25 Outfit Ideas for New Year’s Eve if You Don’t Know What to Wear

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It’s here — the most stylish event on everyone’s calendar, New Year’s Eve. It’s the only time when blending timeless elegance with a cheesy twist is universally understood as fashionable. So, the biggest question on everyone’s mind is, what are you going to wear?

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If you’re like us, you understand that your holiday party look blends down-to-earth staples with eye-catching accessories and a rock n’ roll edge. Rather than going full regalia, we’re wearing metallic pants and band tees, influenced by Marine Serre’s Spring 2024 runway show, or donning pajama sets that could pass as evening wear with brightly colored pumps, inspired by the recent work of Olivia Von Halle.

Wherever you’re headed, you should look ready to kick ass in the New Year, and we’ll help get you there with a few simple additions to your wardrobe.

New Year’s Eve Outfit Ideas

Mac Duggal Sequin One-Shoulder Minidress

Mac Duggal Sequin One-Shoulder Minidress
Mac Duggal Sequin One-Shoulder Minidress

$498

Buy Now on Nordstrom

It’s a classic take on a cocktail dress; however, the sequin and rhinestone embellishment on the Mac Duggal One-Shoulder Minidress put this in a category all on its own. It’s a great selection for New Year’s Eve, but because of its classic shape it’s a good pick for any formal occasion. (Currently available in women’s 0-12)

Belle Heure Silk Long Sleeve Pajamas

Belle Heure Silk Long Sleeve Pajamas
Belle Heure Silk Long Sleeve Pajamas

$34.99

Buy Now on Amazon

Start the new year right, in total comfort. A printed silk pajama set, like this Belle Heure Silk Long Sleeve Pajamas, can easily pass as evening wear when paired with the right accessories. Match it with a cute heeled mule and a cheetah print bag. (Currently available in women’s XS-XL)

DandyChic Floral Satin Robe

DandyChic Floral Satin Robe
DandyChic Floral Satin Robe

$14.99 $17.99 17% off

Buy Now on Amazon

If pants aren’t your thing, wearing an equally comfortable satin robe, like this one from DandyChic, is the ultimate form of party loungewear. Give it some pizazz with a few pieces from Alexis Bittar, like stacking the arms in bangles and bracelets or decorating the ear with hoops and studs. (Currently available in women’s S-XL)

Long Sleeve Mini Sweater Dress

$30

Buy Now on Target

Looking for something a bit more cozy? Try this Long Sleeve Mini Sweater Dress. It’s stretchy so you won’t feel restricted, and the plush fabric will leave you feeling toasty as you toast to a new year. (Currently available in XXS-4X)

UGG Fuzz Sugar Clog

UGG Fuzz Sugar Clog
UGG Fuzz Sugar Clog

$83.99 $120 30% off

Buy Now on UGG

To complete your New Year’s Eve lounge look, walk the night comfortably and in style with these UGG Fuzz Sugar Clogs. They’re soft, comfortable, and will give you height as you go in for that New Year’s Eve kiss. (Currently available in women’s 5-12)

JW PEI Abacus Bag

JW PEI Abacus Bag
JW PEI Abacus Bag

$129

Buy Now on Amazon

Whatever outfit you end up choosing, you’ll need some arm candy, and no we don’t mean another person (though that is also nice to have). We mean a flashy, overstated bag that everyone will ask “where did you get that.” In this case we recommend the JW PEI Abacus Bag which gives us Fendi mixed with Coperni vibes without the same price.

Free People Gold Rush Long Sleeve

Free People Gold Rush Long Sleeve
Free People Gold Rush Long Sleeve

$78

Buy Now on Free People

Whether you want to wear it proudly or hint at the idea, your go-to staple for any look during New Year’s Eve is sequin. This Free People Gold Rush Long Sleeve is perfect for this. Wear it under a graphic tee for a hint of shine or on its own with some leather pants. (Currently available in size XS-L)

Abercrombie & Fitch Off-The-Shoulder Wrap Mesh Bodysuit

Abercrombie & Fitch Off-The-Shoulder Wrap Mesh Bodysuit
Abercrombie & Fitch Off-The-Shoulder Wrap Mesh Bodysuit

