What to wear on New Year's Eve to any kind of countdown celebration
Unsure what to wear on New Year’s Eve? As we prepare to welcome in 2024, New Year's Eve is the last opportunity to finish the year in style. The culmination of the holiday period, whether you love it, or loathe it, New Year's Eve is the perfect time to get the final wear of this year's party pieces too.
Hopefully, by the time 31st December rolls around, you've had plenty of mileage out of your festive looks. And when it comes to what to wear on New Year's Eve, we're given one final opportunity to go all out before January hits. A continuation of festivities for many, sequins, glitz and glam are often the order of the night, but of course, if you're planning a more low-key event, then cosy might be more your speed.
To ring in 2024 in style, it's important to first think about what your New Year's Eve celebrations entail. If you'll be heading out and getting transport home in the early hours, then make sure you have one of the best winter coats to beat the cold. For big nights out, or parties, sequins will help you sparkle into a new year, while low-key events on the sofa certainly demand the best loungewear or pyjamas for added comfort.
What to wear on New Year’s Eve: 7 New Year’s Eve Outfits For Every Type of Celebration
Notepads at the ready. These street style influencers show us what to wear on New Year’s Eve for every sort of celebration, from glitz and glam for dressy dinner parties to snuggly loungewear for a cosy night in.
1. Dinner party
The best cocktail dresses used to always be almost exclusively about the LBD (little black dress), but it’s been slightly overtaken by the arrival of the tailored two-piece in recent years, such as sharp tuxedos for women. Suiting is effortlessly chic, and the traditionally masculine silhouette makes it feel far cooler than a dress. Think less boardroom, and more dancefloor, and gravitate towards fabrics that could be described as soft, silky, shimmery, or shiny - although velvet would work too. If you’re feeling brave, you can button up the blazer and forgo a top, or layer a silky camisole underneath to give you more options for ways to wear.
A styling tip… If you’re opting for wide-leg trousers, make sure the waist of the jacket is nipped in to avoid swamping your frame.
Fashion editor recommends…
Hush Marina Velour Blazer
RRP: £129 | One of the best blazers for a New Year's Eve party, velvet is particularly popular for the festive period and this purple hue will catch the light beautifully giving a jewelled look. Pair with a cami and wide-leg trousers, or your best white t-shirt, jeans, and dressy flats to see 2023 out in style.
Hush Carina Velvet Trousers
RRP: £85 | The high waist and wide-leg cut make these trousers universally flattering. We like that the shape is relaxed, meaning these trousers drape and flow nicely as you move. Pair with a crisp white shirt and a pair of heels for a tailored finish.
Kurt Geiger Langley Sandal
RRP: £129 | Believe us when we say these beauties are some of the most comfortable heels we have ever worn. The block heel and ankle strap will keep even the most heel-adverse feeling steady and secure, while the gold makes these timeless.
2. Casual house party
There are some combinations that just never let you down and when it comes to classic style, a stylish top to wear this jeans is always a winner. The perfect smart casual outfit for when your best dresses feel a little too formal, your best jeans with a pretty top is a spot-on choice for a laidback house party. Remember that the darker the denim, the dressier your outfit will feel, so keeping it lighter will balance out an attention-grabbing blouse or shirt. Add a pair of stand-out earrings and a pointed heel and you’re good to go.
A styling tip… A top with statement or padded shoulders paired with high-waisted jeans will contour your middle.
Fashion editor recommends…
Jigsaw Silk Habotai V-Neck Top
RRP: £135 | Play with jewelled colours to usher in the last night of the festive season. This bold pink hue will catch the light beautifully thanks to the rich tone and the reflective silk fabric. The wide kimono-inspired sleeve will also help to keep you cool.
Weekday Rowe Extra High Straight Jeans
RRP: £55 | Crafted from a rigid mix of organic and recycled cotton these jeans hold their shape well, contouring to your frame. Available in a wide range of washes, this hue offers a smart-casual finish, wearable with heel or trainers.
Dune London Bento Green Heels
RRP: £95 | A classic pump, these Bento heels come in several spring hues and this green will contrast beautifully with the pink top, whilst adding polish to your jeans thanks to the added height. These can be re-worn with summer wedding ensembles.
3. Outdoors
It obviously depends on where in the world you reside, but if you’re in the northern hemisphere then New Year’s Eve is normally a pretty chilly affair. So if you’re spending the evening outdoors enjoying fireworks, waving sparklers, or simply having to get from A to B on public transport, it’s a smart idea to layer up. An oversized, calf-skimming faux fur coat is an easy way to make your outfit feel opulent without compromising on warmth, and this coat trend is very much still on the style agenda. Alternatively give one of the best puffer jackets a try as they will provide lots of warmth and comfort.
