Party season is upon us. I know this because it’s Wednesday afternoon and last night I got home at 6.30am. Well, if you want to be technical about it: this morning. With parties literally running back to back, outfit planning is becoming essential, and with the biggest party of the year looming, it’s time to start getting very serious about both Vitamin C and cute clothing. Taking cues from my hero Anna Dello Russo’s #7 tip for a fashionable Christmas, “focus on the shoes. Generally at Christmas party to spend a lot of time seated on the sofa,” I’ve picked out some of the best shoes for New Year’s Eve, for dance floor dwellers and couch surfers alike.
For the dancing queen
When someone says ‘party’ you say ‘dance.’ Not only are you always the first on the dance floor, you’re also the last to leave it. And it’s not always the dance floor- hallways, couches, toilet queues- you’ll dance anywhere so long as your feet have something solid to stamp on. For NYE you’re most likely heading some place where Prince’s 1999 will play when the clock strikes twelve, and by God will you give 80s moves a run for their money. Chances are you’re an old hand in heels, but you’ll need the stamina to welcome sunrise with your best robot. Go for a wedge to keep your calves looking like a ballerina’s and the soles of your feet will thank you at around midday on the first of the month. The chunkier the better; it’s all about balance when you’re getting low.
Alexander Wang Wedge
Jeffrey Campbell
Sigerson Morrison
For the Hostess with the Mostest
For NYE you’re planning an early morning trip to the market; a day cooking suitably trendy and organic food; and a fragrantly relaxing bath before a select few of your nearest and dearest arrive to a perfectly set table and candle-glow mood lighting. There will be red wine, you’ll be witty, and everyone will praise your walnut and rocket salad. Your dress will have cost at least a months rent and will probably be the second most elegant thing you’ll wear in your life (you’re thinking the first will be your wedding dress, some day). Your shoes need to be exquisite- bejeweled stilettos that clink against your kitchen tiles as you scurry around the kitchen, a real domestic goddess.
Oscar De La Renta
Louboutin
Nicholas Kirkwood
For the bar hopper
Your New Years Eve will consist of bar hopping with your closest BFFs. You’re going to hit the city and pass through every trendy hang out where your extended circle of friends all bartend. If you’re in Melbourne you’ll have your countdown moment at Rooftop, in Sydney you'll probably be fighting to avoid ending up at Flinders once you realise Cricketers has to close at some point. Your style is relaxed, think carrot leg, high waist trousers with a tank top and a statement necklace. You’ll probably drink cocktails and at some point meet a man in thick-rimmed glasses with whom you will discuss cinema and the book you’re reading. You need your shoes to be super cool but super comfortable in case you can’t get a cab from one bar to the next.
Nicholas Kirkwood
Opening Ceremony
Rachel Comey
For the home body
You’re over New Years Eve. In fact, you can’t think of any worse torture than being submitted to the pressures of the party season. So you’re going to stay home, guilt your boyfriend into doing the same, eat popcorn and make him watch romantic comedies starring Ashton Kutcher. You’ll watch the fireworks on TV at midnight, and fall asleep on the couch. For the record, I think you’re a complete failure. The only shoes you need now, or ever, are your Ugg boots.
Ugg