3 Can't-Miss Outfit Ideas for Every Kind of New Year's Eve
From balling out to staying in.
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It's been one hell of a fucking year. I mean it—2022 was a rollercoaster. Maybe it's something to do with the way I rang in this year, back in the wee morning hours on January 1st—there was a party, and a ball drop, and dancing, and champagne. It was a blur, frankly, but what I know for certain is this: I looked good, and that absolutely set the stage for the rest of this year.
People ring in the New Year in all sorts of ways. Some party like there's no tomorrow (although, personally, a hangover sounds like the worst precedent I could set for myself for the year to come), some take time to reflect on the months that have passed and contemplate who they'd like to be in the months to come, and some have a far more meaningful New Year's Eve by saying sayonara to all the shits (and giggles!) that 2022 brought, and going the hell to sleep. All are respectable ways to spend New Year's Eve. And all deserve a killer outfit to set you up for 2023.
I don't care how you spend New Year's Eve, to be honest, but I do care what you're wearing. See, I'm the kind of person who believes that how you look can dictate how you feel (thus, my killer outfit on New Year's Eve of 2021, setting me up for success in 2022). If you ring in the New Year in week-old laundry and sweats that should have been thrown out in 2018, you're not going to feel good about 2023. So, whatever you're doing to celebrate the end of 2022 and/or the arrival of 2023, a look to complement your night is essential. Whether you're dancing, drinking, sleeping, or—hopefully—doing all three on New Year's Eve, I've picked out a go-to look for you below. Leave the stresses and sorrows of 2022 behind, and cheers to starting off 2023 looking damn good.
It doesn't matter whether you're at the stickiest pub in town or the sleekest club in the city—you're still going to want to dress to impress. And, because you cannot, under any circumstances, start 2023 with a fashion faux pas, your clubbing outfit needs to be comfortable, practical, and absolutely stylish. A Studio 54-style look will do just as well as a grungier, urban vibe; it all depends on your preferences. But whether you prefer to cut a rug or pop and lock, the perfect formula remains: a spiffy shirt, pants that impress (after they've been pressed), and the perfect shoe. And, because it's New Year's Fucking Eve, throw some bling in there, too.
ASOS Design Regular Satin Shirt in Green Floral Jacquard
The ultimate sleek and sexy New Year's Eve vibe has satin, florals, and jacquard detailing.
These loose, relaxed-fit pants are perfect for tearing up the dance floor.
With a lot going on with the shirt, you're going to want to keep the neck clean of jewelry—but for the wrists, all bets are off. A simple silver bracelet will instantly add dimension to your look.
Adidas Samba Classic Sneakers
The Samba had a huge moment in 2022, so why should New Year's Eve be any different? It's a clean classic that goes with everything.
So you want to enter 2023 a better man. Sophisticated, chic, elegant—a modern Cary Grant. I can help with that. The secret to formal dressing is that it's all in the tailoring; an expensive dress shirt pales in comparison to a flattering one. With the right fit comes confidence, which, at a fancy little affair, you're going to want. Your leading man look, however simple, will be tied together with an elegant shoe, too.
A black tux jacket is classic, but for New Year's Eve, be the main character. Go for a deep red velvet.
Calvin Klein Solid Button-Down Easy Shirt
Remember what I was saying about tailoring? Calvin Klein gives you nothing to worry about in that category. Just watch your champagne glass while you're wearing this, for stains do not maketh a gentleman.
There's just nothing classier.
Vivienne Westwood Mini Bas Relief Cufflinks
Vivienne Westwood Mini Bas Relief Cufflinks
Because you're a man of means, you have cufflinks. Because you're a man of style, you have Vivienne Westwood cufflinks.
Normally I'd be against wearing jeans with a tuxedo jacket, but these aren't jeans—they're dress jeans, which means they're (nearly) as classy and sophisticated as proper trousers.
To complement your red blazer, go for a burgundy loafer. Bonus points for the silver hardware that matches your cufflinks.
Let's face it: 2022 has been a year. You might not want to go out for New Year's Eve at all, instead opting to stay home and watch the ball drop with a glass of your favorite amber and the company of loved ones (and the thousands of people on broadcast at Times Square). And while that is completely okay, forgoing a New Year's Eve party does not mean you are starting off 2023 looking anything less than wonderful. So before you curl up under your covers at 12:01 AM on the dot, put on something comfy and cozy to ring in the New Year.
Cable knits aren't going anywhere in 2023. They're the easiest way to make knitwear look just a little bit more fancy, without sacrificing any comfort.
I know you're staying in, but adding just a small jewelry detail to your night can make all the difference.
You're staying home, so you're allowed to pair a cozy sweater with some soft pants—consider it an act of self-care for 2023.
You won't need shoes indoors (I hope), so go the extra mile with a cool pair of socks.
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