I know, I know…you’re all thinking that NYE is totally overhyped and you’d rather be home in your PJs with some fuzzy slippers on…BUT…it’s New Year’s Eve! I’ve definitely put too much pressure on NYE in the past and have tried too hard to make it into something big and meaningful…but this year, I’m changing my attitude. I’m going to avoid the mistakes I’ve made in the past, and I’m going for a fun and pain-free NYE! Are you with me?? Here are my TOP 10 TIPS to make sure you have a safe, fabulous, worry-free NYE!

#10. Wear something sparkly.
No, seriously. How many chances do you actually have to go out in public with flecks of gold on your cheekbones, a disco ball ring, glitter-encrusted platforms, or something with sequins?? Get into the spirit of NYE, and just DO IT!

This amazing, and oh-so-sparkly Samantha dress  from Monif C really gets into the spirit of NYE!

#9. Show off the goods.
One advantage we curvy girls have over our skinny sisters is our awesome racks. Wear push up bra, a v-neck dress, a tank with draping at the bustline…or go really daring, and put a corset or bodysuit under a sheer top! If you are celebrating at a house party and somewhat modest, you might wear a tank under your risque top, or a cardigan over your slinky dress. But…if you are going out on the town, take some risks!

This daring sheer textured tee is from Jibri’s holiday collection.

#8. Experiment with your makeup–and use a primer!
Have you ever wanted to try fake eyelashes?? Well, tonight’s the night! If that’s still too much for you to take on, buy some of the new mascara that’s meant to look like faux lashes. Break out your most daring red lipstick, too (my favorites are MAC’s Ruby Woo and NARS Cruella). This is a night to be dramatic.

If you are looking for something new, watch these addictive make-up tutorials from PixiWoo–they can teach you to do the perfect cat-eye or smoky-eye. Oh…and a note about primer…it WORKS. Buy it, use it and your makeup will stay put through a long night out–even through dancing! I use Smashbox Photo Finish primer on my eyes on all special occasions.

This faux fur coat is from Jessica London!

#7. Wear a coat, but skip the scarves/hats/gloves.
If you live in the southern states, you don’t have to worry about this, but up here, you always have to think about not getting frostbite. Lugging your coat around is a drag when you are trying to look carefree and fabulous…but you’ll wish you had brought it when you are standing outside freezing trying to catch a taxi and wake up with pneumonia. A coat is a MUST, but scarves, hats and gloves are just a major headache to keep up with. I guarantee you will lose at least one of those items, so just leave them behind.

#6. Take a taxi-everywhere.
This is non-negotiable if you will be drinking! Also…if you are wearing heels, it will save your feet! Be sure to bring enough money for a cab home and put it somewhere you won’t spend it.

#5. Use a shoulder bag or a purse with a cross-body strap.
I know it’s tempting to bring a little clutch with you on fancy occasions…but you will hate that thing at the end of the night. When you are trying to navigate crowds with a drink in your hand, you will wish you had a shoulder or cross-body bag. It will free your hands up for dancing, paying, drinking or whatever…and you won’t be tempted to set it down anywhere where someone can walk off with it.

Here’s a Kate Spade bag that looks big enough for all of your essentials!

#4. Wear pantyhose or tights.
I don’t know why people are so against pantyhose. They are absolute lifesavers! They not only keep your legs warm while still showing some skin….they have this amazing smoothing and firming effect. Your legs will look amazing! Also, if you’re a curvy girl like me–pantyhose and tights prevent inner thigh chafing when you’re out on the dance floor and the plus size versions are usually roomy in the waistband, so you can pull them all the way up over your tummy. Oila! Instant tummy support!

#3. Drink water all day today and EAT before you start drinking!
Nobody wants to be the girl falling down in the middle of the street trying to hail a taxi (not that I speak from experience or anything!). Alcohol is wonderful (if you’re of age, not driving, and know your limits!), but you must stay hydrated (order a water with every alcoholic beverage) and EAT a substantial dinner (not just carbs–get some protein!) before you go out. This will not only help you not get drunk so fast, but it will also help your hangover be a little less horrible. Here’s an awesome article about alcohol and how to prevent a skull-crushing hangover the day after.

#2. Don’t wear anything that is uncomfortable.
This is not the time to squeeze into your skinny jeans, wear a dress that rides up, a strange girdle-type contraption, or shoes that hurt your feet (more than the usual pain that comes with fabulous shoes). If you’re constantly fooling around with your outfit, you won’t be the carefree and fabulous person you have in your head! Let your clothes work for you, don’t work for them!

#1. Wear heels, but bring FLATS to change into later.
Go ahead and rock your heels ladies, but your feet are going to KILL you in a couple of hours. Once you’ve already made a grand, fabulous impression in your sexy stilettos (and everyone is having a good time), no one will mind when you change into your flats. This tip goes with #5 and #2: Bring a bag that is big enough to fit your smallest pair of flats and a foldable tote bag to store your heels–a little sparkly clutch is not going to do it. Your feet do not deserve to be tortured (longer than necessary) for the sake of fashion!

These Fit in Clouds black sequin foldable flats are about the size of a wallet and can be crammed into most bags!

What are YOUR tips for a pain-free NYE? Whatever you end up doing, have fun, be safe…and be fabulous!
xoxo