New Year’s Eve is a unique evening as it makes us look back at the year that passed by and reflect upon the things we have done, the things we have learned and the things we want to do in the coming year. Throughout the world, the new year is welcomed with night–long parties that take place in very diverse locations, from beaches and public squares to clubs and private homes. New Year’s Eve is all about sparkle, shine and boldness and therefore, there is no better time than the evening of December 31st to add some sparkle and shine to your look.
Of course, the number one thing you should consider when picking your clothes for the party is to think of the setting where you will be welcoming the new year. This will give you some insight into what type of clothes you should wear: a beach party is no place to wear very fine shoes and a public square is not a place for a fine velvet pair of pants – you don’t want any champagne on them at midnight.
However, there are a few things you can consider on incorporating in your wardrobe wherever you go: these are color, shine and fancy accessories.
In this practical guide we look at what elements you can make use of in your New Year’s attire. Our guidelines are general tips and can be adapted to any kind of outfit, even though we are presenting you with some suggestions in case you are lacking ideas.
1. Colors and patterns
1.1 Colors
Most holidays have a traditional color palette attached to them (for example, Christmas is all about red and green, Halloween is orange and black), but New Year’s Eve is more of a, let’s say, “liberal” holiday, where anyone can create a color scheme to match his taste and preference. Usually, New Year’s Eve is all about blue and silver, but it can be about anything you like. If you wish to incorporate several color into your outfit, make sure you learn how to create color schemes. Basically, for a safe bet, you should either go for colors that are close to each other on the color spectrum, such as blue and purple or red and orange, or opt for colors that are opposites, such as blue and gold/yellow or red and blue. You can even wear three colors at a time. In this case, it would be best if the colors were at equal distance from one another on the color spectrum. An example of such a combination would be: orange, light blue and purple.
New Year’s Eve is also a great night to go all black and white: this is an elegant, timeless and occasion-appropriate combination that can work well in any setting.
When it comes to colors to avoid, it is recommended to stay away from neutrals such as brown or beige, although other neutrals, such as gray or dark blue can work very well.
In case you don’t want to go unnoticed and wish to add more depth and visual interest to your outfits, you can wear shine and sparkle. For a safe bet, wear only one sparkly or shiny piece and keep the rest opaque. However, if you want to be bold, you can wear both shine and sparkle at the same time, but make sure you balance them out among them and with matte items: putting on a shiny piece and ten sparkling pieces that sparkle in different ways and are of different sizes is going to be too much. The fireworks should stay in the sky.
For most men, neutral + non-neutral combinations are what works best. Remember that neutrals are those colors that work with any other color. Under the neutrals category fall colors such as gray, white, black, beige, ivory, khaki, etc.
The picture above illustrates a row of New Year’s- appropriate neutrals (top), a row of colors you can easily match to those neutrals (middle) and a third row of colors, which you can match to these two colors. These are all safe bets, but they work very well for welcoming the New Year.
Every vertical line of the graph makes a great color combination consisting of colors from three different categories. You can make use of any of these combinations and be assured that it will look great.
1.2 Prints and patterns
Wearing prints and patterns is also a great way to style yourself up for your New Year’s Eve party. Don’t forget that a pattern always looks great if mixed with solid colors, especially if it features among other colors, the solid color(s) you will be matching it to, or, for a more subtle look, different shades of these colors.
For example, if you are wearing a blue suit, you can style it up with a shirt that features a light blue – purple and light green pattern shirt.
In case you want to wear more patterns at the same time, remember that the golden rule is that they should always be of different sizes. Therefore, if you are wearing for example two garments that feature stripes, one of them should have wide stripes and the other one narrow stripes. This applies to any type of patterns, textures or prints.
Also, if you mix different types of patterns prints and textures, the rule remains the same: should you want to wear stripes and dots at the same time, it will look best if you wear thick stripes and small dots.
Don’t forget: A pattern is a symmetrically repeated construction, a print is an image that features a clear composition and a texture is a pattern that can not only be seen, but felt as well.
2. Layering
Layers are a great way to add visual interest to an outfit and to make it more interesting. On New Year’s, layers can serve not only a style function, but a practical one as well, especially if you will be celebrating outside. Putting on a vest for example, is a great way not only to look better, but also to be more in control of your body heat. Sweaters are also a good idea, but a sweater usually adds or takes off a very large amount of heat, which will give you less control over your temperature. Wearing an undershirt with a shirt, a vest, a blazer and a coat is an easy and stylish way to welcome the new year outdoors.
3. Accessories
Accessories are a great way to express your personality and to let people know who you are without saying a word. As a tip, we don’t recommend wearing more than three accessories at one time, but given the nature of the holiday, we will give you a pass if you wear more than three. A pocket square, a watch and a nice pair of cufflinks should be enough, but in case you want to be really accessorized, you can put on a nice bow tie and a bracelet as well.
When you are choosing accessories for your outfits, make sure that you incorporate their colors in the overall color scheme of your outfit. Otherwise, you risk looking like a Christmas tree.
When it comes to wearing gold and silver, remember that metallics are neutrals and that they go with anything. Moreover, they can be even worn together, so there is nothing wrong with wearing a silver necklace with a golden bracelet.
In the end, what is most important is the way you feel and to have fun! Your clothes should be an extension of yourself and should never feel uncomfortable. If something doesn’t work for you, it is best to leave it behind rather than feeling bad and uncomfortable while wearing it – it will show. Put on only clothes and accessories that make you comfortable with wearing them and that you feel represent yourself!
Have a happy new year and enjoy your party!
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
The 2015/2016 men’s New Year style guide
P.S. How are you planning on dressing on New Year’s Eve? Where will you be chiming in the new year? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook or Twitter!
6 replies on “Men’s New Year’s Eve Style Guide”
Love the jacket!
Which one? We’re crazy about both!
Actually both! But the purple wins by an inch. It’s my signature color!
Good to hear that, purple does look great on you!
Great timeless tips, work for any festive occasion!
You are right, they do!