going for too many grey tones.

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to shoes. Chelsea boots are always a winner for dressing up an outfit and have a lot of versatility for everyday wear too. If you’re not a fan of boots, some classic Oxford brogues add more luxury without stealing the limelight.

Rob’s top tips: Don’t forget a pair of cufflinks and simple black belt to add some extra metallic detailing.


COCKTAIL BARS & PARTIES

Whether you’re celebrating at a fancy cocktail bar or looking to impress at a big party, make sure all eyes are on you by going full glam.

High shine metallic dresses make a statement without looking brash so you can turn heads for all the right reasons. Try a dress with smaller sequins to create that lavish shiny effect while sticking to a formal dress code. Don’t be afraid of a bodycon dress when it comes to NYE – you may be surprised at just how well the design flatters your curves.

The show-stopping Edda Sparkle Bodycon Dress from French Connection features a classy high neckline that flatters the exposed shoulders. If this already opulent design wasn’t enough, this dress features a mesh panel on the back to add some more feminine fun.

Let the dress do the talking by adding more simple accessories. A black clutch bag and heels are two wardrobe essentials, especially when combined with this glamorous piece.

Rob’s top tips: Be subtle with jewellery when wearing such a detailed dress by going for matching metallic bracelets in a more dainty style.

Ditch the tie for this one and stick with a timeless white Oxford shirt for an effortlessly cool smart casual vibe.

Slim trousers are definitely the fit to choose, thanks to their flattering nature. Chinos are surprisingly comfortable yet smart, especially when a shirt is neatly tucked into them.

By choosing a plain shirt, you can go with any colour trousers you feel most comfortable in. We recommend timeless hues such as navy, black, grey or khaki chinos to keep it all on the smart side.

Swap the everyday trainers for some brogues to add a more gentlemanly touch to the overall look, although you can go with a pair of smarter black trainers if the event calls for it. A leather belt is an easy way of adding more elements to the outfit and finishing it off perfectly.

Rob’s top tips: Rolling up the sleeves of your shirt is a subtle way of showing off your biceps and drawing the attention to this area.

FAMILY PARTY OR CASUAL GATHERING

The festive season is the perfect time to spend with loved ones – but that shouldn’t mean sacrificing the glam-factor.

A little black dress is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe and it’s not hard to see why. Not only are they remarkably easy to style with a plethora of accessories, black dresses are classy and understated yet fabulously glamorous. Go sleeveless and show off your arms but avoid anything overly low cut or short.

The Lace Maxi Dress from Armani Exchange is sure to wow without breaking the family-friendly dress code. This chic black dress features stunning lace panelling and a subtle keyhole fastening at the back that’s perfect for a family party or a more low key event.

Give the look a pop of colour by straying from black with your shoes and accessories. Nude heels subtlety sets this look off yet stick with the classic feel of the outfit. Go down the same route with your bag by picking up a cool toned nude or pink bag to lighten it up a tad.

Rob’s top tips: Lace and black are a match made in heaven, especially when it’s in the form of panelling.

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If you’re heading to a group gathering or spending NYE at a family party, you’re in luck. It’s super easy to come up with a suitable outfit for this type of event for men.

The trick is to go casual but smarten it up with your shoes and accessories. Start with a casual grey knit to keep the cold at bay while looking effortlessly dapper. Grey is a great neutral colour that suits all skin tones.

This is the perfect event to pull out those trusty black jeans in a flattering slim or skinny fit. Go for black over denim – they look smarter when paired up with a knit, plus grey tones are much more suited to a darker denim.

Add a burst of colour and dare to be different with an orange-toned tan jacket, such as the Jumbo Cord Shearling Jacket from Lyle and Scott. It may be tempting to stick with neutral colours but this type of jacket adds a modern twist to a classic outfit. If this is way outside of your comfort zone, try a gentlemanly and stylish wool coat instead.

Roll up the bottoms of your jeans to show off your choice of smart shoes. We recommend a pair of traditional Chelsea boots from R.M. Williams rather than trainers so you don’t look underdressed.

Rob’s top tips: You’d be surprised how much detail a watch can add to any outfit, especially when the straps match part of it. Push your knitted jumper up a tad to show off the accessory and add some class.