When dressing for holiday affairs (the party kind, not the Tiger Woods kind), the idea of less is more abounds. (Here comes my inner curmudgeon.) I mean the less-is-more philosophy in the hoochie mama way, not the minimalist way. Every New Year’s Eve, you see women who think dressing for parties equals showing lots of skin while leaving little to the imagination. There they are, out on Water Street, getting their party on, all the while teetering through the snow and ice in stilettos. Don’t get me wrong; sexy can be good, but tacky lasts forever.
I’d like to offer those women some simple advice. Party dressing should, at this time of year, be one of reflection, as in luxury fabrics that sparkle and shine. Velvets, satins and sequined fabrics that glimmer in the low lights of nightclubs and candlelit house parties are definitely in order as well as in good taste.
First off, if you’re going to show some skin, focus on your best feature whether it’s your long and lovely legs or your delicate décolletage. Look for dresses that you might actually be able to sit down in without inadvertently giving a peep show. When trying them on, actually walk, sit and get back up from said sitting position to see how well you’ll be able to navigate the waters of New Year’s Eve, especially after a little bubbly. So many times I’ve been at a party where it’s downright painful to see the uninformed hobbling around in high heels and too-tight frocks. When you add alcohol to the mix, it’s a definite recipe for disaster for both the wearer and her reputation.
Standing out in the right way is always preferable to putting on a show. So here I offer my dos and don’ts for New Year’s attire.
DO invest in a spectacular piece of statement jewelry. The jeweled bib necklace is huge this season and can be found at many price points. A fabulous pair of chandelier earrings is also a go-to item for any lively occasion. A gigantic cuff encrusted with sparkly stones can be worn again and again and not just for evening either.
DON’T wear any garment you wouldn’t want your parents to see you in. If a picture of you in a compromising costume ends up on Facebook, it might cause embarrassment down the line.
DO get your sparkle on by finding a beaded or sequined sweater, blouse or even scarf that can mix well with pieces you might already have in your wardrobe.
DON’T, however, go for a full-on sequined or beaded dress unless you are in a pageant or on stage. These looks are hard to pull off successfully, and you don’t want people to think you raided a drag queen’s closet.
DO invest in a great pair of high heels. A strappy metallic sandal or a pair of pumps with jeweled accents lend an air of sophisticated sparkle to any outfit.
DON’T wear anything so tight that people will mistake you for the Usinger’s sausage girl.
DO think of “classy” not “brassy” in your approach. Soft and romantic looks work well under any circumstance.
DON’T, for goodness sake, put glitter makeup all over yourself. Subtle shimmer and shine from a body lotion 
are always preferable to funky lumps of glitter. Hands down.
DO prepare for the elements with a glamorous wrap or an appropriate evening coat. Nothing looks worse than an evening outfit topped off with your casual down ski jacket.
DON’T use an enormous daytime purse for your evening out. This is one of the biggest mistakes I see time and time again. Invest in a small black satin clutch, at the very least, or a sequined, beaded or metallic leather for the more fashion inclined.
Check out the photo of Cat Deeley, host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” illustrating just the right amount of sparkle, shine and skin. The blazer would also ward off the Midwestern chill. Perfection.
New Year’s Eve parties are, of course, tradition here and all over the globe. I love to see people putting some thought and effort into their styling, and it definitely adds some glamour and romance to our unbearably dark and dull winter nights. So take these rules and run with them, or diss them if you please. In the end, the best way to go to any soiree is wearing what makes you feel special and beautiful. Shine on, Milwaukee!
