"There is going to be a lot of black out there so why not stand out with shimmer, metallic, shine, color!" Lisa says.
Keep the dress simple, but take your other pieces to another level, Lisa says. On New Year's, it's probably going to be cold, so you want to be ready with a jacket or cardigan.
Lisa recommends investing in a velvet blazer that looks chic and will also keep you warm. Dress it up with a statement necklace and other accessories.
"Find a great leather glove that maybe has a little bit of print, something a little exotic," Lisa says. "And you are going to need a little clutch to keep your iPhone close by to take pictures of the big event."
Red sheath dress, Banana Republic, $120 Black velvet blazer, BR, $150 Leopard leather gloves, BR, $79.50 Black bead clutch, BR, $89.50 (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)
The most important item in any woman's closet? The little black dress.
"Everybody should have one," Lisa says.
This season, it's all about lace. The embellishment works for office holiday parties or that New Year's Eve celebration.
"It's very appropriate for the office because you are getting coverage where you need it, but you are getting little peeks of skin that's slightly sexy, but not overtly sexual," Lisa says.
How bare is too bare for an office party?
"Don't go strapless," Lisa says. "Keep your shoulders covered. That's the perfect thing where lace can give you that coverage and still give you that hint of skin."
And don't be afraid to let the lace speak for itself. If a dress has a lot of lace by the collarbone, then adding a necklace is going to be too much embellishment.
"If you do want to embellish, do a skinny metallic belt that is going to highlight your waist and break up some of the lace -- and maybe just a demure earring and a bracelet," Lisa advises. "But certainly, don't add a necklace because they will compete."
Black lace sheath dress, Banana Republic, $150 (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)
Don't be afraid to show off your body a little bit.
"You want to come with something that will keep you warm, but once the party really gets going, you want to have something that you can shed so your dress is the focal point, and you are ready to party for the rest of the night," Lisa says.
Go for a plunging neckline or body hugging silhouette that accents your waist. These work for someone who is petite, regular or plus size -- "universal rules of the road to accent your figure will go a long way," Lisa says.
Strapless black dress, BR, $130 Fur coat, BR, $150 Sequin bib necklace, BR, $79.50
This textured coat has a hint of metallic and can elevate and complete your evening look.
Cream textured dress coat, BR, $250 (WTOP/Stephanie Steinberg)
Stephanie Steinberg and Paula Wolfson, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – It’s a new year with a fresh start, so why not treat yourself to a glamorous new dress?
Lisa Tumbarello from the personal stylist group Style for Hire advises to take advantage of the chance to dress up.
“It is one of the few nights of the year when you can go all out, and nobody is going to think twice about ‘oh, she is too over-dressed,’ so have fun with it,” she says.
Lisa met WTOP at Banana Republic in Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Md. for Living in Style’s New Year’s edition. Check out the photo gallery for New Year’s outfit ideas, and follow Lisa’s tips to ring in the new year in style.
There is no law that says you have to go long for New Years.
Just make sure you embellish properly. Since this is the type of night where you are really stepping it up a few notches, you really want to accent your body, Lisa says.
Go for that pop of color.
Every woman has the little black dress, so stand out in a little bit of color. Gold, silvers and metallic are especially in this season.
Bare legs, fishnets or tights?
If it is going to be bitter cold outside, experiment with a funky pair of tights. Try lace, a sexy back seam or polka dots.
“There are a lot of options out there, but in my opinion, have a nice shave, get a lotion on and have fun with it,” Lisa says.
Don’t shy away from shapewear.
Without the proper undergarments, your outfit can’t go to that next level, Lisa says.
“Shapewear is not as ugly as it used to be,” Lisa says. “There is some sexy shapewear out there so if you feel like that is the reason you don’t want to partake in it, definitely give it a second look.”
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Editor’s Note: Living in Style is a regular WTOP Living feature with Style for Hire’s Lisa Tumbarello, who shares style tips, clothing bargains and fashion do’s and don’ts.
Follow @WTOPLiving on Twitter.
(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
