Dazzle for a New Decade
Photo from bestdressed, Youtube.
December has sped by. Whenever you can catch a break from writing essays, studying for finals, or applying to colleges, one way to destress could be to think about what you’ll wear to holiday parties or New Years Eve to ring in the new decade!
The best outfit to wear is the one you already own: take a look in your closet for some sequins, velvet, or satin. You can’t go wrong with a little black dress—maybe you’ll pair it with a black leather jacket! Wearing pieces that are the same color, in different textures, can be a great way to add a sense of style and sophistication to your look without going too crazy. But if you’re still not sure how to bring the pieces in your wardrobe together, you can recreate or purchase some of the outfits below (click each image to purchase online).
01. Upgraded Black Dress
Zara, $69.90 USD.
Zara, $59.90 USD.
Zara, $69.90 USD.
Add some pizazz to the traditional ‘little black dress’ by experimenting with different silhouettes and materials: this dress from Zara ‘upgrades’ the slip dress with a bow in the front and a sequined finish. If it’s chilly where you are, your outerwear can add to the silhouette as well. The Zara blazer with balloon shoulders still adds volume to the top of your look, like the bow—and it’s cropped so you won’t lose your waistline. Match this look with black heels for a classic New Years look!
02. Soft winter tones
Urban Outfitters, $62.00 USD.
En Route Jewelry, $28.00 USD.
ASOS, $35.00 USD.
Storets, $48.90 USD.
Silky cowl-neck slip dresses have been on-trend, they’re great for the holidays, and they can be found at most major clothing retailers at a wide range of price points. This dusty rose colored dress from Urban Outfitters adds a unique touch with a tie belt to cinch in the waist. Match warm colors on your dress with gold jewelry and shoes for a softer look, and throw on a fuzzy cardigan to fend off the cold while mixing textures! You can even add a white pearl headband to this look to match the cardigan. Alternatively, if you want a more intense look, this kind of dress also looks great with a leather jacket and black boots.
03. Glitter Girl
Dolls Kill, $17.60 USD.
Dolls Kill, $30.40 USD.
Urban Outfitters, $89.00 USD.
ASOS, $48.00 USD.
ban.do, $35.99 USD.
Shopbop, $84.00 USD.
TV shows such as Euphoria have popularized the style of layering tank tops over mesh shirts. Translate this trend into a party look by layering a rhinestone top over a starry mesh shirt. You could continue this glitter theme in your bottoms, whether with glittery pants or a glittery skirt. Alternatively, you can make this look more casual by pairing your tops with denim jeans. You could keep this look monochrome with silver shoes and jewelry, or spice it up with an accent color. If your mesh top has different colors, you can match the accent color to your top. Silver is fairly neutral, so most accent colors could work, but I’ve decided to use lilac: the sandals, crossbody bag, and earrings will match the cool tones in the silver, while still adding a pop of color.
04. playing with layers
Pacsun, $19.98 USD.
Pacsun, $26.36 USD.
Pacsun, $25.77 USD.
Thousand Fell, $120.00 USD.
If you have a party-ready dress with a neckline you’re less comfortable with, change the look using layers. You can opt for a top of the same color and material to make the top look like part of the dress — plus, monochrome looks always look intimidatingly put-together even though they’re simple! You could also keep it cozy with a knit sweater, or even dress the look down with a cropped t-shirt. Depending on the shape of your dress and the length of your torso, choose a top that falls just above your natural waist. For the dress above, that would be at the horizontal seam, roughly where the model has placed her hand on her hip. If you’re layering over a flowy dress or slip dress that doesn’t hug the waist on its own, consider adding a belt to cinch the waist in. Your shoes may also depend on how fancy or casual your layers are, but I think that whether dressed up or casual, pairing sneakers with this look offers some fun (and comfy!) juxtaposition in your holiday style. The sneakers featured here, from Thousand Fell, are definitely pricey — but they’re a fantastic brand championing the circular economy by allowing you to send back your used shoes for free to keep them out of landfills.
05. Back to Black
Revolve, $54.00 USD.
Steele, $99.00 USD.
Dolls Kill, $43.52 USD.
For this last outfit, channel the “eve” in “New Year’s Eve” with all-black everything. Choose any fitted top with some texture — maybe lace, maybe mesh — and pair it with a blazer (cropped or oversize!) and black flared pants for a sleek, easy-to-replicate silhouette. This look is so simple and versatile, but you can spice it up with colorful accessories and playful textures. Try a mesh top with silk pants and a velvet blazer, or a satin top with corduroy pants and a leather blazer. The possibilities are endless — that’s the spirit we want for 2020!
Disclaimer: The Pixel Journal recognizes that some of these pieces are more affordable than others. The goal of this lookbook is to show how different types or styles of pieces can be used. Dupes of pricier items can be found online or through thrifting.