Get out your drape dress

If there’s one fashion diktat all New Year’s Eve partygoers must adhere to this year, it’s layering, layering, layering.

If there’s one fashion diktat all New Year’s Eve partygoers must adhere to this year, it’s layering, layering, layering.

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“It’s time for girls to ditch their LBDs (little black dresses). Drapes are en vogue, whether in dresses or jumpsuits,” says stylist and designer Pooja Sethi.

Heavy cowl dresses or cowls running through the length of a jumpsuit and layered dresses with a shoulder drape going over the bust are some of the interesting variations women can experiment with as they ring in 2010.

“Drape dresses with minimum embellishment and embroidery are very in,” says stylist and fashion designer Tanya Fraser.

“Long gowns with interesting drape or short cocktail dresses with high stilettos can make a great New Year’s Eve ensemble. A broach on the shoulder or back of a dress can add a quirky edge.”

Sethi implores the men to shun the suit, burn the blazer, throw out the slim tie and rid themselves of straight-cut pants.

Instead, she suggests, “substitute the tie with a muffler wrapped in a haphazard way. Team it up with a casual tee and a jacket over funky pants like Jodhpuri riders.”

The daring ones can even go for the “geeky look” with suspenders, she says.

For those determined to stand out among the suits and dresses, headgear is the piece de resistance of the 2010 New Year ensemble.

“Hair accessories are very in,” says Sethi. “You can funk up a simple dress by investing in attractive headgear.”

Girls can pick from diamante and fur-lined tiaras, elastic bands with peacocks attached or retro hairbands imprinted with psychedelic flowers.

“Clean, simple cocktail dresses can be funked up with attractive hair accessories,” adds fashion and hair stylist Samantha Dsouza.

“Girly hairbands and cute broaches pinned to the hair can add a touch of fun to the formal. Girls, don't reveal the front. Bring your sexy back.”

Sethi recommends LED shutter shades for the boys. Think American rapper Kanye West.

“There should be a lot of movement in the garments,” says Sethi. “Keep it comfortable and crazy.”