Whenever I think of New Year’s Eve, I naturally think of movie scenes. Those New Year’s movie scenes where everything works out. The protagonist finds their true love. They get their kiss – and suddenly, this year is already better than last.
But most New Year’s Eves aren’t like that. Most New Year’s Eves are spent in your pyjamas scrolling through social media, stuffing your face with leftover Christmas treats, and dreading going back to school and work.
Well, this year – no more.
These outfit ideas will help you manifest that New Year’s cinematic scene.
The Apartment (1960)
At a New Year’s Eve party, Fran Kubelik (Shirley Maclaine) realises the man who truly loves her is not her infidel, newly divorced boss, but C.C Baxter (Jack Lemmon), who cared for her after her attempted suicide.
Fran wears a gorgeous purple fit-and-flare dress with a string of pearls. A timeless classic, but the bold colour shows courage and personality. It’s also a breath of violet- fresh air amongst the sea black.
Ultimate New Year’s tip from this movie? Don’t force yourself to spend the night with a philandering date, in a loud party that you hate. Instead, wear your most gorgeous gown and run straight into the arms of the person who makes you laugh, who cares for you when you’re at your lowest – your one true love.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
At a New Year’s Party with her happily married friends Jess and Marie (Carrie Fisher), Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) debates going home as she misses Harry (Billy Crystal), her closest friend, after a falling out over the status of their friendship.
Third wheeling on New Year’s Eve? No, thank you. But, third-wheeling in the cutest little dress, waiting for your friends-to-lovers arc to come true? Sure, that sounds good.
Sally Albright had the right idea, sure, her outfit is a bit kooky, but certainly sexy. She wears a little blue dress with fingerless gloves? Or arm warmers? Whatever they are, they definitely add to the extra that was the 80s. And with a perm and a diamond necklace? Stunning.
The Holiday (2006)
Back from a house-swap in LA with her new partner, Miles (Jack Black), Iris (Kate Winslet) attends a party at her brother, Graham’s (Jude Law) house with his new girlfriend, Amanda (Cameron Diaz), from California, and his two daughters, Sophie and Oliva.
A New Year’s party doesn’t have to be big. Sometimes it’s just nice to spend it with your closest people. And, guess what? You can still dress up and look absolutely fabulous. The Holiday just proved that.
The Holiday offers two great outfit ideas. Iris has a classic 50s’ style in a fit-and-flare satin dress with a square neckline and a little belt, while Amada is very 80s in a drop-waist dress with a velvet top and a white and black tulle skirt. Both are totally unique to them and their style, yet both follow a black-and-white dress code.
Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001)
When Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) shows up at Bridget Jones’s (Renee Zellweger) door, she rushes to change into some more sexy attire. But upon hearing him leave after looking at her diary, she runs out (in her underwear) to find him. She finds Darcy, who tells her he was going to buy her a new diary. They then kiss in the snowy street.
Bridget certainly makes a statement in zebra-print kickers, a purple tank top, and a white cardigan (you know, for warmth) …
I mean, wouldn’t personally recommend celebrating New Year’s in your underwear out in the snow, but I would tell you to be true to yourself. Be cringe. Be comfortable. Wear your cardigan with animal print trousers and wait for your lover at home. Dear Diary, New Year’s resolution number one: be cute and comfy. Check!
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Lucy goes pretty low-key with a white vest, a soft (perfectly oversized) brown jumper, and her classic red scarf.
A cute, comfy, and practical New Year’s outfit? Yes please! Let’s stop freezing ourselves (IT’S STILL WINTER, PEOPLE!!) Take a crisp leaf out of Lucy’s notebook and wear something warm while snapping at men (even if one of them is your eventual true love).
The best way to spend the night is standing up for yourself!
New Year’s Eve (2011)
Catering for a New Year’s Eve Party, Laura (Katherine Heigl) is confronted by her ex, Jensen (Jon Bon Jovi), who still cares for her. She learns he requested that she cater the party, and the two rekindle their relationship.
Laura is head-to-toe shiny and shimmery in a tight long-sleeve ice-blue dress, with pearl bracelets and a giant diamond ring that could blind you all the way from space. Sophia Vegra’s character, Eva, is definitely right – “New Year’s Eve is all about the dress.”
Maybe we can forgive this New Year’s and look spectacular while doing so?
Whether you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve alone, with that special someone, a few friends and family members, or at a lively party, remember you can always have your magical movie moment. Afterall, you are the director and leading star in your own life.
Enjoy your night, and here’s to a fresh year that we can make even better than the last!