$60

Buy Now on A&F

If you decide jeans are the way to go, pair them with a bodysuit that exemplifies elegance for some balance of regalness. This Abercrombie & Fitch Off-The-Shoulder Wrap Mesh Bodysuit can be paired with a lot of other selections in your rotation, meaning it can be worn long after the New Year’s Eve parties are over. (Currently available in women’s XXS-L)

FLAVOR Suede Leather Bomber Jacket

FLAVOR Suede Leather Bomber Jacket
FLAVOR Suede Leather Bomber Jacket

$99.99

Buy Now on Amazon

Remember when we noted that we’re keeping it down-to-earth this year? Here’s a prime example of how to achieve it. Switch out the blazer for this FLAVOR Suede Leather Bomber Jacket and a crisp white shirt. It’s a bit more casual than your standard suit but will give you movement as you dance your way into the New Year. (Currently available in Men’s S-3X)

Van Heusen Dress Shirt Regular Fit

$23.22 $31.43 26% off

Buy Now on Amazon

There is nothing that instantly elevates a look more than a white shirt, and there are few more recommended than this Van Heusen Dress Shirt. However, we’re not pairing it with slacks. Instead, rock it with a great pair of oversized denim and a blazer. (Currently available in 14.5″ 18.5″ neck and 32″-37″ sleeve)

Sebago Dan Stud Leather Penny Loafers

Sebago Dan Stud Leather Penny Loafers
Sebago Dan Stud Leather Penny Loafers

$280

Buy Now on Neiman Marcus

A dress shoe with a touch of rock n’ roll, the Sebago Dan Stud Leather Penny Loafers is classic yet edgy and the perfect edition to slip on before you hit the town for New Year’s Eve. (Currently available in Men’s 6-10)

Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker

$83.98 $150 44% off

Buy Now on Amazon

If studded loafers aren’t your thing, you can also try these Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneakers for something comfortable and casual yet still sharp. They’ll pair great with any New Year’s Eve ‘fit you’re looking for and anything you’ll wear in the new year too! (Currently available in men’s 7-14, regular and wide)

Eloquii Metallic Faux Leather Trouser

Eloquii Metallic Faux Leather Trouser
Eloquii Metallic Faux Leather Trouser

$49.97 $99.95 50% off

Buy Now on Eloquii

If you really want to make a statement, look at unique pants like these Eloquii Metallic Faux Leather Trousers. It’s an untraditional yet fashionable style, meaning you won’t bump into anyone else at your New Year’s party with a similar look. (Currently available in women’s 14-32)

The Drop Alice Crewneck Ribbed Pullover

The Drop Alice Crewneck Ribbed Pullover
The Drop Alice Crewneck Ribbed Pullover

$35.74

Buy Now on Amazon

When going flashy on the bottom, it’s great to balance that out with something simply stated, otherwise your look could become too busy. This Alice Crewneck Ribbed Pullover from Amazon’s The Drop is a great selection in that case, and classic enough to wear the rest of the season without feeling dated. (Currently available in women’s XXS-5X)

Alexis Bittar Intertwined Two Tone Pave Hoop Earring

Alexis Bittar Intertwined Two Tone Pave Hoop Earring
Alexis Bittar Intertwined Two Tone Pave Hoop Earring

$225

Buy Now on Nordstrom

Finish off any look with a pair of staple hoops, or these beautifully sculpted Alexis Bittar Intertwined Two Tone Pave Hoops. Like traditional hoops, they frame the face nicely and force onlookers to notice them in the discussion, but their artistic design is much bolder and more enticing then the rest.

Topman Brushed Zip Shacket

Topman Brushed Zip Shacket
Topman Brushed Zip Shacket

$119

Buy Now on Nordstrom

For areas where temperatures might drop, it’s always handy to have a jacket on deck to quickly throw on and take off. This Topman Brushed Zip Shacket is perfect for that. Regardless of where you’re headed for New Year’s Eve this will keep you warm without the bulk. (Currently available in men’s XS-XXL)