A styling tip… It doesn’t matter too much what you’re wearing underneath your fur coat. Go for a plush thick faux fur for maximum style.
Fashion editor recommends…
River Island White Faux Fur Coat
RRP: £95 | If there was ever a coat to make your friends green with envy, this is it. Fully lined for maximum warmth, the white hue will add polish to your look and it's smart enough if you're wondering what to wear to a winter wedding too.
Sweaty Betty Explorer Jumpsuit
RRP: £128 | Your cue to fully explore Sweaty Betty beyond its incredible leggings. This flattering jumpsuit is a joy to wear and looks good too thanks to the tailored legs and crease-free Italian fabric. Add a slim, bold waist belt for extra definition.
Arket Faux Fur Lined Leather Boots
RRP: £199 | Stompy boots are one of the biggest boot trends of the season, and they're due to stick around into 2024. The faux fur lining will keep your feet nice and cosy and the contrast of the black and white is an elegant touch to this heavy boot style.
4. At a restaurant
If the prospect of counting down to midnight at a packed party is your idea of festive hell, celebrating at a restaurant is a good compromise. Step up your sartorial game from your normal go-to dinner outfit with a slinky silk slip skirt, easy to wear and style, it’ll feel far fancier than your jeans, without demanding too much effort. You could dress up your New Year's Eve outfit further by teaming your midi with an equally slinky top, or, pare it down by layering it with one of your best cashmere jumpers, playing on a contrast of fabrics. Tonal dressing remains a big trend, so choose a knit either in the same shade as your skirt, or a hue within the same colour family, like soft pink and burgundy.
A styling tip… The best knee-high boots are spot on for this look and will feel as glamorous as a court shoe without having to risk frost-bitten toes.
Fashion Editor recommends…
Toast Donegal Wool Easy Sweater
RRP: £175 | A wardrobe essential you can wear season after season. Ideal for slipping into a minimalist capsule wardrobe, this sweater is the ideal example of how to dress simple but stylish, as the crew neck and neutral hue will go with everything.
Omnes Saffron Skirt in Bronze
RRP: £39 | The bias cut shape makes for a really flattering fit, while the liquid bronze hue provides plenty of party-ready sheen. It’s made from recycled and post-consumer polyester for eco points too. Pair with other neutral hues such as a cream knit.
Sosander Leather Knee-High Boots
RRP: £165 | Crafted from buttery soft leather, these boots feel far pricier than their price tag. Rendered timeless by their classic hue and pointed toe, the stiletto heel adds a glamorous, party feel to the evening.
5. At a bar or club
If you’ve been organised enough to nab a ticket for a New Year’s Eve celebration, you best get dressed accordingly. If your night will involve dancing (and we really hope it does) shimmy into 2024 in style with the help of sequin separates. Sequin skirts have been huge this season, offering wearers versatility, and longevity to party outfits, and of course, they'll catch the light in the best possible way and invite plenty of compliments in the process. Wear your sequins any which way - on your top or bottom half, but ideally, you'll pair wear your sequins with a non-sequin item to avoid the look becoming overwhelming. With an outfit this fancy, you can afford to go easy on the rest, so keep your hair and makeup simple.
A styling tip… Try not to mix your metallics. If you normally wear gold jewellery, stick to gold sequins, and the same for silver.
Fashion editor recommends…
Maeve Short Sleeve Satin T-shirt
RRP: £85 | The best t-shirts will always have a place in your wardrobe and this draped design ticks a lot of boxes. The simple neckline and relaxed fit and satin fabric work well with the feminine feel of the skirt but still have a lovely sporty style.
Karen Millen Silver Sequin Skirt
RRP: £129 | You’d be hard-pressed to find a skirt more party-appropriate than this. Slightly flared in shape, this slinky skirt will certainly pick up light on the dancefloor, but can be paired back with a simple white t-shirt and a neat jacket for an elegant finish.
Mango Jewel Brooch Heeled Shoes
RRP: £59.99 | With a designer feel, we can't believe these brooch-fronted heels are from Spanish clothing brand Mango. The black renders these timeless, while the brooch adds extra luxe making these shoes evening appropriate.
6. Quiet night in
Just because you’re not going out doesn’t mean you can't see out the year in style and when it comes to what to wear for New Year's Eve for staying in, the best loungewear looks should be high on your list. From the best pyjamas for women to your best joggers, stay comfortable and chic in matching sets and high-end fabrications for a relaxed end to 2023.
A styling tip… Look for straight-to-market cashmere co-ords, which deliver on warmth, comfort, and style at a more cost-effective price point than designer brands. Alternatively, luxe it up with silky sets and fun feather trims.
