Hogmanay fashion: Ring out the old looks, ring in the new – or add a twist to a classic

Published on Wednesday 29 December 2010 18:58

HAVE you made your New Year's style resolutions yet? If not, Hogmanay is the time to start as you mean to go on when it comes to upping your sartorial game. It can be one of the trickiest nights of the year to dress for, what with street parties, black tie shindigs and first footing all falling on one very chilly night. The recent bad weather is set to let up as we welcome in 2011, with the mercury hovering above freezing in most places.

Staying cosy remains essential, however, and looking stylish, well, even more so. "Scotland is the best place in the world to see in the bells and celebrations are taking place across the country," says Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop. "We Scots are known for our warm welcome – even in freezing temperatures – which is what makes Scotland such a great country to visit, all year round. We know how to throw a great party, especially at Hogmanay. If you are heading out, make sure you wrap up warm and check details with event organisers, as well as weather and travel advice before travelling."

So whether you're catching Biffy Clyro, the Charlatans and Billy Bragg at Edinburgh's legendary street party, joining revellers in Glasgow at the enormous outdoor ceilidh or just first footing your loved ones, how to go about it in style?

"A lot of people are finding New Year's Eve a real challenge this year when it comes to dressing well and staying warm," says Jacqueline O'Hara, a fashion advisor at John Lewis in Edinburgh. "My tip is to go back to basics. There's nothing worse than looking cold, so start with thermal silk underwear, which is great under skinny jeans or a dress, and no one needs to know that you're wearing it. From there, sparkles and good accessories are the way to go to brighten up a cosy outfit.

Try wearing sparkly tights with your party dress, or topping off your look with a sequinned beret. You could go for a woolly jumper with sequins on the shoulders, or layer velvet leggings with a tunic. Faux fur is another great way to look glam while staying cosy, and if all else fails, simply add some sparkle to an otherwise simple outfit with some shimmery make-up."

Whether you're hitting the dancefloor or joining the street party, the chances are that you'll be out until the wee hours, and spending at least some of your time outdoors. So layer up in glamorous but cosy fabrics like cashmere, velvet and silk. Try shearling jackets, gloves or even boots for extra warmth (and fashion points) and add a bit of colour with earmuffs, gloves or a hat.

And hat or no hat, don't forget to nail your party hair. Fraser McInnes, Colour Director at Sassoon Salon in Edinburgh, suggests wearing your hair up on the 31st. "Keeping your hair tied up in ponytails or plaits to avoid dry hair in winter months is a good idea, as this will help to stop the cuticles becoming rough and the hair becoming knotty," he says. "And remember to lock in the moisture by running your hair through cold water, which will also give it an extra shine."

So how will Scotland's celebs be tackling the cold come midnight tomorrow? Carol Smillie wears her Ugg boots while carrying a pair of skyscraper heels in her bag. Presenter Heather Suttie says she's opting for a vintage coat with a Scottish cashmere wrap. And Miss Scotland, Katherine Brown says: "I'm not one for dresses on New Year. I'm more – make me look like Michelin Man and keep me warm. You can still look stylish if you layer up, even in thermals. Plus, you can always take some clothes off but you can't put more on once you've left the house." So forget faddy diets and unused gym memberships, the resolution at the top of your list for 2011 should be to stay stylish, whatever the weather.