UK households are set to spend £905 this festive season alone, making the thought of purchasing a New Year’s Eve outfit you’ll likely never wear again seem careless for both the planet and your pursestrings.
And with 2023 set to be a year of stripping back on expenses and making better decisions for the environment, you might as well start the year how you mean to go on.
It may all sound doom and gloom, but we’ve been assured you can still pull together a killer outfit without buying an all-new look. Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at online destination for independent fashion brands, SilkFred, has revealed her top tips on what to wear this New Year’s Eve using items which you already own…
For those in the city watching fireworks
If you’re braving the city-centre to gaze at the dazzling fireworks which the rest of us tune into from our living rooms, Megan recommends finding practical but stylish pieces in your wardrobe:
“Browse your wardrobe for your favourite longline winter coat – one that’s going to both make a style statement and keep you warm, whether that’s a woollen coat or puffer coat.”
“Then, be sure to layer different pieces beneath it such as a turtleneck bodysuit, knitted vest and scarf. Finally, pair with your favourite wide-leg jeans and either some chunky trainers or winter boots which you know will be comfortable for walking around in.”
For those going all out
If you prefer to ring in the New Year with a swanky party or exclusive event and you need a show-stopping number, Megan says:
“It might be tempting to purchase a brand new outfit if you have a fancy NYE plan, but chances are you can actually pull something together from your wardrobe. What a lot of people don’t realise is that most people won’t remember if you’ve worn an outfit before and neither would they care.”
“A surefire winner for New Year’s is an oversized suit. This might be one you’ve worn for work or at a previous event, but you can dress this up by wearing simply a bralette beneath the blazer and accessorising with statement earrings, and a metallic bag to finish off that New Year’s Eve vibe.”
For those staying in and chilling
After a busy festive season, sometimes the best bet is to spend your New Year’s Eve at home with your nearest and dearest to enjoy a chilled night in front of the telly.
For this cosy but pleasant occasion, Megan suggests: “Find your favourite loungewear set if you’re going for all out comfort. Something knitted or velvet to go for a luxury comfort feel. Then, if you want to still feel a little ‘done up’, you can make up some glam with your hair and make-up.”
For those going for a nice meal
If you’ve booked a delicious dinner at a fancy restaurant and you’re struggling with pulling an outfit together, Megan recommends sourcing a statement piece and working around that:
“Find a statement piece in your wardrobe which you love and work the rest of your outfit around this, playing with different jewellery pairings that you haven’t tried before.”
“Choose a statement top or bodysuit and tuck this into a tailored pair of trousers, wide-leg jeans and finish off with a jazzy pair of heels. Or, find a statement skirt and pair this with a simple bodysuit and knee high boots for a stylist but low-maintenance party look.”
For those hosting a soiree home
Hosting your own New Year’s shindig is stressful enough, finding the perfect outfit can seem like another thing to add to a never-ending list, but Megan says you’re best sticking with something simple that you already own:
“Choose a simple but flattering dress you know you love that is also comfortable for when you’re running around being the hostess with the most.”
“Then, pair it with a killer pair of kitten heels or any heels you own with a low heel that contrast to the dress for added glamour without compromising on comfort. That way, you’re feeling dressed up whilst still feeling comfortable celebrating at home.”
