Some timely dressing lessons to lesse distress

New Year’s Eve has always been a fashion minefield for me.

For starters, I’m always freezing, which automatically eliminates anything remotely sexy. Do you know what happens when you add sequins or glitter to a sweater or long-sleeve shirt? Instant grandma.

One year, a friend of mine, who works in finance, invited me to a fancy party in Boston. I chose a sassy red dress, which would’ve been fine had I not been in a room full of accountants. Everyone in the room – no exaggeration – was wearing something black and conservative. I spent the whole evening saying, “Hi, I’m a sore thumb, nice to meet you.”

But we learn through mistakes, right? Right.

Allow me to share what I’ve learned:

. Know your audience. There’s nothing worse than feeling overdressed or underdressed. If you’re not sure, throw on a jacket over a spaghetti-strap dress or camisole – I like the embroidered silk jackets at The Grasshopper Shop and the sparkly brocade jackets at Macy’s. You can always take it off.

. If you’re daring enough to wear a sexy little slip of a thing, bring a wrap, just in case.

. When in doubt, wear your little black dress. It’s always right. Add a little attitude with lace stockings, fishnets or high boots and you’re good to go.

. Be best-dressed. There’s a reason I keep talking about dresses (Dressbarn has fabulous options right now, including a Kelly green Jackie O-style sheath for misses and the most amazing black-and-white beaded dress in women’s). They’re the cake mix of a wardrobe: Just add stockings.

. Don’t fear color. Despite my faux pas, I learned something on the night of the red dress – it’s great to stand out. You just need the confidence to match – and that didn’t come to me until a few years later. Which leads me to my next lesson.

. Trust yourself. If you know you look hot in that crazy, hot-pink-and-lime Pucci-print sheath, own the look – no apologies, no questions asked. You can take solace in the fact that you’re the only one at the party bold enough to pull it off.

. Know yourself. If you’re always cold, don’t leave the house half-naked. There are ways to be warm and stylish – such as the smashingly cozy sweater dress at Bella Luna – and tailored pants and a fitted, long-sleeve shirt look equally hot (and warm). If you hate heels, don’t ruin your evening by teetering around all night. If you’re not comfortable, you’re going to have a horrible time, no matter where you are.

. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Embrace your curves, ladies. It’s a great way to start the new year on a positive note. No woman has ever looked back on her life and wished she had dieted more.

. And finally, this: Go all out. In our little corner of Maine, we rarely have a chance to pull out all the stops and really dress up. This is the perfect opportunity, even if you’re staying home. Especially if you’re staying home.

Because time spent with friends and family – rather than in a room, bar or party full of people you don’t know – is a great way to ring in the new year. It may be the same Auld Lang Syne, but that’s a good thing. At least they’ll never look at you funny if you show up in a lipstick-red dress.