See the year out in style

Dinner with friends The jumpsuit reigns supreme as 2010’s fashion party look. It is the great sartorial hope for women who are sick and tired of hearing about dresses. And Guardian HQ has heaped much praise on the halterneck for both its flattering shape and extra dressiness. Avoid fussy jewellery – let the jumpsuit do the talking, though a tux-style jacket works when perched on the shoulders. Animal print jumpsuit, £40, warehouse.co.uk Catwalk: Céline spring/summer 2011 Photograph: PR

The fancy party Whether it comes with a faux or fantasy prefix, fur is the big ritzy NYE look. It could be the full coat (for extra style points, pull in with a thin belt), an accessory, a pair of furry gloves or even a clutch (see Topshop). If you feel your finest fur is going to waste in a cloakroom, there is always the stole (ideal layered with lace), or a fancy fur collar – the perfect way to elevate jeans and a T-shirt to party attire. Coat, £245, reissonline.com Catwalk: Chanel autumn/winter 2010 Photograph: PR

Watching TV Staying in needn’t mean bowing out in a dressing gown and some saggy old leggings. Upgrade to posh joggers and a fancy top. Otherwise – this might come as a surprise – it’s lace all the way. It doesn’t have to be a dress, a blouse with trousers still says you’ve made an effort. Plus, dark lace is more practical than a silk blouse: if you spill the takeaway, you probably won’t notice. Blouse, £75, whistles.co.uk Celebrity: Chloé Sevigny in Proenza Schouler Photograph: PR

Dinner with friends Your mentor should be Tom Ford. The ultimate in 1970s louche, here is a man who knows what to do with a velvet jacket. First, it should be trim and fitted. Second, it should be worn with a contrasting pair of trousers – both in texture and colour. Next, focus on the neck. Ford’s models wear their velvet either with a pointed collar shirt, tie and tie-pin, or a plain white shirt and bow-tie. A third option, requiring some level of caution, is to finish with the flourish of a silk scarf à la Reiss. Bow tie, £9.99, zara.com Celebrity: Tom Ford Photograph: PR

The fancy party It might be NYE but this does not mean swerving too far from your signature look. This way you’ll actually enjoy yourself because you’ll feel comfortable. If, however, you do want to look a little more polished than usual, opt for tailoring in classic dark hues with a tonal or crisp white shirt. A slender tie is optional. For fashion cachet, explore a double-breasted suit jacket, which is staging a major comeback. You could even go for the fallback smart-casual option and pair one with jeans. Jacket, £84, topman.com Celebrity: Ryan Gosling in a grey DB suit Photograph: Rex Features

Watching TV A sloppy old T-shirt and jeans might be the obvious staying-in look, but actually a classic knit shows some semblance of effort has been made. Think Take That. Translation: a fine knit layered over a simple shirt. It’s understated but modern, relaxed but neat. If you insist on dressing the look down and upping the comfort factor, a pair of soft, dark grey jogging bottoms – American Apparel’s are particularly good – is just about acceptable. Jumper, £49.50, gap.eu Shirt, £45, frenchconnection.com Photograph: PR