Spark

If there’s one night of the year that you HAVE to do something, it’s New Year’s Eve. Even though you’re in full-on Christmas mode right now, it never hurts to start thinking about what to wear for the big night! Whether you’re eyeing up a new restaurant, want to shut down the club, or just want to entertain a few friends – we’ve put together three looks that will work for every kind of celebration. 2016, here we come!

Dinner Reservations
Splurging on a great meal is one of our favourite things to do on New Year's Eve, and since restaurants will be upping their game – why not find a Michelin-star worthy outfit to match? When your plans include a trendy dinner destination, the right look walks that fine line between too casual and overdressed. Strike the perfect balance by choosing fairly basic pieces like a high-waisted skirt, long-sleeved top, and ankle boots, made special with memorable details. Not only is this twist-neck top the colour of our favourite merlot, the unexpected neckline and rich jewel-tone feels elegant and just right for the season. Pairing the wine-coloured top with grey is less harsh than black, making the whole look feel softer and more sophisticated. Fringe is a fun and flirty addition to the skirt that will move with you as you shake your way to the bar. A pair of ankle boots in a neutral hue is a stylish option that will show off your legs while protecting your feet from the snow. Finish off the look with a patterned clutch to make your outfit feel that much more festive.

Staying In
There’s nothing wrong with welcoming the new year more quietly, with great friends and a glass of bubbly. But just because you’re staying in to watch the ball drop, doesn’t mean you can get away with putting in zero effort! Go for the chic-but-comfy look by centering your outfit around one eclectic piece, and styling it with comfortable basics that have a bit of extra flair. We chose an interesting sweater with a leopard pattern front as our foundation for this look. It pairs perfectly with these leggings, which are both comfortable and party-friendly. Let’s be clear – these aren’t the tights that you sometimes wear to the gym. Suede leggings are fancier than jeans, and the colour of this pair really elevates the look by playing up the pattern on the sweater. You could technically stop here, but a slimming longline vest will make your outfit that much more memorable and interesting, without looking over-the-top. And just because it’s New Year's Eve, you need to add a cool accessory. We love how this black and silver pendant pulls everything together. Add a swipe of nude gloss and you’re all set!  

Out on the Town
If you're planning on dancing the night away with your girlfriends, there's no such thing as being too glamorous. This is your chance to go all out, and find something you wouldn’t normally wear on the average Friday night. We’re big fans of What Not to Wear stylists Stacy and Clinton and their colour-texture-shine rule, and this look is definitely checking all three boxes in a next-level way. The figure-flattering cocktail dress is a showstopper, with glimmering gunmetal sequins and a notched illusion neckline to give it a high-fashion feel. To really up the ante, try offsetting the metallic glitz of sequins and the shine of a patent clutch with another contrasting texture, like this faux ponyhair, leopard-print coat. Yes, we know that sounds a bit over-the-top, but trust us! You can easily rock more than one bold texture when they’re not competing with loud colours. While we’ll concede that this coat might not be the warmest thing in the world, fashion trumps function when it comes to New Year’s Eve. Style your hair in a sleek, low ponytail to show off a bold statement necklace, and step out to have some serious fun.

However you plan on ringing in the new year, we hope you have an amazing night! Make sure to tag us in your NYE #ootd on Instagram (@stvitalcentre) so we can see what you found.

Visit these St. Vital Centre retailers to shop the outfits (check stores for availability):

Look #1: Dinner Reservations
Burgundy twist-neck: Hudson's Bay (Lord & Taylor), $59
Fringe skirt: BCBGMAXAZRIA, $248
Booties: Browns Shoes (Michael Kors), $248
Gold bangle: Le Chateau, $29.95
Clutch: Aldo, $40
Stockings: Hudson's Bay, $12

Look #2: Staying In
Sweater: RW&CO, $69.90
Suede leggings: Dynamite, $44.95
Black vest: Reitmans, $85
Boots: Hudson's Bay (Calvin Klein), $250
Necklace: Le Chateau, $25

Look #3: Out on the Town
Cocktail dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA, $460
Leopard jacket: BCBGMAXAZRIA, $585
Black heels: Le Chateau, $79.95
Necklace: BCBGMAXAZRIA, $173
Earrings: RW&CO, $19
Clutch: Browns, $58
Stockings: Hudson's Bay, $12