Resolution No. 3: I will not be afraid of color.

This even extends to how we dress for New Year’s Eve. Suddenly the queen of the soccer t-shirts from days of yore will roam the earth for a night in precariously high stilettos and a dress that would make a Kardashian blush, all in the name of champagne, dropping a sparkly crystal ball from the sky at midnight, and acting like a completely different person – definitely for the night, and at least for a month or two. Alas, old habits return to their usual throne.  Let’s make a new resolution for tonight:  instead of spending our energy trying to become something completely different, let’s focus on being a shinier version of ourselves at our best – for New Year’s Eve and the rest of the year.  

Resolution No.1:  I will not be upset that I am not Gisele, Audrey Hepburn, Beyonce, Halle, Sophia Loren… (you get the idea), nor will I try to impersonate any of the aforementioned parties.  

Hot look, but a little out of place at your average New Year's festivities.

Of course borrowing inspiration from classic iconic style is a great way to put together a New Year’s Eve party look, but if you don’t normally walk around like Liza Minelli, there’s no reason to start the year a Cabaret. Wouldn’t you rather people want to impersonate you for your own great style?   Use your minds ladies, be creative!  Find one special thing to be the star of your outfit and build a style around it.  You can’t expect the clothes on the rack to do all the work, right?

Resolution No. 2:  I will not look at the size on the tag; it has no power over me.  I will look in the mirror and choose honestly what looks best on me, wear it, and happily accept the compliments.

Yes, the shoes are cute. And yes, the skin-tight dress is sexy, in a really obvious way.  However, if you can’t walk, breathe, or eat normally, you won’t look cute, sexy, or hot. Fit is not only a comfort thing, it’s essential to making clothes look good; while it’s okay to aspire to be a size whatever in a reasonable amount of time later in the year, if you aren’t that size now, don’t wear it.  And don’t sweat it.  You will look thinner wearing something that actually fits.  

Balance a fitted pencil skirt with a cinched-waist floaty top in a silk charmeuse or rayon blend.  Or wear a skirt with volume with a strapless top or delicate and simple cami.  It’s all about balance.  Pick the part of you that you feel needs some slimming, and wear some volume above or below it – but don’t cover your widest part with volume, or you will accentuate the proportional imbalance you’re trying to hide.

Now THAT is how to wear a full skirt!

Resolution No. 3:  I will not be afraid of color or shiny things.

For goodness sakes, Saffron Yellow and Peacock Green don’t bite!  New Year’s Eve is a great time to try a bright color as long as it flatters the undertones in your skin and hair — just think how you will stand out in a sea of black, white and “safe” colors. 

Sequins, beads, and shiny things are also not tacky in the proper proportion.  We promise.  Appropriately placed sparkle is festive and perfect for ringing in the new year.  Make sure to play with textures; wear a luscious satin top with a beaded neckline with jeans and pearl leather shoes (thrown on a slouchy wool cardigan for even more texture contrast).  If you have on a matte fabric dress, try wearing a cropped jacket in a winter white fur (faux or otherwise, your call) and try some leggings or tights with a sheen and some crocodile pumps.  Basically, toss out the rules, and TRY IT ON.  It is the layering of different textures, lengths and patterns that makes an outfit not only personal and interesting, but WARM…it’s much less likely that you’ll get a New Year’s kiss with chattering teeth.

This article brought to you by Winston-Salem’s funkiest shopgirl, Hillary Norman.