Dress the part(y)

Words: Talya Galasko | Photographs: Glen Montgomery | Styling: Mandy Nash

Often New Year’s Eve celebrations become more about our expectations of the night, than the night itself. Year after year we pore over the fine details, searching for the perfect party, outfit and crowd all neatly rolled into one. Well, the truth is that it’s tough not to. It may be considered one of the most overrated nights of the year, but most of us still enjoy the promise of New Year’s Eve as we enter into a new chapter filled with overambitious resolutions and one too many glasses of champagne. Although the night is about dressing up too, it’s more so about feeling good and having a great time once you are. From pool parties to out-of-town adventures, there’s an outfit to let you dress best and enter the new year in style – your own style, that is.

Maxi Dress

The ensemble: The maxi dress proves a sophisticated piece time and time again. Plunged necklines, cold-shoulder details and side slits running from thigh to hem spotlight the sultry character of the design. Stand-out stilettos complete this look.

The game plan: Celebrations organised by a friend of a friend of a friend, at their place. It’s “the party to be at” (or so she tells you). Dinner will be served throughout the evening, and though you love nothing more than platters of miniature delicacies, you’re mostly here to meet new people, and drink and dance into the new year.

Jumpsuit

The ensemble: A fresh alternative to the summer dress, the jumpsuit accentuates shape – offering a bold silhouette that’s made ever so sophisticated with stilettos. Dress it up with a statement neckpiece, and simply pare down with sneakers or strappy sandals.

Slip dress

The ensemble: Deemed the ‘it’ item of the season, the slip dress is able to transition from casual to classic by layering up or down. Draped over a fitted tee with sneakers or sandals, it’ll easily take on party season when worn as is with stand-out heels and layered jewellery.

The game plan: You were tucked into bed at 12.05am in anticipation of New Year’s Day celebrations. What’s on? A mid-morning champagne breakfast with your closest friends, after which you’re headed to brunch (well, more like drinks) at a private rooftop party in town. Celebrations will spill over into the evening, and you’re ready to slip layers on and off, depending on where the night takes you.

T-shirt dress

The ensemble: Offering understated appeal, the tee dress is a go-to for nights when you need comfort without compromising on style. Take the look to new heights with strappy heels and a choker.

The game plan: New Year’s Eve is always spent in the company of family – which turns out to be a gathering of 100+. Tonight’s about sugary cocktails and second and third visits to the buffet table. New Year’s resolutions begin tomorrow. Maybe.

Off-the-shoulder dress

The ensemble: Borrowing from this season’s popular cold-shoulder silhouette, this style is suited to balmy days and evenings that call for boho-chic. Sultry and summery all at once, it will pair effortlessly with lace-up sandals, or stilettos.

The game plan: New Year’s Day is your priority, and you’ll be spending it well at The Grand, feet plunged into the beach sand and champagne flute on constant refill. Glam and gorgeous as ever, you’re here to socialise, dance, and – depending on the cocktail mix – take a dip in the pool.

Bodycon LBD

The ensemble: Form-fitting and flattering as ever, the LBD anchors a sultry, night-out look. Make a statement with an ankle-strap stiletto, and accessorise with an embellished clutch.

The game plan: No tickets, no pre-organised events – tonight you’ll be heading to your favourite club with your close friends and dancing until that midnight kiss.

Model: Makungu @BOSS Models
MUA: Roxanne Sayers