Choosing the Perfect New Year’s Party Accessories

The New Year’s party is a perfect time to showcase how in tune you are with this season’s style updates. Because you’ll be marking the turn of the year, it’s also an appropriate time to mark the turning of trends by choosing an outfit that marries the best of both the old year and the new.

Superb Style Straight from the Catwalk

SS2013 looks set to be even more feminine than it ever has been before, with designers like Louis Vuitton, Valentino and Stella McCartney showing fairytale dresses, delicate structuring and compelling silhouettes in a range of colours, from subtle lemon and coral blue to Asian inspired prints.

One of my favourites, Dolce and Gabbana, already seem to be in the summer spirit with their frivolous layered dresses and theatrical stripes. And another favourite, Prada, has been showing 60s style dresses and robes in dark, slate greys and blues, accented with simple Japanese inspired flower prints.

Designing Your New Year Party Outfit

I can’t help but think that the right way to wear an outfit for New Year’s Eve is by dressing for the future whilst accessorising for the now, so I’ve compiled a short checklist to refer to when picking my own party threads.

• Dresses for 2013 will see floaty and feminine coming back into style, although in a markedly different way than it was in 2012. If you want to wear something more structured you can keep it stylish by picking floral prints.
• Bags in 2012 were all vintage inspired, from collegiate satchels to denim and corduroy backpacks. Anya Hindmarch at My Wardrobe has an excellent range of preppy yet practical handbags and clutches which are perfect for parties.
• Jewellery in 2012 was sharp, sculptured and bright; made to be paired with slouchy pyjama style trousers, loose shirts and cropped jackets. White gold jewellery by Mark Milton at Pepperpink.com is a perfect example of the kind of stuff you might have seen in the Givenchy 2012 collection.

Researching the Perfect Party Outfit

I’ve been spending my down time poring through the latest fashion mags and visiting online fashion blogs and beauty sites such as Vogue, Elle and Beauty Expert. It’s a great way to stay abreast of what’s going to be hot – or not – in the year ahead. The SS2013 catwalks are already well underway; with designers all fighting for the right to show their latest must have colours, fabrics and accessories in London, Paris, New York and Milan.

So with all this in mind, I hope you have fun when choosing your perfect party outfit for New Year’s Eve 2012. And don’t forget the most perfect accessory of all – a glass of champagne!