Though its grand entrance is being reserved for spring, those looking to greet the new year in high style may want to start with the color of 2014.
Global color authority Pantone has crowned radiant orchid the hue of influence for the coming year, and while most retailers don't expect that bright blend of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones to make an impact until the spring lines, there's no reason it can't be flirted with now.
"It’s just a gorgeous, gorgeous shade of purple. It is radiant. And purple itself really is such a happy and joyful color," says Ashlyn Delson, marketing director for Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, whose retail outlets include Willow Grove Park and the Cherry Hill and Moorestown, N.J., malls. "What a great way to start off your year. That’s what the new year is all about — starting over and being happy."
She suggests trading in the little black dress for a little purple dress, but black is still a sleek and sophisticated alternative for revelers pondering what to wear on the biggest party night of the year. Paired with white, and punched up with a brightly colored scarf or bold statement necklace, it commands even more attention.
"Try a black-and-white colorblock cocktail dress for a simple, yet streamlined evening look, or dress up an oversized, black-and-white striped sweater with tapered black trousers or a slim pencil skirt," says Sofia Wacksman, vice president of trend for Kohl's department stores.
Delson also touts navy and gray as popular New Year's Eve shades.
"There are so many different shades of gray. You can do anything from a charcoal to just a pale, light silver," she says. "It's such a pretty color to dress up."
Though associated more with Christmas, red, according to the Bon-Ton department stores' Liz Harris, remains a stunner.
"It lends itself so nicely to the essence of the holiday time period specifically, but the color palette does shift into a more blue and purple story as we transition into spring," says the social dress buyer.
Whatever the color befitting your New Year's Eve mood, the night will owe much of its glamour to glitter.
"It's all about sparkle and bling," says Laura C. McDowell, spokeswoman for Marshalls and T.J. Maxx. "That is the way to dress up an outfit this year more than anything."
"The biggest thing is sequins and gold and silver and metallics," says Jenny Herman, social media and public relations manager for Mandee and Annie Sez. "I'm talking head-to-toe, dresses, skirts, coats — I've even seen leggings out there."
Far from being reserved for evening wear, a touch of sparkle and shine can transform any look.
"Updated basics like an embellished sweatshirt or luxe tee add a sophisticated twist to an otherwise casual outfit," says Wacksman.
But the more-conservative don't have to embrace full-out glitter.
"Mix fabrications when experimenting with sequins or shine if an all-over sparkly number isn’t quite your taste," says Harris. "A sequin tank paired with a classic blazer and slim black pants or dark jeans is a great way to show your holiday spirit without blinding partygoers. Sequin pencil skirts styled with collared blouses in dressy silks or casual denim are also a great option."
The best way to add a dash of panache is by accessorizing.
"If you don't want to buy an entire outfit, accessories are always a great way to update an outfit, whether it's a statement necklace with the finest crystals or beautiful chandelier earrings or designer cocktail rings," says McDowell.
A clutch or the right pair of shoes — which can range from shooties to over-the-knee boots to smoking slippers and sky-high heels — can also make an outfit.
"We have some clutches that are absolutely gorgeous. They look like pieces of art. Some are in the shape of a peacock or an owl. That could really be a wow item," says McDowell.
New Year's Eve also is a night to indulge in luxury fabrics, including velvet and jacquard.
"More heavyweight satins and rich silks come out to play," says Harris. "Take the plunge and go for color here to really highlight the beauty of these fabrics."
At Kohl's, Wacksman notes lace, expected to be a big player come spring, adds a soft, feminine touch to sweaters and tees in overlays, trims and cut-outs.
Along with sequins, lace pops up, too, in black-tie attire, especially, says Harris, with the reemergence of a formal New Year's Eve following a recent history of casual affairs taking the lead.
The hourglass or sheath dress still dominates occasion dressing, but fit-and-flare frocks and easy-to-wear shifts are becoming more popular.
"The beauty of dresses is their transitional nature and the ability to style them to fit the attire of an event," says Harris. "A simple black or colored lace sheath can be paired with a blazer, tights and boots for a fun-and-easy yet adorably put-together look or totally done up with a great set of statement earrings or necklace, sleek chignon and killer footwear.
"The same principles could be applied to a matte jersey or sequin dress. Day-to-night dressing is a great way to get more out of each dress purchase.”
For more-casual affairs or house parties, going for comfort doesn't mean sacrificing style. Try pairing boots or flats with a full-skirted dress or skirt or wearing a tank and blazer with slim, dark jeans.
For a fun, of-the-moment look, Herman suggests anything in an Aztec print or featuring icon symbols, such as the evil eye or hamsa, or a cardigan with fringe. Blouson blouses also are perfect for pairing with form-fitting skirts and pants.
"For staying home, I would do a legging or a pleather legging with a big sweater or cute little top — anything that's comfy but still cute that you can throw on a pair of heels with," says Herman.
A pattern drawing perhaps-surprising interest is tartan.
"Don’t think of it as boring, old-school plaid," says Delson. "It’s eye-catching, bold, in beautiful colors. Plaids are just such a fun texture to work with. You can incorporate as many colors or as few colors as you want, and it's really complimentary to every body and every skin tone."
But if you're heading out the door for New Year's Eve, looking chic isn't just about what's underneath your jacket.
"The big trend we saw in coats this year was having a bold coat — a really gorgeous, emerald coat or red coat, a coat that makes a statement," says Delson. "Even if you're not club-hopping or going bar to bar, if you’re going from dinner to the theater, you want to do it in style."
Often, that's as much about attitude as it is attire.
Says Harris: "Stunning red lips and nails with a side of confidence are also easy accessories that go miles."
Naila Francis is a feature writer at Calkins Media. Phone: 215-345-3149. Email: nfrancis@calkins.com. Twitter: @Naila_Francis.
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