Fashion Tips - Dressing up for New Years

The ByWard Market area fashion boutiques provide personalized service to make sure you have exactly the right dress and accessories for your New Year’s celebration. A playful yet elegant cocktail dress (this party season’s new black) might be the solution if you are hosting an event at home or plan on showing off a pair of fabulous shoes as you dance the night away. A charity gala or formal dinner party may be just the occasion for the sweeping glamour of a long gown, whether a barely there whisper of silk and beading, or a long sleeved dress in this season’s hot trend, bronzed satin ruching.

At Amuse (246 Dalhousie Street) you can outfit yourself from head to toe. Bejewelled silk shoes pair up with an otherwise severe black suit and a raw silk and crystal cravat. Or be the shining star of the party in a black and silver metallic cocktail frock. A slinky one-piece boasts chiffon pants and a velvet and black crystal halter. Whether you are looking for elegant, sexy, playful (or a combination of all three), you have a good chance of finding it here. $65 - $345

Silky baby doll dresses in wild prints can be found at Milk (23 4 Dalhousie Street). Owners Inaas and Mais Kiryakos are on a mission to bring Ottawa new and unique European and North American designer wear to fit any budget. $20 - $150

While A Touch of Class (40 Murray Street) is well known for its wedding gowns, owner/designer Daphne Spencer loves to work with richly coloured silks, satins, and beading to create cocktail and evening dresses that definitely make an impact. She has a stunning assortment of gowns in stock and will also create a special dress for women of all shapes and sizes. A strapless bronze satin and taffeta gown with embossed oversized black floral patterns stylishly would look stunning with a black net wrap. Or be the standout at a cocktail party in a slinky red dress that shimmers with hidden fire. $180 and up

Find top international designers at Schad (527 Sussex Drive). Current glitterati fashion favourite Milly’s line of cocktail dresses features lots of sparkle with Art Deco patterns, textures, lace, shiny blacks, metallic hues, and bold reds. Pair them with opaque black tights and glittering stilettos or modish boots to make a statement. $150 - $550

Manhattan Marque (17-A York Street) features an ethereal sleeveless ivory and black silk organza floor length gown which looks romantic when paired with a wispy wrap or recalls 1930’s elegance when draped with a feather or chinchilla boa. A fine assortment of cocktail dresses in black and silver sparkling fabrics are very up to the minute. A modest but attention getting banded crewneck reveals a sensuous cut-away at the back. The shop carries plenty of jewellery and wraps to complement your selection. $50 and up

For one of a kind evening wear with exclusive lines from Italy, Germany, France and North America, visit Poised (535 Sussex Drive). Look for cocktail dresses and evening gowns from Nicole Millar in ruched metallic stretch fabrics. While the dresses may initially intimidate when viewed on the mannequins, the fabric and well cut lines are extremely flattering to all body shapes. Look for muted golds, china reds, and bronzed khakis. Or kick up the glam factor with Sherry Couture of LA’s red and black ruched satin gown. Below the empire waist, a flattering mermaid cut with detailed beading and silicon baubles is completed by a small train. Drape the accompanying shawl off your elbows to finish off this exquisite dress and you are ready for a deluxe evening out. $200 - $1300