When it comes to parties, there really is nothing quite like New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re seeing in the new year in a laid back pub with a group of mates, spending time with family, going wild in a club or attending a super swanky party, getting your look right is important. Wherever you’re going to be when the clock strikes midnight, here at some handy guidelines to help you begin 2017 in true style.
Casual
For a casual NYE event when you just want to be comfortable all night long, nothing beats the classic jeans and t-shirt combo. Choose any tee to reflect your personal style, be it plain, patterned or branded. Team with a cool pair of trainers and layer a bomber jacket over the top for an ultra chilled out style.
When to wear it: a casual house party, down the pub with friends or a relaxed outdoor event.
Semi casual
Do you have a New Year’s Eve bash where a casual look won’t quite make the impression you’re looking for, yet a smart casual look will be a little too much? If so, a semi casual look is your new best friend! Think a nice pair of jeans and smart shoes or loafers with a relaxed shirt or polo shirt. This versatile look works for a number of events – it is slightly more dressed up than casual but is still comfortable, with a laid back element. A semi casual look can be perfectly completed with an on-trend jumper, or a smart jacket or coat if you’re seeing in the new year outdoors.
When to wear it: a club, party or night out, or a meal and drinks with friends.
Smart / casual
Ah, the ever tricky smart casual look! The difficulty most people have with this dress code is it can be relatively vague – however, this can be used to your advantage, allowing you to go as formal or as casual as you please. Generally, we’d recommend keeping it simple with a plain shirt – white, black or a very pale blue are perfect. You can pair this with trousers or smart jeans, depending on the level of formality you want to achieve, and a blazer or cardigan (again, down to personal preference). For a dapper edge, add a tie or bow tie, or alternatively opt for a pocket square with a casual fold to finish the look.
When to wear it: a more formal meal, a family affair or sophisticated drinks.
Formal
It goes without saying that for a formal New Year’s event you should dress to impress in a suit, tie or bow tie, cufflinks and pocket square – the whole shebang! If the dress code is simply ‘formal’ you can have some fun with coloured or patterned ties and accessories. However for a black or white tie affair, stricter rules are generally in play. For a black tie event be sure to wear a tuxedo and a plain black tie (the clue is in the name!). A white tie event – the most formal of all formal events – calls for a black jacket with tails, sharp white shirt and a white bow tie.
When to wear it: an ultra formal party or charity event.