Nirvana In Utero Tour Tee

Nirvana In Utero Tour Tee
Nirvana In Utero Tour Tee

$39

Buy Now on Urban Outfitters

Band tees are your ultimate weapon this New Year’s Eve for that rocker chic edge. Go crazy on the accessories, layering all the necklaces you can find, or perhaps throw on a pair of metallic pants to offset the casual nature of the tee. Either way, this Nirvana In Utero Tour Tee will not let you down when styled appropriately. (Currently available in men’s S-XL)

Metallic Straight Leg Trousers

Metallic Straight Leg Trousers
Metallic Straight Leg Trousers

$26.99

Buy Now on Amazon

You decided to go with a band tee for your New Year’s Eve look… now what? Well, play into the rocker theme and get a pair of metallic pants like these Metallic Straight Leg Trousers. Again, New Year’s is one of the few times in the year you can go a little crazy, so why not! (Currently available in men’s S-XXL)

Bonobos Stretch Dress Pants

Bonobos Stretch Dress Pants
Bonobos Stretch Dress Pants

$119

Buy Now on Nordstrom

In case metallic pants are a bit too over the top, pair your band tee with these Bonobos Stretch Dress Pants. They’re a staple that can rotate with other products in your closet, and balance out the duality of your rocker New Year’s Eve look. (Currently available in men’s 29-40)

Johnston & Murphy Gavney Plain Toe Derby

Johnston & Murphy Gavney Plain Toe Derby
Johnston & Murphy Gavney Plain Toe Derby

$145

Buy Now on Nordstrom

If you’re going overly casual on the top try going overly dressy on the foot. These Johnston & Murphy Gavney Plain Toe Derby are a staple to have in your rotation anyway, but especially a great selection for New Year’s Eve ‘fits. (Currently available in men’s 8-13)

Dress the Population Sequin Long Sleeve Dress

Dress the Population Sequin Long Sleeve Dress
Dress the Population Sequin Long Sleeve Dress

$288

Buy Now on Nordtrom

80s power dressing is back, and what better trend to bring in the new year than a bit of power? The broad shoulder on this Dress the Population Sequin Long Sleeve Dress screams bold and strong, with a bit of added sequin for the right touch of pizazz. (Currently available in XXS-XXL)

Maxi Slip Dress

Maxi Slip Dress
Maxi Slip Dress

$25

Buy Now on Target

The classic black slip dress works for every occasion, at any time of day, during any season. It’s the crudités of clothing: simple yet elegant. So, for New Year’s Eve why not throw on this Maxi Slip Dress for an elegant night of debauchery? (Currently available in women’s XS-4X)

Jeffrey Campbell Pointed Toe Slingback Pump

Jeffrey Campbell Pointed Toe Slingback Pump
Jeffrey Campbell Pointed Toe Slingback Pump

$144.95

Buy Now on Nordstrom

If you’re thinking of going with a little black dress, try a splash of color on your feet. These Jeffrey Campbell Pointed Toe Slingback Pump come in a few different colors, but these green apple pair are a bit more dazzling than the rest. (Currently available in women’s 5-11)

Boutique De FGG Puppy Evening Clutch

Boutique De FGG Puppy Evening Clutch
Boutique De FGG Puppy Evening Clutch

$85.99

Buy Now on Amazon

Finish off your look with a ridiculous clutch, like this Boutique De FGG Puppy Evening Clutch. Not only does it give Toto vibes for the Wizard of Oz fans out there, but it’s also a conversation starter for anyone looking to catch someone’s eye.

Free People Vegan Ranch Boot

Free People Vegan Ranch Boot
Free People Vegan Ranch Boot

$78

Buy Now on Free People

Give your look a Western touch by finishing it off with these Free People Vegan Ranch Boot. They come in a range of colors, but for New Year’s Eve, a bit of sparkle on the foot with the Platino Metallic pair will do your ‘fit justice. (Currently available in women’s 6-9.5)

How Rolling Stone Editors Make Their Fashion Selections

Style is incredibly subjective. That is why we take care in choosing the clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry that we present to our readers. While we review trends to showcase fashion-forward selections, we also rely on promising customer feedback or first-hand experience with the products and brands. The result is a carefully considered shopping list with you in mind.

Pride yourself on shopping only the best selections when it comes to fashion? Us too. We are tastemakers dedicated to bringing you the finest in clothing, shoes, and accessories. Shop like a Rolling Stone editor and check out more of our recommendations.

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