new years eve

Via our friends at CollegeCandy.com:

So maybe I’m a little late in the game, but 2010 is, like, soon. It feels like only yesterday that I was sitting on my daybed thinking, “this is the last time we can sing ‘Tonight We’re Gonna Party Like it’s 1999′” as I placed 5 too many butterfly clips into my hair and rocked out in my platform gym shoes.

God I feel old.

But I digress. New Year’s Eve is hands down the best excuse to dress up. But that doesn’t mean you gotta splurge on some hot frock that will look great in pictures, but not so great sitting in the back of your closet for the next 2 years because you have nowhere to wear it again. There are plenty of ways to spice up your look for the big night by adding some fun pieces to the stuff you already own. Here are just a few not-a-dress options to ring in the big 20-10.

Skirt:
You gotta rock something shiny on NYE, and this skirt is just perfect. I love red and gold together, which is why I paired this shimmery skirt with a basic red tank. But if red is only your color when your monthly friend comes to visit, throw on a basic black scoop tank or tee, black tights and pumps and this look is good to go.

Skirt, Lulus.com
Red Tank, Forever 21
Cuff, Forever 21
Cheap and fabulous pumps, Forever 21

Romper
There’s something about a romper that just screams, “I’m totally chic.” And this one has just the right amount of sparkle for the special night. You canpair with tights if you’re not in Miami…and shave your legs if you are. Feel free to play with textures, like sequined shoes, chunky tights and a bold cuff. Or keep it simple and throw on a colored bag or bangle for a pop.

Romper, Lulus
Shoes, Forever 21
Tights, Forever 21
Cuff, Forever 21

Leggings
You already own some leggings, obviously, so dress them up with a bold (and long!) sequin top. You’ll dazzle into the new year and be super comfortable to boot. Just make sure to keep everything else pretty neutral so you don’t look like you just fell out of a Prince music video.

Top, Forever 21
Leggings, Forever 21
Pumps, Nordstrom

Jeans
I love, love, love this body suit. Yes, it’s a body suit. Yes, body suits remind me of jazzercise videos from the 90s. But tucked into jeans (or a skirt) it’s fashion genius: it’s sexy, fitted, and you don’t have to worry about it bunching. And can we talk about how hot the back is?

OK, so it may be a problem when your New Year’s Kiss wants to get busy…or when you drink too much champagne and have to go to the bathroom every 3 minutes, but it’s probably the most versatile piece you could pick up for the big night. Just think of all the other places you could work this thing. And, really, you can sparkle it up as much or as little as you want. Add a big, bold necklace. Throw on some bangles. Slip into a bright colored shoe. And roll into the new year without looking like you tried too hard.