A nice dress and a pair of heels is one of the most common outfits for New Year’s Eve — and you really can’t go wrong with it. But I know some of you are itching for something a little edgier. In this post, I aim to please both the traditional dress lovers as well as the more avant-garde folks. I start with some unique New Year’s Eve outfit ideas and accessory twists, and then I list my absolute favorite dresses I have been putting on clients for all kinds of year-end occasions. So dress lovers, feel free to scroll to the bottom.
New Year’s Eve Outfit Ideas: Sequined Pants
For some, it is damn cold on Dec 31st, so New Year’s Eve outfits that involve pants sound like a divine and logical idea —particularly when that pant idea involves a glitter pow wow. Above is a fabulous New Year’s Eve outfit idea with the Commando sequin leggings (available in more sizes, here). Head on over to our post on the Best Sequin Leggings + Sequin Joggers if you want even more sequin pant ideations to build your New Year’s Eve outfit around. There are some amazing sequin joggers you won’t want to miss.
New Year’s Eve Accessory Idea: Add A Crown
You can make any outfit look New Year’s Eve appropriate when you add a crown! Seriously. A t-shirt, jeans, and boots may seem like an everyday outfit, but add a crown and we have ourselves a dynamite New Year’s Eve outfit idea for a more casual bar or house party. I love HedsThreads on Etsy for New Year’s Eve-themed crowns.
New Year’s Eve Outfit Idea: Rent it!
I am having all my New Year’s Eve dresses and accessories shipped in as we speak, and that includes some options from Rent The Runway. As you already know, I have been an unlimited member of Rent The Runway for 7 years. Most years I end up renting my dress for New Year’s Eve. Stand by to see what I end up wearing this year!
NYE Accessory Idea: Wear Socks With Heels
This could be an add-on to a more traditional New Year’s Eve look. It certainly funks up your frock and a pair of socks with your heels on a cold night sounds like a great idea. For the most sophisticated look, I recommend pairing a sock that is either near the same shade as your heel or slightly lighter. As pictured above at Burberry Prorsum’s runway spring 2010 show, they selected socks that are exactly the same color as the shoe. Here are some of my favorite socks to pair with heels…
- Hue Faux-Pearl Beaded Ankle Socks
- Falke Sheer Dot Ankle Socks
- Hue Cotton-Blend Body Socks, Set of 3
- Hue Sheer Anklet Socks
New Year’s Eve Accessory Idea: Add A Boa
Let’s bring the boa back, shall we? And when I say boa, I am not talking about those cheesy feather things you get at the party store or Harry Styles’ thin Gucci one at the Grammy’s earlier this year. I am talking about the luxurious ostrich feather boa. Think old-school glamour like Ralph Lauren gave a nod to in Spring 2012 (featured in the photo above).
Now, we need to find the elusive luxuriously thick boa. I recommend using “The Feather Guy” on eBay. He has a plethora of colors to choose from. There are also some great options from Farfetch and Etsy — try this boa shoulder wrap for that fabulous vintage Hollywood glamour vibe.
Casual NYE Outfit Idea: A Midi Skirt Look
You can dress up a midi skirt on New Year’s Eve with a crop top or sheer blouse, but I love this look for more casual New Year’s Eve get-togethers. You’ll love the comfort and the added warmth of the sweater. Here are a few of the other midi skirts I’m loving for NYE this year:
New Year’s Eve Outerwear Idea: Sequin Blazer!
I am have been obsessed with blazers in general this year. (Check out my post on wearing a blazer with a maxi dress as proof.) I am not stopping anytime soon and came across this cropped sequin blazer that must be worn this year. It must! See some more sequin blazer ideas, here.
New Year’s Eve Outfit Ideas: Rock A Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit is a solid favorite of the New Year’s Eve outfit ideas. I know it is annoying when you have to pee out all the champagne every hour, but jumpsuits are comfortable, bold, and you don’t have to worry about your crotch showing if you fall down some stairs. See my post on Where To Buy The Best Jumpsuits For Women for even more ideas.
Best Dresses for New Year’s Eve
I saved the best New Year’s Eve outfit idea for last: The Dress. Be still my heart, I am bonkers for a good look-at-me dress. New Year’s Eve is a special time for dresses, and designers have provided them despite the shipping delays and Covid issues. Below are my favorite dresses to bring in the New Year. Order now before they sell out or can’t arrive in time. I already had two issues with ordering my New Year’s Eve dress options.
Aqua Rainbow Sequin Puff Sleeve Dress
I know a sequin dress is the most standard of all my New Year’s Outfit ideas, but when do you ever get to wear sequin dresses? This dress by Aqua is comfy, stretching, and flattering! I have put this on numerous clients and have ordered one for myself as well.
Mac Duggal Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress
“This is the best dress of my life!” exclaimed the client I put in this dress. This Mac Duggal Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress works for a lot of body types and that red is phenomenal. And look at her crown! This is a perfect New Year’s Eve outfit idea!
My client pictured is 5’0″ so we had to take up the straps and do some light altering. Let this be a lesson that tailoring is often a necessity for certain body types, so don’t give up on your dream New Year’s Eve dress on first glance. This dress is also available in plus sizes, here.
