Most happening parties have been cancelled this year. But hey, what’s the big deal? We’ve given you some tips on house parties. You either get together with friends to organise one or get yourself invited to one. The other option – there are still some parties being held all over Bangalore. Remember, to have a good time, you need to take care of yourself first. The right clothes, accessories, make-up and hair will certainly give you a confidence-boost to enjoy yourself to the fullest.

Check what the experts have to say and then go have a blast.

Colours of the season

Great clothes are definitely a start to looking good. But the style add-ons are definitely good make-up and hair. You don’t want to look your second-best or have a bad hair day when you have a party to go to. Ask Prarthana Pradutt of Peaches n Cream salon and she couldn’t have agreed more.

“Dressing up is a complete package. But make-up and hair are what draw attention, especially if you’re at a private party. If you go to a mass dance party, people tend to admire what you’re wearing,” says she.

Here are some tips from Prarthana: The weather is good for louder make-up so make the most of it. However, take care not to overdo. Match the make-up with your personality. If you choose to highlight your eyes, go subtle on lipstick and vice-versa. Put those neutrals and nude shades away for Dec. 31. Brighter tones like violets, magenta, pinks are in vogue both in eye shades and lip colours. Keep some browns / bronzes handy: they complement everything.

Be warned - red is a striking lipstick colour. Darker reds work better. But use red only if you are extremely confident of carrying it off well.

To highlight eyes, classic black kohl works most of the time. Do try soft black liners or grey, light blue or brown according to the dress and overall look you’re aiming for.

As for hair, shorter cuts and the layered look are in. The rules strictly don’t exist, but the long hair is quite overdone. Ditto for hair colours in shades of brown and blonde.

Ash blonde, magenta, even violets are preferred hair colours.

Clothes

Your clothes are a symbol of what you stand for. Anjali Sharma, designer, French Curve label, said: “Take care not to wear a mix of Indian and Western clothes for New Year’s eve. Fusion is not in, particularly for an occasion like New Year’s eve.”

Most prefer Western ensembles. Go for the chic look — boot leg full pants, shimmery tops in chiffon or lycra.

If you like strappy tops, pick basic black with glimmer in the straps or a touch of swarovski. And wrap some throw overs on your shoulders or team your outfit with jackets.

Footwear - go for something stylish, not dainty, but something you can wear for a few hours without feeling the pinch. Boots that come up till the shins are very hip.

The men can work wonders with their wardrobe too. Black has always been an all-time favourite with men. This year, try some coloured shirts. A hint of embroidery or shimmer on shirts can be tried. Most important for men — wear great shoes.

For a dazzling time

You’ve dressed well and chosen your make-up carefully. Don’t forget to accessorise accordingly. Tusheeta Kurien, jewellery designer, Tanishq Design Studio and Sapna, designer, Titan Watches, take you through accessorising right.

“This is one of the biggest party seasons. This year red has gained popularity in jewellery. Most trends usually start with the party circuit, celebs and youngsters before others catch on,” said Tusheeta.

Here’s how you can catch the twinkle in the onlooker’s eye:

The focus is on diamonds. But reds in garnets, rubies and tourmalines are selling well. Platinum jewellery has climbed a notch higher.

Chandelier earrings and stilleto earrings (very long) are still very much in style and bring in an understated elegance.

Such jewellery can be well coordinated with contemporary clothes, usually western and Indo-western. (For weddings, heavier jewellery may be opted for).

If stones are not your calling, go for white gold. A nice, simple chain with a small elegant pendant can be just as stunning for a party as heavy jewellery is at weddings.

Our tip: Don’t fret if you cannot bring out expensive, elegant jewellery. Pick the understated but stylish ones from the street and craft your statement!

Watches:

Most people definitely wear watches. And go window shopping or simply look at the ones available on the streets to hazard a guess on what’s available at the stores! Says Sapna, “Glitter stuff is definitely preferred for party time. We at Titan don’t have much glitter, but our Raga range has a lot of bright colours. Titan is moving towards less formal watches, slightly asymmetrical with a slightly crafted look. Ultra slim will be in next year. But something like Tommy Hilfiger is definitely party wear.”

Her advice:

Look for watches with bright straps, shiny, stone finishes. What works best is a chain bracelet kind of watch. Steel watches are more youthful.

In the gold segment, flash is becoming apparent. If you’re for high end watches, pick those with stones, enamel, etc.

For more variety, go street shopping, pick up something ‘trinkety’, which can be paired with almost any outfit.

Ok, run a time check. Make sure everything is in order and get set to ring in the cheer.