Fashion editor recommends…
The White Company Cashmere Hoodie
RRP: £198 | A cashmere hoodie is an ideal look for staying in. Luxurious but cosy, you can snuggle up, sink into the sofa or enjoy a quite meal or glass of wine with friends whilst feeling like you're in the lap of luxury. This chic hue feels fresh for the season too.
The White Company Cashmere Rib Trim Joggers
RRP: £189 | Pair your hoodie with coordinating cashmere joggers to complete the look. The ribbed and cuffed hemp gives these a close fit, similar to leggings so you'll have a comfortable look in which to stretch out in. You can wear these well after New Year's too.
The White Company Faux Fur Slippers
RRP: £39 | If you haven’t experienced the luxury of a pair of slippers from British clothing brand, The White Company, you’re missing out. Creators of some of the best cashmere socks, these will make your stay at home plans feel extra fancy.
7. Black tie event
Unless you have a social calendar to rival Jay Gatsby, the opportunity to go all-out in the glamour stakes tends to be a rare one. So, if you have an invite that requests you wear black tie, we think you should fully embrace the brief. A floor-sweeping maxi is our top pick, and the glitzier the better. Look for details like cut-out sections, statement shoulders, and embellishment, and festive fabrics like velvet, silk, and sequins to ensure your outfit is timely and appropriate. Keep your accessories simple to let your dress take centre stage. You can’t go wrong with muted metallics like brushed silver and gold.
A styling tip… An oversized blazer will add an edge to a very feminine frock.
Fashion editor recommends…
Phase Eight Sequin Dress
RRP: £225 | This elegant dress to hide a tummy is simply stunning. The wrap style silhouette and gentle ruffle glides over your middle, while the side tie belt helps to narrow your waist line. The asymmetric hem, higher at the front will ensure your shoes are on show too.
Mango Spiral Sandals
RRP: £59.99 | These strappy gold sandals have the benefit of making your legs look longer. They’ll earn their keep in summer as they can be easily styled with any of the best wedding guest dresses or vacay looks, but for New Year's Eve they'll garner much attention.
Zara Twisted Gold Earrings
RRP: £15.99 | Great accessories at a bargain price point, these twisted earrings feel sculpturally elegant and look far more expensive than their price point. Team with all manner of smart looks, including tailored pieces for work to add a quirky literal twist.
Is it OK to wear black on New Year’s Eve?
There’s absolutely no reason why you can’t wear black on New Year’s Eve. In fact, we’d actively encourage you to. Black has plenty going for it in terms of style. Firstly, it always feels evening-appropriate (which is perfect given you’ll be staying up at least until midnight), and secondly, it’s the perfect neutral base to build your outfit on. Mixing black with colour can make bolder shades a bit jarring, so instead team with metallics like gold, silver, and bronze. If black makes you feel washed out, choose pieces with a lower neckline so the shade isn’t sitting so close to your face, or wear it on your bottom half, opting for colour or metallics on your top. Adding a bold red lip will also liven up your complexion.
What should you wear on New Year’s Eve?
The best thing to wear on New Year’s Eve is always something you feel comfortable in. There’s a lot of pressure at this time of year to step outside your comfort zone, but really, if you know what makes you feel good, lean in. Equally, if you find yourself drawn to something that feels a little bolder than you’d normally go for, don’t be afraid to give it a try. Because if you can’t go all out on New Year’s Eve, then when can you?
Our advice for a spot-on outfit is to level up slightly from what you’d normally wear to a similar occasion. Accessories are an easy way to do this and have the potential to transform an outfit you’ve had for years into something that feels fresh and exciting. Statement earrings and necklaces are a great way to liven up a scoop or V-neck top, while a pair of fancy shoes will make even your most casual jeans feel suddenly glamorous.
What does it mean to wear white on New Year’s Eve?
In Brazil, it has long been traditional to wear white on New Year’s Eve. It was sparked by religious rituals and is used to represent peace and purity. White also has connotations of cleanliness, making it a good colour to wear to signify a fresh start for the year ahead. There are two caveats to wearing white on New Year’s Eve. Number one, if you’re attending a wedding, as it’s never a good idea to look like you’re trying to upstage the bride, and number two, if you’re drinking red wine. Other than that, it offers a lovely fresh alternative to the traditionally dark shades worn during party season.
What colour do you wear to a New Year’s Eve party?
Got a feeling 2024 is your year? When it comes to what to wear on New Year's Eve, manifest your best 12 months yet by dressing according to your hopes and dreams. People believe that wearing pink signifies romance, purple is associated with wisdom and blue embodies positivity. Red is all about passion, while green is said to attract and encourage growth. Metallics get in on the action too, with gold representing wealth and silver reflecting your dreams. So, if you needed an excuse to step out of a monochrome rut, this is your opportunity. You could even lace these colours through your January dressing too, helping to bring a little brightness to this typically dark month.
