Glam your way to a grand new year!

First things first — sorting out your outfit is a must. This year, velvet is reigning supreme; starting from ethnic wear to western party-wear, velvet is spreading its delicious sumptuousness with a vengeance and we are here for it!

Look out for chic velvet jumpsuits, dresses with unexpected details such as cutouts, bows and ruffles. Black may seem like an obvious, safe choice but be bold, be different because life is too short to wear boring hues!

Pick jewel-toned velvets such as amethyst, emerald, ruby and blue sapphire to stand out in style from the herd. Lamé is also having a moment but beware, this isn't your mother's stiff and stuffy one from the '80s! Slinky, sensuous and absolutely gorgeous lamé is your best friend this festive season for the diva in you!

A fitted dress, a skirt or even a ruffled blouse with a simple skirt will look sophisticated and party-ready.

A dress is nothing without the right makeup to complement it. In 2021, our pandemic-ravaged hearts crave excitement, magic, fun and our soul wants to dance till the sun comes up. So in the spirit of impending festivities, makeup has taken a fantastical ride. Think sugar plum lips in hues as deep as the holly. Bordeaux and Merlot will have your lips look lusciously stained with wine, while cherry and plum shades will have you ready to paint the town red.

A statement lip means your skin must be flawless and velvety with soft flushed cheeks and iridescent highlighter on top. Eyes that gleam like gold are all the rage this year. Think smoky eyes reminiscent of the sky with Northern lights; shades of gold, silver, royal blue, deep purple and black cherry that shimmer like stars. Top off your metallic smoky eyes with fine glitter to leave a bit of star dust wherever you go! Bold liners are also having a moment. Exaggerated wings that take flights of fancy are super-hot this season. For the truly bold fashionistas disco eyes are a fabulous option. Think of Studio 54 in the heydays of disco, stars, glitter, glitz and glam galore in this look. Not for the faint of heart, this look will truly set you apart from the herd. Go for a funky gold eye dotted with tiny stars, or nude, almost bare eyes with a bejeweled brow. Face jewels are very hot right now and can be used however one wishes.

Lastly, minty green eyes are making rounds on all international party circuits as the "it" new eye! Soft and smudged, this is a sweetly seductive look when paired with nude, sparkling lips and lots of highlighter on the cheeks. So go on, get out, channel your inner party animal and get the party started.

Photo: LS Archive/ Sazzad Ibne Sayed