Nip New Year's Fashion in the Bud

With Christmas now blessedly behind us, that leaves one last fashion/shopping hurdle before the end of 2008, specifically what to wear on New Year's?

I love all the suggestions I'm seeing for cocktail dresses and LBDs, really I do. But everyone seems to be under the assumption that everyone's looking for fancy party wear. There was a time, a period of a few years to be exact, when PIPpy L went to ballroom dinner and dancing type parties on New Year, mainly just so I could have an excuse to put on a gown. But those days are over, at least for me. Nowadays, that kind of entertainment-which is really just an excuse to show off-just seems a bit off-putting.

So that brings me to New Year's and the desire to put one one's holiday best. Methinks it'll be a muted New Year for me and for many others. Some loved ones, some bubbly, some Apple TV, some couch. So as for me, I'll be wearing something that won't look too terrible when it's covered in black cat hair and spilled booze.

As for those of you actually going out and wanting to look festive, traditional looks like sequins seem to have made a comeback. Tops and dresses, and filmy scarves decked out in sequins should do the trick. Dash on some shimmery eye shadow and the look is already fierce, even if you're also stuck wearing one of the ugly homemade sweaters you got for Christmas or Chanukah.

If you want to wear something totally pretty, without freezing-even if you're going to be indoors, one never knows how warm or cold someone else's place is going to be-you don't have to wear a slinky dress. Tie bow blouses and sweaters are pretty easy to find this season. Pair with any skirt or pair of jeans. If you do opt for the sexy dress route, make sure you bring a cardigan or jacket along with you that you know won't ruin the effect of the outfit if the temperature starts to get nippy-or nipply.