Reader Request: New Year's Eve Party Outfits for Couples

It's crazy how quickly December goes by - it's not even Christmas and it's almost too late to get an outfit for New Year's Eve!  I got a request from my friend Julie that's very timely since New Year's Eve is already 2 weeks away and those going to parties will be looking for outfits when malls are crowded and picked over.  Thank goodness for the internet!  Here's the situation:

I need a New Year’s Eve outfit.  My husband and I are taking a trip to New York City to visit friends for New Year’s, so I need an appropriate party outfit to ring in the new year.  Something dressy, festive and fun.  The “dark jeans and going-out-top” ensemble that is my usual Saturday night uniform just isn’t going to cut it in NYC!  Also, my husband is willing to give up his jeans for the night to dress up and complement my outfit, but we aren’t sure where to start with him beyond black slacks.  Help!

And here are my picks for a night of partying when it's cold outside...


Cheap and Chic Basics
I think a basic drapey dress from Gap paired with a fun gold belt and peacock blue peacoat from Forever 21 will keep you from blending into a sea of black.  A fancy, cross body purse is more practical than a clutch (and can be worn under your coat for safety) and fun chandelier earrings won't get covered up with the coat.   Add black tights if you'd like, and walkable black pumps.  For guys, there's a fine line between being dressed up and looking like you're going to work.  Basic black slacks from Gap and a striped shirt from Express is pretty foolproof, and add a black trench if it's really cold.

Standing out a little
Purple tights are not for the faint of heart, but I think they're really cool paired with a little black dress with jeweled neckline (Banana Republic) and fun shoes (Kohl's).  Add some fun jewelry and a clutch and you're good to go.  You can also wear the whole outfit, sans tights, for weddings and parties the rest of the year.  For the guys, a jewel tone sweater and blazer are a bit less expected than the striped shirt, but not too crazy.

Standing out a lot
A bright yellow skirt and blue velvet blazer is not likely to be worn by anyone else in the bar, but it's not so crazy that you'll be mistaken for Lady Gaga.  Add cobalt pumps and a basic gold clutch and you're ready to party and not freeze.  If your guy is brave enough, he can wear his own velvet blazer with a skinny tie and basic slacks and shirt.