New Year’s Eve 4 Ways–Glam, Cocktail, Casual, & Lounge

Well, 2016 has been an eventful year for us here at The Brick Nests, and we are looking forward to many exciting things in the year ahead. New Year’s Eve is almost here, and it’s time to celebrate! This week we are trying something new. You all know we are lovers of good home design. But we are also lovers of good design of all kinds, including fashion! So in this post, which is written by both of us, you will see what we put together for our New Year’s Eve ensembles for four different scenarios. We matched the vibe of the outfit with a fun champagne cocktail (because it just doesn’t feel like New Year’s Eve without a little bubbly!). So let’s get started!

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Lisa’s Glam Black Tie NYE Look

Are you going to a formal or black tie soirée to ring in the new year? I just love an occasion to get dressed to the nines. These days, with services such as Rent the Runway, you can wear a fabulous dress without the less-than-fabulous financial commitment of buying one. Nevertheless, I think it’s a good idea to own one classic formal gown that can be worn time and time again.

What is so great about owning a well-made, timeless gown in black is its versatility. I hesitate to call the gown I’m wearing a blank canvas, because the details of the seaming, the silhouette, and the beautifully-draping material make the dress stand-alone gorgeous. But the black color and the clean lines of the gown allow me to style it differently each time I wear it, changing the whole look depending on the event and my mood. I highly recommend adding a dress like this to your closet (see the Get This Look section below for a similar option, or check this similar one out), and have fun accessorizing it!

While I have styled it in the past with sleek, modern accessories to give it a contemporary look, this time I am going for Old Hollywood glamour with a winter vibe. To do this, I covered my shoulders with a contrasting white faux fur capelet by Kyi Kyi (similar and similar). Then I added a little sparkle with the necklace I wore at my wedding (similar and similar), which is about as formal as you can get! I wore burgundy velvet shoes (similar) for a subtle flash of rich color and texture, and carried a pretty beaded clutch (similar and similar) on loan from my ever-stylish mother (thanks, Mom!). For the final touch I added a swipe of my favorite bold red lipstick, because nothing says Old Hollywood glamour like a classic red lip.

Pair this glam New Year’s Eve look with the equally classic and old-school original Champagne Cocktail.

Clutch | Dress | Necklace | Lipstick | Stole | Heels

Jillian’s Cocktail Party NYE Look

Did someone say New Year’s Eve cocktail party? You can see how excited I am below! But I have to tell you, Lisa and I had such a blast and lots of laughs with a bag of confetti for these pictures. Everyone who witnessed this confetti photo shoot, including the babysitter, children, contractors, and neighbors, probably think we are insane, but boy did we have fun! If you buy nothing else to prep for this New Year’s Eve, buy the confetti!

I bought this Shoshanna dress last year for a friend’s winter wedding. For those of you not familiar with Shoshanna, her designs are in general accommodating to large-busted ladies, and I have several of her amazing dresses that fit perfectly. I couldn’t find this dress online this year, but the Anthropologie gold dot dress shown in the Get This Look section below is similar, but no longer available so check out this similar festive dress here. I adore these gold ball drop earrings, which are similar to the pair I’m wearing, as they look like Christmas ornaments for the ears! I kept the accessories minimal so that the details of the dress would stand out. The gorgeous ruffle wrap (similar) was added for warmth and a fun pop of berry color. Lastly, the shoes below (in the Get This Look section) are similar to last year’s version that I am wearing–admittedly they are not as sexy as my pair, but I do believe after a night of dancing, my feet would like me better if I had these instead.

Pair this cocktail look with a glass of festive Champagne Punch. Or just get that same giggly feeling from playing with the confetti–you may not even need the punch!

Jillian’s Casual NYE Look

Here is a look for a house party or a dinner out on the town. The top I have on is from Boden and is a few years old, but I like how this year’s sequin top, though similar, is less fitted and has some swing to it. Here is another adorable similar sequin top that is in stock. A sequin top can be worn so many ways. It can really be dressed up with a pair of velvet pants and a killer pair of stilettos, or it would be great layered under a jacket for an office party. While you could really pair this top with anything for a New Year’s Eve party look, I like to make it more casual with a good old pair of boot-cut jeans. These wedge booties are versatile for day or night wear, and work for walking around to see the sights of First Night, or dancing until the wee hours of the first morning. Since the top is such a statement piece, bold accessories are not necessary–maybe just minimal stud or hoop earrings, a whimsical bird watch to count down to midnight, and a small shimmery wristlet and you are good to go ring in the new year! I also added the over-sized ruffle wrap for a little color and warmth outside.

Pair this casual party look with a lively Champagne Mojito (yes, I am day drinking in these pictures…don’t judge).

Lisa’s Lounge NYE Look

Sometimes you just want to stay in on New Year’s Eve, nestled on your couch by the fireplace, watching the ball drop on TV. A night like that calls for the ultimate in comfort and coziness.

These Neve Designs merino wool sweater leggings (similar) are a cold-weather favorite of mine–soft and incredibly warm, with a colorful, wintry, Nordic pattern. Not only are they great to hang out in, but I would imagine they would also be good to layer under ski pants for a chilly day on the slopes. This Athleta cowl neck hoodie (similar), lined with velvety soft fleece, is like a warm hug. It is my go-to comfy sweatshirt, but the cowl neck gives it enough polish to make it wearable for more than just lounging (below is another cute similar option). For toasty toes, a pair of fluffy boot slippers (similar and similar) does the trick. Feel like you have to have a little sparkle on New Year’s Eve? Sport a mani in shimmery, metallic champagne-gold polish (similar)!

Pair this lounge look with a low-key Black Velvet cocktail. Cheers!

We wish you all the best in 2017. Happy New Year!!!!