What to Wear: To a Year End Party

The season of love and giving is here yet again. It is that time of the year when everyone is feeling festive with Christmas and the countdown to a brand new year knocking on their doors. 

Haven't an idea what to wear? Take this as a guide to your last minute outfit shopping. Cheers to an excuse to do more shopping (not like we needed any, anyway); or simply get tips on reworking and remixing existing pieces in your wardrobe.

Glitz and Glamour

Hit all the right notes when you bring some shine to your outfit in the form of metallics, lamé, sequins and embellishments. Tip on how not to look like the second Christmas tree or disco ball in the room: keep the silhouette simple with clean lines and let one item do the talking.

Runway

New to gold, silver and the like? Experiment with a pinch on a festive clutch and sophisticated pumps.

Real Way

Selena Gomez works her magic at the MTV Movie Awards 2013 with a Julien MacDonald embellished dress worn with stiletto peep-toes and a French braid complete with a cool pompadour. She kept her make-up simple and let the gold outfit do all the attention-grabbing.

The star of Shameless actress Emmy Rossum wears a DKNY gold lamé midi dress to the label's 25th birthday bash. A sleek combed back hairstyle and gold metal cuff with pointy pumps completed the look.

Emma Roberts dolled up in a Lanvin lamé number for the American Music Awards 2013. The dress was paired with matching Casadei heels and RODO clutch for a dash of color.

On the same night, Taylor Swift dazzled in gold mini dress by Julien MacDonald and strappy Jimmy Choos. Her hair oozed sassiness effortlessly.

Taylor Swift arrived at the Victoria's Secrets Fashion Show red carpet in a Zuhair Murad sequined floral pattern number. The look is kept grounded with simple make-up (just some pink lips to match the dress), hairstyle and Dolce & Gabbana ankle-strap heels. 

Attention Grabbing Outfit

You can leave out the glitter and shimmer but still look like a million bucks if you put on pieces with statement-making details.

Selena Gomez wears high street fashion to a Kiss FM event in a Zara navy jumpsuit with a deep-V neckline. Minimizing the accessories and keeping the make-up simple brought sleek and sexy to her look, together with her long brown wavy locks. [Want to shop the exact piece?

See Real Way below!]

Olivia Palermo demonstrates how a little white dress can look interesting by throwing in some statement shoes and necklace. The look is festive without being over the top.

Red is always a top choice for festivities. Kristen Bell attended the premiere of The Grey and People's Choice Awards in a red hot mini dress from Valentino. Worn with beige pumps and a gold cap-toe, the dress featured a laced top and a leather skirt. Gotta love Valentino. 

Colors are a great way to inject fun into your look for the holiday season. Take Lucy Hale's look at the MTV Movie Awards 2012: the Pretty Little Liars actress wore a color-blocked dress by Catherine Malandrino with glitter clutch and matching silver stacked heels by Edie Parker and Casadei respectively. 

Real Way

Shop the following pieces to complete your wardrobe right now!

Zara Long Jumpsuit with Low Neckline - S$109.00

Zara Sequinned Dress - S$139.00

Zara V-Back Dress - S$109.00

ASOS Bandeau Maxi Dress with Floral Embellishment - S$280.81 (available on ASOS.com)

A Wear Maxi Dress with Shoulder Embellishment - S$198.91 (available on ASOS.com)

ASOS Velvet Sweetheart Bodycon Dress - S$70.20 (available on ASOS.com)

Rare Harlequin Sequin Dress - S$93.60 (available on ASOS.com)

Elise Ryan Belted Pencil Dress - S$78.39 (available on ASOS.com)

Love 21 Cold Shoulder Floral Dress - USD32.80 (available on Forever21.com)

Forever 21 Bold Moves Bodycon Dress - USD22.80 (available on Forever21.com)

River Island Gold Finlay 2 T Bar Court Shoes - S$102.96 (available on ASOS.com)

Zara Punched Metal Minaudiere - S$139.00

Hairstyles

This isn't gonna be about Harry Styles (okay, not funny), at least there's a little something on Taylor Swift. Now that you've picked something for the party, surely you're not gonna leave the house with your hair undone. Get some inspiration from the following celebrities and their glowing looks. 

Pretty Wavy Locks

Try this look: if your dress is something feminine. Softer makeup work well with a light-colored dress.

Try this look: if you want a style that looks effortless yet elegant, and you want to make a statement with your dress.

Half Up-do

Some dresses call for a look that is sophisticated and elegant and you need a hairstyle that does just that.

Try this look: if you want to go glamorous and have those attention grabbing earrings to show off (emerald tear drop earrings are still so pretty!).

Try this look: if you want to conceal a little bit of your bare-back without looking too serious.

Braided Up-Dos

Braided dos are probably my favorites, with a touch of Greek goddess.

Try this look: if you are looking for a feminine up-do with a touch of sweetness or simply to go greek.

 Elegant Up-Dos

Try this look: for something elegant to go with a glamorous dress. Pull up your hair neatly in a side part (see Dianna Agron above) if you are considering an up-do that is appropriate for a corporate setting.

Pulled-Back

Try this look: if you want to add some edge and heavy eyeliner to your look. Comb your hair from the roots to the ends to create the unkempt feel and add volume.

Try this look: if you are looking for something chic and sleek. Keep the strands neat and in place, combing the top into a slight pompadour.