3 Guys Doing NYE In Style
3 Guys Doing NYE In Style
Images: @carlthompson; @yatesy17
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3 Guys Doing NYE In Style

Another year older. But another excuse to dress up. Here’s how three stylish lads are dressing for New Year’s Eve, their NYE plans, and what’s in store for 2026…
Images: @carlthompson; @yatesy17

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@WilfredCisse

Talk us through what you will be wearing this NYE… 

Carl Thompson, Content Creator: I always like to feel put together on New Year’s Eve. This year, I imagine I will be in something classic and clean, like a sharp black blazer from Suitsupply with either a fine knit from Uniqlo or M&S underneath or a plain white T-shirt from Octobre Editions, black trousers that actually fit comfortably (so wide leg from Maniere De Voir), and my Ralph Lauren loafers that have seen enough wear to survive a long evening. My Tudor Black Bay will tie in nicely with this outfit. As for my fragrance, it depends on the mood. Palissandre Night by Mizensir is still unbeatable for me, and it works beautifully for an evening, but Tom Ford Tuscan Leather also feels perfect for a winter night – warm, memorable and quietly confident. 

James Yates, Model & Content Creator: I always like to dress up for New Year's, even if the event is low-key. I wear a Longines Legend Diver at the moment, and a new fragrance from Balenciaga, No Comment, is an absolute favourite right now. I'll likely go for something like a navy turtleneck with a bigger jacket, big collar over the top, some pleated trousers, and my trusty favourite loafers from Church’s

Wilfred Cisse, Musical Artist: I often wear Christian Louboutin. I recently acquired a stunning pair of black velvet derbies that are surprisingly comfortable, unlike some of my dress shoes. Socks are often overlooked, but I found an incredibly comfy pair from ALO that I can’t stop raving about. I’ve been enjoying several new pieces from Baracuta, who recently collaborated with Barbour to create a wax G9 jacket which I think would pair nicely with a grey turtleneck from Ralph Lauren. I have the ideal trousers from Dior to match. I also bought a striking brooch from Kent and Curwen, and I think New Year’s Eve would be the perfect occasion to wear it. My fragrances are usually a mix, but I tend to use Creed and Penhaligon’s

Any tips for dressing for NYE generally? 

Carl: I always say you should dress for the occasion, because a house party, a cosy pub and a smart dinner all have completely different vibes, but it is also New Year’s Eve, so there is nothing wrong with making things feel a little special. The biggest mistake people make is trying a completely different style for one night. Wear something tried and tested, an outfit you know flatters you and feels good. Elevate it slightly for the occasion, maybe a sharper jacket or some jewellery, but keep the fundamentals familiar. 

James: I always think it’s safer to go smarter than not. You need a warm coat or jacket in the winter in the UK and that can pretty much make the outfit itself. I always play pretty safe – black trousers and a black top always look classy and smart. A nice scarf can easily change the outfit and add a bit of colour. I love a simple black loafer, or a penny loafer with a bit of colour (i.e. Duke & Dexter). 

Wilfred: It can get a bit chaotic, so my advice is to wear dark colours! 

@carlthompson; @hawkinsshepherd

What does the perfect New Year's Eve entail for you? 

Carl: For me, the dream NYE in London was always something local and cosy. When I lived in Clapham, it would usually be a neighbourhood bar where you get there early enough to claim a spot and then essentially settle in for the duration. If I’m not in the UK, then I have an entirely different New Year’s tradition in mind. Sydney is very high on my list, partly because I have family there, and partly because starting the new year in sunshine sounds unbelievably good. January in Australia has a completely different energy to it; everyone is outside, everyone is upbeat, and the whole place feels like a fresh beginning. But New York is a city that makes you feel like you are in a film, even when you are just walking to get a coffee. It has this electricity to it that does not rely on fireworks or countdowns; the atmosphere alone is enough to make the New Year feel iconic. 

James: A perfect UK NYE for me would probably be a getaway with a good group of mates and partners, maybe somewhere like the Highlands, so we can have a fresh walk to dust off the night before on New Year's Day. I love dressing up smart during winter, so maybe a bit more effort for a fancy dinner, then drinks and games after, and bring in the New Year surrounded by those closest to me. If I were to go away for New Year's, I would love to be skiing. Anywhere in the Alps, a good day on the slopes, early dinner, and then somewhere to celebrate. Fresh mountain air is great for a hangover, so that would be ideal. Plus, a day on the slopes to start the year is perfect.  

Wilfred: The ideal New Year’s Eve plan for me involves bustling around the house with my family to create a festive atmosphere, followed by meeting up with friends and rushing to catch the fireworks. However, we often get together a bit too late and struggle to find a good viewing spot, but it's really the thought that counts. I truly can’t imagine celebrating anywhere else. London is my home, and no other city does New Year’s quite like it. 

@WilfredCisse; @Yatesy17

Any New Year’s resolutions on the horizon? 

Carl: I try not to make dramatic resolutions. Life with a baby has taught me to be realistic. I am focusing on more balance, more time with my family, and being more intentional with the projects I take on. Slowing down in some areas, becoming more present in others and hopefully working towards a better sleep pattern, although Jasper may have other ideas. 

James: I want to make a few changes to my place. I bought my flat a couple of years ago, and there are some bits I've wanted doing that I've made excuses for. So, this year I want to be more proactive on making the place more like a home.  

Wilfred: My only New Year’s resolution is to focus on mindful eating, completely cutting out processed foods, especially sugar. I have a sweet tooth, and I fear it might be my downfall one day. 

What does 2026 have in store for you? 

Carl: 2026 already feels like a meaningful year on the horizon. I am working towards my personal challenge of 50by50 supporting Tiny Tickers, a charity very close to my heart. The idea is to complete 50 challenges before I turn 50, each one pushing me physically or mentally in some way. I will also be focusing on my brands, Hawkins and Shepherd and Dion Dreyes. They are both at really exciting points in their journeys. I’d also love to work on a menswear edit or a capsule collection with a brand. Beyond that, I am hoping for much of the same. More storytelling, more travel, more quiet moments with my family, and more building on everything I have been growing over the past 10 years or so.

James: Hopefully, a few step-ups for me work-wise. I don’t want to jinx anything, but my team and I have been exploring a couple of new ventures and working towards that, so hopefully 2026 is the year those come into fruition. I’ll continue the focus on self progression, enjoying myself and trying to keep moving the needle. I feel really good about myself and work and balancing life at the moment. I hope to continue that and hopefully be in a position to be able to help others or be able to give them time when needed too.  

Wilfred: For me, 2026 is about being more open, collaborating with talented individuals, exploring places I might typically hesitate to visit, and dedicating time to pursuits that may not always yield immediate results. After releasing my short film Smile More along with my latest single, I’ve been very interested and keen on making more films, I see myself travelling to more places and working with more great minds to create a bigger artistic world. 

Follow @CarlThompson, @WilfredCisse & @YatesY17


SHOP CARL, JAMES & WILFRED'S NYE EDITS

@CarlThompson; @hawkinsshepherd

Wilfred Cisse

@WilfredCisse
@yatesy17

James Yates

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