It’s said that the way you ring in the new year is an indication of how you’ll spend the next 12 months, so start 2018 as you mean to go on: looking good and feeling great. What you’ll be wearing come midnight on December 31st will depend on the dress code of the event you’re attending — you don’t want to look under or overdressed, so be sure to find this out in advance.
Getting your outfit right can be tricky, especially if the event’s black-tie or smart-casual, which can have specific requirements and rules. To help you out, we’ve shared three tips to help you nail the dress code for any event. Whatever your plans, just read on to find out how to ring in the new year in style.
Find a tuxedo or dinner jacket for black-tie events
If you’re off to an event at a high-end venue, or you’ve got a black-tie-only invitation, then you won’t be able to just roll up to the party in jeans and a casual shirt. This is an opportunity to get really dressed up, so make the most of it with a tuxedo, dinner jacket or formal suit in a dark colour. Black is a classic shade that never goes out of style, but dark grey and deep navy tones will also work if you’re looking for something a little more unusual.
To add a contemporary twist to your look, opt for a velvet dinner jacket, which will add a luxe feel to your outfit. Just remember to pair yours with a smart pair of dress trousers, as an all-velvet suit could be overkill.
…and make sure you style it to perfection
You don’t want to wear a shirt with a bold or colourful print with your dinner jacket, so team yours with a simple shirt in black or white. Pick a pair of shoes that will pull your outfit together: a pair of patent-leather evening shoes are a great way to add a touch of shine to an all-black outfit. A traditional dress shirt for a tuxedo should always be worn with cufflinks or studs, so don’t forget to pick out a stylish pair with an understated design.
Rock a smart-casual outfit for low-key celebrations
For casual events, like a house party or celebration down at your local pub, then it’s likely that you’ll be wearing a smart-casual dress. To pull this look off, you’ll need to strike the right balance between looking laid-back and dressed up. It can be tricky to get this sort of dress code right: a full tuxedo or dinner suit can look over the top, while jeans and a T-shirt can make you look scruffy and underdressed.
When it comes to smart-casual dressing, it’s hard to go wrong with a classic combination of smart jeans, an eye-catching shirt, and a sharp blazer. Pick a shirt in high-quality fabric and attention-grabbing colour or print: a formal shirt from this colourful selection by Joseph Turner should tick all the boxes.
You can afford to be flexible when dressing for this kind of event, so let your personality show with some interesting and unique colours, textures and styles. When wearing a blazer with jeans, you can afford to experiment with some unusual textures or fabrics, like corduroy or wool — just make sure that whatever you pick is sharply tailored and a great fit.
Wrap up warm for outdoor events
If you’re heading out to watch the fireworks this NYE, then you don’t let the cold weather cramp your style. The key to staying warm is clever layering. Some lightweight thermal underwear, like these base layers from Under Armour, can be worn discreetly under your partywear and will keep you warm all night long.
In terms of outerwear, you’ll want to avoid parka or puffer jacket styles, which tend to have a distinctly casual feel. Instead, a tailored overcoat will look sharp without weighing you down. Try a coat in an on-trend colour like camel for extra style points: the understated shade has been a key look this year.
Chances are you’ll also be heading to a bar to raise a toast at some point in the evening, so you’ll want to be sporting something stylish underneath your coat, too. For extra warmth, look for a suit or blazer in a wool-blend, which will keep you cosy in addition to looking sharp.
If you’re not sure what to wear this New Year’s Eve, then we’ve got you covered. These simple guidelines will help you to nail the dress code for any event, meaning you can look forward to ringing in the New Year in style.