Note: My client gave me expressed permission to use her photo. I never post photos from my clients without their permission.
Aidan Mattox Ruffled Off-the-Shoulder Dress
This dress is well-rated for a reason. And I love a black dress that actually stands out. Wear this to a more formal dinner or cocktail party. It has built-in support so you don’t need to wear a bra with it.
Ramy Brook Reeta Dress
My client Shelli Pelly of Annie Parker Confidential has gotten me so into hot pink! Because she loves it so much she has me shopping for hot pink items every month and now I am obsessed.
Mac Duggal Ruched Jersey Gown
Mac Duggal makes some of my favorite formal gowns, and that ruching is a godsend. This dress also has built-in support so you don’t need to wear a bra with it.
A.L.C. Renzo Pleated Midi Dress
ALC is one of my favorite brands. They make simple items that look and feel amazing. For those of you who love black, but don’t want to be boring, you must try this very comfortable ALC frock.
Mac Duggal Metallic Sequin Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress
This sequin Mac Duggal glory is my favorite dress I have been putting on clients this New Year’s. It is crazy flattering and runs true to size, if not a little big. Who doesn’t love some sequins for New Year’s Eve? And those long sleeves make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin. This dress has built in support so you don’t need to wear a bra with it.
Ramy Brook Ebony High/Low Dress
Ramy Brook makes some of the most flattering and comfortable dresses. I love this softer tone with a star detail for a unique look that isn’t in your face.
Ieena for Mac Duggal One-Shoulder Long Sleeve Satin High/Low Gown
This asymmetrical deep rose frock is one of my favorite gowns of the year. Please tell me you have an occasion to wear this? Or, just make the occasion will ya? You must wear this, please.
Bardot Lily Long Sleeve Lace Dress
This dress is amazing for my shorter gals, 5′ 4″ and under. It has been fitting everyone absolutely amazing. This is one of the most flattering yet interesting dresses I have seen in 15 years. Your nipples won’t show if you don’t wear a bra with it, and that fabric lends a bit of support.
Dress the Population Catalina Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress
This is another dress that is working on all sorts of clients. The red flatters almost everyone, and the dress has good support for your breasts if you go braless, yet also has enough coverage for a bra as well.
Alice + Olivia Tayla Floral Jacquard Structured Minidress
I put this dress on a client and swooned so hard. I bought it for myself and slammed it onto my list of New Year’s Eve outfit ideas so fast, I hurt my thumb. Your nipples won’t show if don’t wear a bra with it, and that fabric also lends a bit of support.
ASTR the Label Lace Illusion Midi Dress
This is one of my go-to party dresses for weddings, cocktail parties, and nicer dinners out. You can see me wearing it in my post on The Most Flattering Holiday Dresses. It has great support so you don’t need to wear a bra with it. Tip: It runs small, order a size up.
Eliza J Faux Wrap Draped Midi Dress
Eliza J is famous for flattering, comfortable dresses. The downside is they can look a little inexpensive. This one is feeling very rich and is great for the gals who prefer to wear a bra. This dress also works well for life in general. It’s great for dates or any event really.
Mac Duggal Off-the-Shoulder Gown
Heading to a white party for New Year’s Eve? This is the flattering frock for you. Mac Duggal does it right, I’m telling you. Just don’t spill any red wine. It has built-in support so you don’t need to wear a bra with it.
Ieena for Mac Duggal Sequin Long Sleeve Romper
Lightweight sequins? Yes, please! Sequin New Year’s Eve outfit ideas are like the North Star. Just follow it.
Cult Gaia Ansel Dress
I am on an ostrich feather kick. This frock is something you can wear again and again to any fabulous party. Your nipples won’t show if you don’t wear a bra with it.
Aqua Metallic Threaded Ruffle Skirt Dress
I am sure you saw this dress on my Instagram stories. I adore this dress for date nights, photoshoots, and, hell, why not New Year’s Eve as well.
Sho by Tadashi Shoji Long Sleeve Lace Dress
You probably already saw me recommend this dress. It is working on so many body types, skin tones, and hair colors. Dive in ladies. And did I mention my pink kick? Yeah.
French Connection Emille Sparkle Dress
I adore the sheer sleeves on this sequin frock and it’s great for you gals who prefer to wear a bra. This brown shade will look amazing on true blondes. Brunettes may want to skip this. The dress will outshine your luscious locks.
Aidan by Aidan Mattox Beaded Halter Swing Dress
I love the beachy feel of this pearl-encrusted number. This looks dynamite on darker skin tones, as you can tell. Your nipples won’t show if you don’t wear a bra.
Mac Duggal Embroidered Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress
From New Year’s Eve to garden party, this dress will work this month and beyond. It has built-in support so you don’t need to wear a bra with it.
New Year’s Eve Outfit Inspiration from Years Past
I actually wrote this post in 2014. When I originally wrote it, I used example images from some fabulous bloggers. I’ve left these photos below for nostalgic purposes. Whenever I update older posts I love to hold on to the best images as a bit of a time capsule.
Photo Credit: Man Repeller
Photo Credit: Pretty Designs
