Watchin' the Ball Drop On a Budget: New Year's Eve Fashion
Real talk: the holidays are chaotic AF. All those last minute gifts, shorter days, cold season - this season can be super stressful. It all seems to culminate at New Year’s Eve.
Good ole, NYE. The closer the end of the year gets the more everyone starts asking, “What are you doing for New Years?” shortly followed by, “What are you gonna wear?”
After draining (most of, if not all of) your bank account giving gifts to everyone and their mom, going all out for New Year’s can be financially troublesome. Venues can charge an arm and a leg for entry fees, every restaurant has some outrageous prix fixe menu and once you and your squad have finally settled on plans, there’s not much left in your budget to go all out on your outfit for the festivities.
Personally, New Year’s Eve is my least favorite holiday. My advice is to celebrate with your nearest and dearest and, if possible, organize an intimate gathering at one of your homes. If you’re a self-professed shopaholic, then you’re probably guilty of buying an outfit for a specific event and never wearing it again. The once coveted dress now hangs in the back of your closet collecting dust and wrinkles. There is no need to drain your hard-earned paper. Before heading to the shops, remember the 3Rs: Recycle. Reduce. Reuse.
RECYCLE
Swap outfits with friends. If you’re fed up with your wardrobe, then raid a friend’s closet. When in doubt, always opt for black. A simple black dress can never go wrong. Pair black with sequins and you’re iconic NYE. Grab that piece that’ll add that pop of color. Filter through your mom’s vintage clothing (maybe grandma’s too). Sequin tops are an easy match with denim. Finish the look off with a bright red lip and you’re ready for anything.
REDUCE
Rummage through your closet and set aside pieces that are outdated in style and silhouette. For example, the long floral-patterned red dress that you wore two years ago reads “90’s.” Get creative and flirt with altering the length. Knee-length garments (or 2 inches before) are more youthful than ankle-length dresses. Visit your neighborhood tailor (life hack: sweaters can be sleeveless and pants can be sewn into skirts) and for less than $20 you’ll be NYE ready. An oversized wool cardigan or faux fur jacket are also excellent statement pieces to wear over top.
REUSE
When all else fails, be thrift savvy. Thrift stores offer bargain deals and although you may have to “hunt” for a while, you will stumble upon a few gems. Leather skirts are available in almost every second hand shop.
Vintage stores carry an abundant amount of leather, silk and velvet. These fabrics are luxurious in nature and because of this can heighten any outfit’s level of sophistication – making you party perfect.
Another great tip? Take clothes you haven’t worn in ages (anything I haven’t touched in 6 months is fair game in this department) and take them to your closest consignment shop (I love Crossroads Trading) and see what you can sell - you can usually either get cash or store credit (store credit usually gets you more).
