To haute, new beginnings

If there’s one night to bust out all the sparkles and shine, it’s perhaps New Year’s Eve.  Whether you’ve planned a big night out or the quintessential house party is your calling, your clothes don’t necessarily have to be sparkly to be NYE-appropriate. Here, experts give you a low down on how to steal the spotlight as your welcome 2017!

The little black dress and leather jackets are still stubborn staples on the scene, but what’s different this time? According to city-based celebrity designer Shachina Heggar it’s in the details – pins, patches and badges. “Bling is also definitely a big part of New Years, but people tend to overdo it. It’s important to balance it out by keeping one part of your outfit plain,” she says. If you are big on trends, Shachina notes that the 80s are somewhere around the corner. For the ladies, “Bell sleeves, high necklines and high-waisted bell bottom pants are in. So are asymmetrical hemlines that are now a part of jackets too,” she says. Experimenting with velvet and faux leather is another good bet according to stylist Nishka Guleria Naidu. “If faux leather isn't your thing, then opt for soft silk tops or velvet pants and dresses. But give off shoulder tops a break,” she says. 
Since make up is as much a part of your night, for a high-impact look, city-based makeup artist Vydurya Lokesh suggests a balance. “Since there’s enough drama in the clothes and accessories, try a matte smokey eye paired with dewy skin. Grab a highlighter and brush it on your cheekbones, under your brow bone and finish off with trending lip shades – deep wines or peaches,” she says, adding, “If you want to make a bold statement, opt for matte lipsticks in bright shades paired with a toned brown on the eyes. If you are going loud on the eyes with a deeper colour, go nude on the lips,” she advices.

For the men folk, sleek and classy is the way to go and according to fashion blogger Prashant Priyadarshi, formals are your safest bet. “Dark suits in greys, blacks and browns with fitted pants look tasteful. Pair that with smart shoes with a tassel perhaps, and you’re good to go,” says the blogger at Adamsapplelist who is himself slipping into a black suit with maroon embroidery and a pair of loafers this NYE. “One of my friends was actually asking me if it was okay to wear a maroon velvet bowtie – given a chance, I’d opt for that over a tie any day. You need to remember to balance out your bright printed bowties with either a pocket square or socks, else they tend to look a little off,” he says. If you love experimenting, Shachina notices that embellished jackets, tie and collar chains are in vogue for men. “Men’s outfits have always been clean and simple, and this time, the cuts and fit of pants are sharper. Along with bow ties, printed blazers, jackets and print-all over suits are making headlines,” she says, adding that shades of beige and khakhi are taking over blacks and whites.