What to Wear on New Year’s Eve

What to Wear on New Year’s Eve

(Photo Credit The New York Times)

New Year’s Eve is coming up and you’ve got plans.  But you don’t know what to wear.  Everyone wants to look their best  on the biggest celebration night of the year.  Especially since perhaps you’ll have a chance to plant a kiss on someone at midnight.  So no matter where you’ll be off to on the 31st, here are some picks for what to be wearing when the clock strikes midnight…

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LEVEL OF DRESS: NICEST

Where you’re at: Nice Restaurant, Charity Function, upscale club / bar
What you’ll be drinking: Glass of red wine, cocktail, water, club soda, campari and soda, water, water, water
What you’re wearing: Alfani Red Black Pinstripe Suit, Skagen Slim Watch, Calvin Klein Tie, DKNY Cap Toe Oxfords
Black suits aren’t as versatile as a navy or gray, but they’re perfect for a more formal gathering on New Years.  As is always the case, make it a well tailored, slim lapel, two button jacket.  Solid shirt if your suit has stripes like this one from Alfani Red Label, and keep the tie simple.  But not black.  Go with a dark blue, red, or even green.  Crisp Pocket Square and a slim dress watch completes the look.
Intoxication Level: Never above .08.  You want to drive you and your date home, and not be stuck in the back of some cab that’s probably already been puked in.
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LEVEL OF DRESS: NICER

Where you’re at: Dinner in, or out, then off on a bar / pub crawl with friends.
What you’re drinking: Beer, water, G&T, Club Soda, Beer, water, coffee, water, beer, water, water, club soda.
What you’re wearing: BDG Blazer, Kenneth Cole White Face Watch, Rockport Side Zip Boot, Levi’s 514
This getup is functional and stylish enough for all locations short of those that would require a tie.   You might want to consider wearing merino wool socks to keep your feet warm but  NO Overcoat.  If you’re bar hopping you’re not going to be wanting to keep track of a coat all night.  Wrangling your date’s coat will be trouble enough, but she should take it with her.  If she doesn’t?  Man up and offer her your blazer between stops.    The merino wool socks are thin enough to be comfortable but warm enough to keep you from getting frostbite.  Perfect for moving between over-stuffed bars and the freezing cold.
Intoxication Level: Slightly Buzzed.  Don’t risk it, take a cab, and don’t wait till bar time to try and snag one.  Because you’ll be freezing your butt off on the curb with the rest of the city waiting in line.
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LEVEL OF DRESS: NICE

Where you’re at: Your house, or a friends house, for a laid back party.
What you’re drinking: Beer.  Lots of it.  And some champagne at midnight.  Maybe.
What you’re wearing: J. Crew Patterned Shirt, Converse® One Star® Henley for depth, DKNY Casual Watch, Brown Plaid PF Flyers, and probably at some point a Lampshade.
Its been a rough year for just about everyone.  If you’re going over to a friends house for a good old fashioned casual, cheap, watch the big ball drop  and scream at the top of your lungs come midnight, why NOT wear some color?
Intoxication Level: Stone cold sober if you’re the Designated Driver.  Otherwise, probably plowed.