The classic song written in 1947 by Frank Loesser song wistfully enquires “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” If somehow you’ve never listened to it, you absolutely should – we recommend Ella Fitzgerald’s cover of the bluesy tune; Lena Horne’s is also transporting. Some might vote for Patti LaBelle, Harry Connick, Kacey Musgrave. Your call. Here at Dandelion Chandelier, while we love the song and we know that where you spend the big night is a big deal (as is having your hangover cure plan ready to go), we feel that the more pressing question this time of year is “what are you wearing New Year’s Eve?” Fashionistas the world over know that one’s ensemble as the clock strikes midnight sets the tone for the entire year. We don’t want to be dramatic, but if you haven’t thought about your OOTD for December 31 yet, you should. You don’t want to doom yourself to a dowdy new year.
So who do you want to be in 2018? A glamour girl, an optimist, a truth-teller, a cool kid, a scholar? An athlete, a warrior, a peace-maker, a healer? Are you aiming for urbane, down home, cosmopolitan or country? We say if you want to become it, you should start dressing the part now. Here are some archetypical personality types, and the results of our reconnaissance mission to investigate what’s available right now to meet the fashion needs of each. We hope these ideas will stimulate your thinking as you prepare for the big night and the start of something new.
For glamour girls who are planning red carpet entrances into the new year, Monique Lhuillier’s stunning white and silver embellished long-sleeve Illusion Evening Gown with Feather Skirt nails all the essential style requirements for New Year’s Eve 2017: winter white, feathers (we’ve noticed that feathers are totally a Thing in luxury fashion right now), crystal sequins, and illusion lace. $9,995. Done, done, and done. Love color, you say? Red is still a Thing, too, and Valentino’s drop-dead gorgeous red sleeveless sequined silk sweetheart evening gown will have every eye in the room on you. $19,800. If you really love color, and want to make a statement about inclusiveness while looking incredibly chic, we vote for Rosie Assoulin’s Rainbow Pleated Metallic Halter evening gown — sexy and progressive — win-win! $6,995.
For the disco-lovers and 1970s devotees among us, we have one word: Halpern. The hot brand is all about the golden age of disco, and you cannot go wrong with a liquid-gold top — or a sparkling rose gold two-piece jump suit. in stretch jersey (perfect for comfort as you boogie the night away). Turtleneck top – $1,275; wide-legged pants – $2,015 (shouldn’t it be $2,018?) If you prefer to show some leg, Louis Vuitton’s Cruise collection 2018 silver sequined dress embroidered with a Kansai Yamamoto design is short and hot. Tom Ford is offering a stunning gold sequined stretch-silk midi-skirt for the slightly more modest disco devotee ($2,850). We were dancing around our office with glee when we learned this week that the juke-box musical Summer, based on the works of disco goddess Donna Summer, is coming to Broadway this spring. If you want to be seen and heard as 2018 arrives, this will definitely get the job done.
For urban sophisticates, we vote for a sleek black tuxedo. Gents, that means Tom Ford ($5,200) or Brioni ($6, 495) for you. Ladies, for you we have two words: Saint Laurent. The black velvet Tuxedo Jacket ($3,450) can be tossed over a black mini or a pair of skinny black pants for instant authoritative style. At a slightly more accessible price point, cool-girl designer Isabel Marant’s Denel double-breasted textured lame blazer would also do the trick ($1,190). You need to be wearing the highest possible black stilettos either way. And Saint Laurent’s timeless sleek black monogram Kate sequined satin evening shoulder bag will be perfect to greet this new year and probably every other one for all of eternity – $2,350.
Good-time girls and boys might want to put all of their money down on one of the over-the-top rhinestone and feather tiaras from Alexander Wang x Stephen Jones’ collaboration for Wang’s spring-summer 2018 collection. They sport diamante slogans like “PARTY ANIMAL” and “WANGOVER,” and there’s a cigarette smoke-effect version that ironically reads “No Smoking.” Black, silver, sparkly and witty, toss one on with anything black, and you’ll instantly get the party started — $5,100-$6,000.
For those planning to speak truth to power, you can get a jump on the year with Lingua Franca. Their “message” sweaters ($380) are flying off the shelves. They’re the graphic tees of our time, and the latest collection has lots of interesting things to say, including a simple powder-puff pink one that simply says “Feminist.”
Sporty types might want to usher in a Winter Olympics year in a sweater from The Elder Statesman. Their Odyssey pullover provides a clean silhouette, and in red white and blue, it’s perfect for cheering on Team USA (or France, or Great Britain, or Australia, for that matter.) $705. Ditto Valentino’s snow white intarsia ribbed knit sweater – $1,250. FENDI’s white fabric sneakers have a chic sporty vibe – $885. A sexier, more urban take on the same idea would be Vetements sporty over-the-knee black sock jersey boots – $1,014.
Futurists and technology optimists will love Gucci’s velvet-trimmed silver metallic brocade blazer embossed with a tiger on the back – it looks as if it just arrived back from 3018 ($7,300). Any item from Prada’s Robot collection will instantly signal your commitment to the World of the Future.
Down-home country girls should definitely rock Dior. The Cruise 2018 collection is all about the American West, in cool silhouettes and rich colors. Plus extremely memorable hats. Balmain takes well-worn denim and transforms it into the height of chic this Resort season. If you’re looking for luxury footwear with a humble vibe, check out Tod’s denim driving shoes – $545
What are we wearing, you ask? In the new year, we want to stand for female strength, intelligence, creativity, optimism, and fun, so we’re going with Miuccia Prada’s stunning pink and black long-sleeved feather cuffed pajama top with a pair of black leather pants. Leave it to her to totally nail it.
Whatever you decide, everyone here at Dandelion Chandelier is wishing you a happy, peaceful, smart and safe new year. Bonne Année!
