New Year’s Eve Style: Outfit Inspiration for Every Occasion

Something for everyone and every celebration this NYE

With 2018 fast approaching (nobody panic, remain calm. I am absolutely not freaking out about this at all), Sassy girls all over the 852 have no doubt started planning NYE festivities and, as a result, NYE outfits. We all know that this is going to be one of the most Instagrammable nights of the year, and the opportunity to showcase some major style is rife. But with so many options for ringing it in, New Year’s Eve can be its own clothing conundrum. So, as always, we’re here to help by breaking outfits down according to occasion and giving you a little guidance along the way.

Fashion Extravganzaaaaaaa

Let me start off by saying that if you do not know that as a reference to the best show on earth – #RuPaulsDragRace – then you need to get to a screen soon and binge because those queens will give you all the power and fierce inspiration you need to tackle the new year and its corresponding welcoming debauchery celebrations. Right, so it’s the 31^st of December and you’ve got tickets to one of the palatial parties that the 852 has conjured up. And what a perfect excuse to shop! New Years presents such a wonderful opportunity to indulge in fashion fantasies. Anything goes and that look you’ve double tapped on Instagram or had saved in your cart since September can finally be realised. This is a chance to play with style. Be outrageous, take a risk, wear head-to-toe sparkle or wear a colour you’ve never thought you would. BE EXTRA. Whatever that means to you. Always wanted to wear a power suit with nothing underneath? Do it. Coveted that gold-encrusted, backless maxi dress? Do it. Dreamt of walking into da clurb in a teeny tiny leather anything? Do it! NYE used to equal Sequins. And while that will never change or go out of style, fashion has evolved into such a subjective space that literally anything is on trend, so long as you wear it with conviction. And there is no better time to own it than the night we tell ourselves we’re going to change our lives.

Sequinned Asymmetrical Mini Dress available from Shopbop, Fringe Mini Dress available from Shopbop, Embellished Full Length Gown available from Revolve, Purple Straight Cut Suit available from ZARA, Gold Ruched Velvet Wrap Mini Dress available from ASOS

Bang Bang Bang

Hong Kong knows how to throw a party, but let us not pretend that the fireworks over Victoria Harbour don’t blow (excuse the pun) your mind every time. From the promenade in TST, to Tamar Park on the island, the firework display is one of your best bets at revelling in the New Year merriments, without the queues and thousand dollar bills in LKF. This is a good time to play with textured layering – think delicate feminine dresses over jeans and a leather jacket. Keep it chilled but festive by loosening up on fabrics and focusing on a statement piece or a pop of colour (red being the most notable hue of the season, especially in a shoe) – anything from a fabulous pair of earrings to statement trousers. Make it as fabulous as you want because after all, isn’t that the point of this whole New Year, New Me shindig anyway?

Patent Red Booties available from Revolve, Pearl and Tassel Earrings available from ASOS and Triple Tassel Earrings available from ASOS, Satin Jumpsuit with Flounce available from H&M, Tiered Tulle Dress (for layering) available from H&M, Metallic Paperbag Waist Trousers available from ASOS

Don’t Junk And Drive

Nothing says Hong Kong more than a junk boat. And while summer may be over (for about three weeks at least), ringing in the New Year on a boat in the middle of the harbour is something very few cities can boast. NYE junk boats are the absolute bomb, but there are some style tips for you first timers (and even those veterans who may be revisiting the aquatic dancefloor). Sure, winter is not really a thing in the 852, but when you’re out at sea at the end of December the chances of feeling a little frosty are far greater. And if you can’t force your partner to drape his (or her) deliciously warm jacket over your shivering body, then keep the chill in mind when getting ready. Stockings and tights have never really gone out of style, but they’ve certainly made a comeback this season, with sparkle, pearls and textured designs seen on It Girls and Instagram alike. It’s also a perfect excuse for a dramatic reveal – wearing a faux fur coat or fierce blazer is already a fashion do; but whipping that off to reveal an entirely new look? HELLO MOMENT (and hello fabulous NYE Boomerang). Also remember that while heels may make you feel all sorts of sexy and powerful, a moving boat and some gnarly waves may make your drink in one hand/killer dance move in the other a little less glamorous. Ankle boots with chunky heels, structured stilettos or anything with a platform will no doubt smooth your strut, but don’t disregard flats or dazzling kicks just because it’s New Years.

Pearl Fishnet Tights available from Calzedonia, Glitter Trim Over-The-Knee Tights available from Calzedonia, Fringe Jacket available from ZARA, Steve Madden Floral Bootie available from Revolve, Gold Faux Fur Coat available from Revolve, Gold Chunky Heel available from Revolve

Come Dine With Me

Crowded clubs and queues are not for everyone, and in a city that boasts one of the best and most varied food scenes in the world (thank you melting pot of cultures), that doesn’t need to cramp your style. Why not trade the bustling metropolis of 7/11 for a private kitchen? Or a NYE specific tasting menu in one of the hottest new restaurants in Hong Kong? A dining experience with your closest friends is chic and fabulous and allows you the freedom to create your own party and that, my darlings, means you are only restricted sartorially by one factor: being able to eat. Add an extra element of fun to your food with a theme and get everyone to dress accordingly – dinner does not need to detract from your inner NYE fashionista – as long as they can enjoy the full array of food on offer. A fabulous frock, a statement jumpsuit, dazzling deconstructed suits, an embellished maxi skirt paired with a chunky knit or a mixture of any of the above: all of these are food-friendly fashion choices to countdown in style.

Satin Utility Jumpsuit available from H&M, DVF Full Length Floral Dress available from Shopbop, Wide Leg Gold Pleated Trousers available from Revolve, Pink Satin Suit Trousers available from H&M, Sapphire Satin Mini Dress available from Shopbop, Floral Suit available from ZARA

Slumber Party Realness

(Yes, that’s another hint to get in touch with your inner Ru Paul #noTnoShade). New Year’s Eve has been made to be a pretty big deal, but that doesn’t mean you have to go out to say goodbye to the year that was. Remember in Sex And The City when Carrie darts across New York in the snow in pyjamas (I mean yes they were under an extravagant fur coat, heels and a glitter beanie but that’s not the point) just to be with Miranda on NYE? There is something to be said for spending the last night of a chapter of your life with the people who matter most to you in the comfort of your own home (or theirs). And just because you’re staying in doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish. Silk pyjama sets, gowns and cosy knits have gone from the back of the store to a fully-fledged style department of their own. Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and accessorize your outfit with sequins, pearls or prints. Pour yourselves a glass (read: bottle), order in and get ready to close the year out with what and who really matters to you.

Silk Pyjama Set available from GRANA, Floral Pyjama Set available from ASOS, Crushed Velvet Kimono available from H&M, Velvet Ballet Slippers available from H&M, Maxi Silk Gown available from Revolve