New Year's Eve Survival Kit

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Nobody wants to carry a big purse on New Year's, so pick a clutch that is fashionable and functional.

— Jenny Altman, style expert and chic executive officer of ILOVEAGOOD.com

Before You Pack

Jenny Altman, style expert and chic executive officer of ILOVEAGOOD.com, says choosing the perfect purse is just as important as deciding what to put in it. “Nobody wants to carry a big purse on New Year's, so pick a clutch that is fashionable and functional – one that is soft and roomy with pockets and zippers for organization,” she explained in a recent chat. “A strap is also very useful – as the night goes on and the drinking continues, you can strap it on to make sure you go home with it!”

Once you’ve found the perfect party purse, minimize the amount of cosmetic products you have to lug around by choosing ones you can trust to stay in place long after the ball drops. “To make sure makeup lasts, use a primer,” said Courtney Bryn Siegert, Beauté Analysté at Chanel, in an interview. “This will make your face ready to receive the makeup, and your products will set stronger and last longer.”

Siegert also recommends considering the texture of your products: If you’re heading to a hot, sweaty dance club, choose powder products, which won’t smear as easily; if you’re attending a less sticky event, choose liquid and cream cosmetics, as the pigments won’t chafe off as quickly as powdered ones. Siegert also notes that a waterproof eyeliner is an absolute must.

Finally, set your makeup with a layer of powder, but bring along thin blotting papers instead of a compact, says Jené Luciani, bestselling author of "The Bra Book" and regular style expert for NBC's Today. You can even put the papers on double duty by using them to tame annoying flyaways throughout the night.

Prepare for the Party

Nothing causes a loss of party confidence like an unexpected fashion or beauty mishap, so be prepared. First, nix body and breath odor before they even strike. Invest in some niche travel-sized hygiene products like deodorant towelettes (they come in convenient individual packages) and powder oral rinse, which is basically a toothbrush and toothpaste all rolled into a tiny little plastic packet (just swish and go).

Next, pack what style experts everywhere believe is king at fixing beauty bloopers: double-stick tape. Altman likes to use it for loose hems and button pop-offs, and Luciani says the stuff is perfect for keeping bra straps in place and blouses closed. And if double-stick tape is king, then the Band-Aid is queen: “Band-Aids are always a staple in my bag,” said Altman. “You may need them for a killer blister or to cover up an itchy tag you forgot to cut out of your new dress.”

Nafeesa Saboor, writer and editor of fashion blog Shoes N Booze, recommends bringing along a safety pin or two. “You never know when a quick dip on the dance floor will lead to a small rip in the seam of your dress,” she said in an interview.

Every woman knows that high heels can be a pain in the, er, feet, but don’t forget the cardinal girl-rule: “It’s never sexy to walk around a party – or down the street – barefoot,” said Saboor. This is why she recommends foldable flats: They’re available in a variety of colors and prints, take up minimal purse space, and cost as little as 10 bucks – totally deserving of a coveted spot in your clutch.

Finally, on a night when the alcohol flows freely – and messily – a stain-removing pen is your best friend. Wet wipes can aid in the removal of stains, cleaning of a pair of messy heels, or elimination of deodorant marks. They also nix the need for soap and water when the ladies' bathroom seems more crowded than the club.

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