Mirrored balls dropping at the stroke of midnight. Firework displays synchronized to classic symphonies. Fistfuls of glitter and confetti dancing in the air. Bubbles rising in freshly poured champagne flutes. Metallic party horns with tinsel-like fringe touting the promise of a brand new year.
Yes, gals, New Year's Eve is all about shimmer and shine, and your outfit should reflect this thematic thread— which, of course, means plenty of sequins, paillette panels, glitter embellishments, metallic beads, and embroidered colored crystals and stones.
Here, we've amassed some of our top picks for pulling off a festive New Year's Eve look.
Dannijo Esme Earrings, $295. Available at Dannijo.com
Like chrysanthemum firework formations, these clip-on earrings feature prong-set, elliptical shaped Swarovski crystals with pointed tips and diamond-shaped facets along their top surface. Round colored crystals adorn the center, while a brass metal plate surrounds this nucleus.
Robert Rodriguez Silk Sequin Panel Dress, $1126. Available at FarFetch.com
This simple beige dress features a toga-like braided rope belt at the waist and a dazzling rectangular panel made of tiny gold sequins along the front of the short-sleeved frock.
French Connection Friday Clutch, $118. Available at Nordstrom.com
There's an Art Deco quality to this envelope-shaped clutch thanks to the gradient black, charcoal, gray, and pale silver sequins used to adorn the inside of the petal-like shapes which, together, form a floral design reminiscent of tropical water lilies. Each rounded petal shape is outlined by two rows of black beads and the black cotton backdrop features scattered black beads. The clutch itself measures 10" in width, 5" in height, an 3" in depth, making it roomy enough to carry all your New Year's Eve must-haves.
Pelle Moda Favilla Evening Sandal, $195. Available at JildorShoes.com
This pewter-colored leather sandal gives you quite the height boost thanks to the 4 3/4" heel and 1" platform, but it makes an even taller style statement thanks to straps embellished with seed beads, round faceted rhinestones, tube beads, and more. Though its design is fairly standard, the diagonal slant of the center strap and the way it seems to caress the top of the foot, makes this piece feel sexy and timeless.
Fiona Paxton Sequin Collar Necklace, $178.16. Available at US.ASOS.com
Worthy of a Roman goddess, this Fiona Paxton necklace rests right at the base of the neck, creating a collar-like effect. Four rows of golden beads discs are layered atop one another and trimmed with a double strand of round black beads along the inner edge, while a square clasp fastener keeps the piece perfectly positioned.
Antik Batik Lisa Sequin-Embellished Georgette Jacket, $204.75. Available at TheOutnet.com
Those of you in colder climates may want to layer up on New Year's Eve without having to sacrifice your fashion-forward sensibilities. This grayish teal georgette jacket will give your limbs a layer of warmth, while the asymmetrical draped front lapels infuse a dose of free-spirited energy into your ensemble and the sequin embellishments add the necessary amount of sparkle.
Irregular Choice Striking Beauty Heel, $130. Available at Modcloth.com
These quirky pumps feature a harlequin-style pattern created via sequined gold and black diamond shapes, along with a retro round toe, a 3.5"-tall heel, and an oversize bow at the vamp that boasts an elasticized band for greater comfort.
Anna Sui Klimt Sequined Mini Skirt, $198. Available at MyTheresa.com
Who needs fireworks with this explosive mini skirt? Anna Sui's straight-cut mini features blue, purple, and violet sequins sewn atop a 100% polyester shell, with metallic pink sequins in polka dot shapes adding a Mod pop to the piece.
Marni Paillette-Embellished Collar-Style Necklace, $162.50. Available at TheOutnet.com
Even if you opt to wear a basic black dress on New Year's Eve, you can rescue it from a somber existence with this collar-style necklace, which features overlapping fuchsia, pink, and magenta paillettes sewn atop a tan silk panel. Measuring 3" in width at its widest point, this Marni necklace features tapered ends that tie at the back so you can decide how close to the neck you want it to fall.
Tibi Rainbow Paillette Dress, $265. Available at MyTheresa.com
Boogie oogie oogie into the new year in this playful Tibi frock, a sleeveless silk frock featuring gold, royal blue, silver, and magenta paillettes arranged in a superhero-worthy zig-zag pattern. Ka-pow!
Stuart Weitzman Sequined Lace-Up Bootie, $236. Available at BergdorfGoodman.com
Give 2011 the boot with these Stuart Weitzman shoes which feature a rounded peep toe, gunmetal-colored satin ribbon laces along the front, gunmetal leather eyelet panels, miniature silver sequins covering the nylon uppers, and 4" stacked heel.
