elegant new years eve look.

Skirt. (my design. similar here.) Sweater.(similar.) Heels: Payless. (c/o) Clutch. Sunglasses. Coat. Similar Necklace.

We’ve been up in Idaho visiting my husband’s family for the holidays.  They live in the country on 10 acres, with horses and the whole bit.  It’s snowed so much since we got here, so we’ve basically had the perfect cozy white Christmas.

Later this week we’re heading south to spend the rest of the break and New Years with my side of the family.

I love to get dressed up, even though I married a super casual guy and there aren’t a lot of opportunities when you’re a mother, I still think it’s really fun to put on something fancy and go out on the town.  If I have to choose, would always rather be a little over-dressed than a little under-dressed, it’s just how I tick.

 I thought it would be fun to show you two different New Years eve looks over the next couple days, since the night is rapidly approaching.  The first one is simple but elegant.   If you had told be years ago that I would be comfortable appearing in public in what basically equates to a ballerina tutu I would have never believed you, but the truth is, my tulle skirt is one of my favorite pieces in my closet.  I think it’s such a perfect piece for winter-time events because there’s a dressy feel to it, but it’s also kind of whimsical and fun too, almost like a nod to the nutcracker.  You can’t be too serious when you’re wearing a tulle skirt.

Trust me.

The first time I styled this skirt, I paired it with a sequin shirt, and it felt a little too over the top for me.  I quickly learned that when you’re wearing something as loud as a fluffy tulle skirt, it’s a great idea to go much more understated on everything else.  And I’ve kind of stuck with that theory on most of my outfits (especially the dressy ones) from then on.  It’s about balance.

This is what I love about getting dressed.  It’s creative, but also very personal and you learn (if you’re like me) by trial and error, what you really like and what you’re comfortable wearing.

I’m comfortable appearing in public in a tulle skirt now, as long as I’ve styled it in an understated way.

One of my favorite ways to go a little crazy and make a statement when getting dressed is with my shoes.  Especially if it’s a pretty pair of pumps like this gorgeous lace pair (that just happen to be under $20 right now, score!).  I love how comfortable they are to walk in and that the heel is high but not too high.  Plus I love how with the lace they are just a little surprising; more than just a plain black stiletto. And because I went simple with the black turtleneck, I can have a little more fun with my shoes an a leopard clutch.

So there you have it.  A simple, but elegant New Years Eve look.

Come back tomorrow to see how I styled these shoes and this clutch in a completely different way…

;-)

*this post was created in partnership with Payless.