How to End the Year in Style with Kenneth Cole, No Matter What Your NYE Plans

KENNETH COLE & SHARP

As an annual excuse for champagne, confetti, and casual discussion about the type of person we’ve resolved to be going forward, New Year’s Eve is the ultimate party occasion. But the fact that it hits so soon after a marathon of other holiday events means that it’s easy to feel caught off guard by its high stakes. Even once you’ve managed to successfully make some plans, you’re left with the key challenge of December 31st: “What should I wear?”

After all, you’re closing down one year and kicking off another — and beginnings and endings are the parts that people really pay attention to. Thankfully, if you’ve got New Year’s Eve expectations, then Kenneth Cole has options: casual suits and cozy sweaters ready to move through the evening with easy elegance. All you need to do is give some thought to the type of setting that you’ll be celebrating in. And whichever outfit you choose, we promise that they’ll look equally good paired with novelty 2020 glasses.

CASUAL:

The vibe:

Loose and low-key. Think last-minute plans that you made to meet friends at the bar down the street, or a neighbour’s pot luck dinner, or a romantic night in with your partner, some movies, and a giant order of takeout food.

The look:

Casual but composed. Even if you’re keeping it quiet, tonight’s a big deal. You want something that shows you put in a little bit of extra effort. Because inevitably, you’ll walk into that bar you’re meeting your friends at only to discover that your ex is somehow also there. 

The clothes:

Even if your celebration might not have confetti, it doesn’t mean that your shirt can’t. Opt for Kenneth Cole’s slim-fit abstract print shirt paired with matte black slim-fit straight jeans that add just a hint of stretch and room through the ankles for added comfort. Or, for a cozier option, try on the soft and warm red wine-coloured textured turtleneck cotton sweater in a flattering regular fit. And if your destination requires braving the outdoors, lace up some rugged black Miro hiking boots featuring an elevated sole for extra cushioning, plus tonal hardware on the lace-up closure for a black-on-black look.

FORMAL:

The vibe:

Fancy without being stiff. We’re talking a seated dinner party that includes a martini course, a party hosted by your boss, or any type of dinner-and-dancing event that required buying a ticket.

The look:

A suit. Even if you’re not entirely clear on the dress code of your event, go this route. Worst case scenario, everyone compliments you on how good you look in a suit. (And you can always hang up the jacket as the night progresses.)

The clothes:

Kenneth Cole’s Techni-Cole slim-fit suit jacket and pants are the kind of essential tailored ensemble that anyone will look great in — and feel great in, thanks to innovative Techni-Cole performance features like higher armholes with gussets for added mobility and a stretch waistband. As for the shoes? Opt for the Klay Klex chukka boots, which strike a balance between class and comfort thanks to additional Techni-Cole innovations like a padded foot bed with shock absorbent comfort gel pod.

FLASHY:

The vibe:

Glitzy and glamorous. In other words, a reservation at a trendy restaurant, your retired rock star friend’s loft party, or any place where the music will be loud and/or there will be an oyster bar.

The look:

If New Year’s Eve is a punctuation mark at the end of the year, then this outfit is an exclamation point. Not only do you want to look put together — you want to look striking. The best way to achieve that: opt for a classic silhouette amped up by a playful pattern.

The clothes:

The checked print on this slim-fit tonal plaid suit jacket and dress pants makes for real impact, but is subtle enough that you can still wear it into the office on January 2nd. (Maybe after a quick dry clean, depending on how close you were standing to the champagne bottle at midnight.) Even better, it comes in a flattering trim fit with a notched lapel that leaves room to move. The Futurepod Lace-Ups are similarly work appropriate — but still special enough for a big night out, too. Thanks to Rebound System Technology, their breathable textile sock lining and foot bed cover feature moisture wicking temperature control that neutralizes odour for a fresh feel — with no need for socks.

Lead photo by Simon Farey, @simeetsworld.