Avery,
New Year’s is coming and I still don’t have an outfit. What can I wear that’s a little different from the typical sparkly dress? I’m kind of bored with that look.

Though I hate to see 2012 come to a close, it is that time of year again. And as we enter 2013, it’s time to change things up: out with the old, in with the new. Out with tired, New Year’s Eve staples and in with an even better, updated look. Just about anyone can throw on a sparkly dress and call it a night, but not everyone can get creative with separates.

But just because you’re overlooking the many sequined mini dresses at the mall that will fight to win your attention doesn’t mean you have to forego all sparkle. After all, there’s really no other day of the year that head-to-toe glimmer is not only accepted, but encouraged. You want to look like a fairy dust-encrusted streetwalker? Be my guest. Your outfit is so sequined you look like you probably have a stage name? Sure thing. It’s New Year’s, after all.

Option No. 1

Wearing pants on New Year’s Eve just seems wrong. New Year’s is usually a time for flirty dresses, mini skirts, shorts, even. But pants? No. Like I said before, however, the new year is a time to try new things, so why not ease into it by wearing the loudest possible pants in the whole world? Leopard print, high-waisted skinnies will ensure that your legs are not only warm while bar-hopping on the Chip Strip, but will also act as a conversation starter while trying to get free drinks. It’s fashion meets function.

To add a little extra glam to your look, pair the pants with a shimmering, studded sweater that will also provide some warmth on what’s sure to be a snowy evening. Add a pair of bold, badass earrings and structured ankle booties and your look will standout from the dozens of girls wearing the same skimpy bodycon dress from Forever 21. And don’t forget a smoky eye and big, wavy hair for an added dose of fierceness.

Sweater: Forever 21, $32.80
Pants: H&M, $12.95
Shoes: Zara, $69.99
Bag: Tobi, $52
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $34

Option No. 2

Not many chicks begin to plan their New Year’s Eve outfit with the thought, “I want to be a lady.” But for those few classy girls who do, I have an outfit for you. Believe it or not, it’s possible to amp up the sparkle and shine, get in the party mood and retain most of your dignity. Basically, you should look like the love child of Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. Easy, right?

All you need is a high-waisted, ladylike mini skirt with just the right amount of sass. Pair that with a cropped sequined sweater — in an ultra-feminine shade of pink — and classic nude pumps. You’ll look pretty and girly, but there’s still a small dose of sex appeal provided by the inch of midriff showing and the skirt’s super-high hemline. And don’t forget to accessorize: add a bedazzled, vintage looking box clutch and a silver cuff. Big, loose curls and winged eyeliner will take this look over the top.

Sweater: Planet Blue, $135
Skirt: Nasty Gal, $88
Shoes: Aldo, $41.99
Bag: Asos, $52.77
Bracelet: Nasty Gal, $15

Option No. 3

Wearing a romper usually feels like cheating. You look as though you were clever enough to pair a top and bottoms together when in reality, someone else did it for you. There’s also the added dimension of having to wear, as an adult, an article of clothing known as a “romper” and, at some stores, a “playsuit.” And don’t even get me started on that fact that, while wearing it, you are required to completely strip down in order to use the bathroom. There are just so many cons to romper wearing.

But when faced with one as alluring as this one, I couldn’t pass it up. It has so many of the requirements I search for in NYE attire: sparkle, black and anything high-waisted. Combined with the fact that it has a neckline so low I can nearly see a belly button and I’m completely sold. There is simply no other night of the year you can get away with this, so put on your romper and wear it with pride. It wouldn’t hurt to throw on totally fabulous ankle booties and an eye-catching clutch, either. And with an outfit as show-stopping as this one, there’s no need to over-accessorize. A simple pair of oversized hoops and bright lipstick will do. Happy New Year!

Romper: Asos, $43.10
Shoes: Kohl’s, $40.99
Bag: Lord & Taylor, $128
Earrings: H&M, $2.95

Photo courtesy of Facebook / Planet Blue