As the New Year approaches, everyone will be busy searching for the perfect outfit in the hopes of winning that imaginary yet nonetheless strived-for “Best Dressed” prize to start the year off right. Luckily, it only takes a few simple tips to find the perfect New Year’s Eve outfit that’s classic yet incomparably more amazing than anyone else’s.

While that small group of prepared people who bought and planned out their New Year’s outfits months ago sit and relax before the big day, the rest of us are out frantically attempting to find something decent to wear.

For all the ladies who are just now realizing that New Year’s is only hours away, it’s still more than possible to pull off that perfect outfit that will make everyone else look “so last year.” 

For starters, let’s address the issue of sequins. This is for all the girls who have worn a sequined bodycon dress every year since middle school. While sequins do say “New Year’s Eve,” dressing head to toe in sparkly gold and silver only works if you lived in the 1920s. This does not mean you should not wear sequins at all, but rather do not wear a sequined dress with a sequined handbag and sequined shoes.

Instead, choose a sequined dress and pair it with black shoes and accessories. Or just the opposite – wear a classy little black dress and pair it with sequined heels and a matching sequined handbag. Just make sure the sequined items match.

To stay traditional and modern all at the same time, try mixing classic New Year’s Eve styles with more modern twists.

Houndstooth and tartan were big this year. If you’re looking to be bold, ditch the little black dress and try to find one with a bit of houndstooth or tartan on it. Or, to tone it down, stick with the LBD and find a houndstooth or tartan handbag or shoes.

If you’re not into dresses – LBDs or otherwise – there’s no need to worry. In fact, there’s reason to celebrate. Skirts made a huge comeback this season, especially pleated skirts. Paired with a crop top, this outfit is easier to find, usually cheaper and more unique. And as an extra bonus, with the two-piece outfit you’re less likely to end up matching another person at the party.

Lastly, it’s important to remember the weather when choosing your ensemble. That perfect outfit is no longer perfect if it exposes your arms and legs to the biting wind or freezing snow. Fortunately, oversized coats were also popular this year and would make a fashionable – and practical – addition to your outfit. Just add an oversized coat to that little black dress and voila!

Time is running out to find the perfect outfit to bring in the New Year, but there’s no better time to hit the department stores and sale racks. With a little money in your pocket from holiday gifts and post-Christmas sales happening everywhere, there’s no time to lose.