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, with a range of New Year’s Eve outfit ideas, from pant looks to bold accessories and casual options. If you’re looking for ways to improve your style and shopping habits in the new year, check out my post, 9 New Year’s Fashion Resolutions for 2025.
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 those pants involve a glitter pow-wow. Above is a fabulous New Year’s Eve outfit idea with the Commando sequin leggings (also available here & 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 — plus tips on how to style your sequin stems.
New Year’s Eve Outfit Ideas: 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 look, 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 Outfit 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…
- Casa Clara Faux Pearl Embellished Crew Socks
- Falke Sheer Dot Ankle Socks
- Hue Bobby Socks
- Hue Sheer Anklet Socks
New Year’s Eve Outfit Idea: Wear A Statement Sweater
Those of you looking for a more casual New Year’s Eve pants outfit idea, will stay warm and cozy in a statement sweater with jeans or wide-leg pants. Of course, you can also dress up a statement sweater by wearing it with a skirt like the model pictured above. My clients have been loving this Milly sweater for their holiday looks. It’s chic, fabulous, and comes in so many yummy colors. For more fun sweaters, check out my post on my Favorite Statement Sweaters.
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 2021 Grammy’s. 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 “Feather Factory” on eBay. They have a plethora of colors to choose from. There are also some great options from Farfetch and Etsy. Try a boa-shoulder wrap for a fabulous vintage Hollywood glamour vibe. Here are a few I’m loving right now:
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 a midi skirt + sweater 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 have been obsessed with blazers in general this year. So why not take it up a notch for New Year’s Eve and sport a sequin blazer! See some more sequin blazer ideas, here.
New Year’s Eve Outfit Idea: Carry A Statement Purse
A quirky or unique purse is another great way to add a NYE party vibe to an otherwise simple outfit you already have in your closet. You can easily wear a funky or glamorous purse to spice up a black mini dress, like I’m doing above, or pair your statement purse with jeans and a top for a more casual New Year’s Eve outfit. Sadly, there is only one champagne purse left on eBay, but below are some fabulous purses I’m loving this year:
- Mary Frances Olive You Handbag
- Cult Gaia Emilia Mini Flower Leather Top-Handle Bag
- Judith Leiber Couture Cheers Champagne Bottle Crystal Clutch Bag
- Anthropologie The Fiona Beaded Bag: Espresso Martini Edition
- Cult Gaia Hera Nano Pearly Shoulder Bag
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.
New Year’s Eve Outfit Idea: Wear A Fabulous Frock
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. It’s a classic New Year’s Eve outfit for good reason. For my fellow dress lovers, you must go to my post on Flattering Holiday Party Dresses to see all my favorite party dresses this year.
New Year’s Eve Outfit Ideas from Years Past
Photo Credit: Man Repeller
I first wrote this post on New Year’s Eve outfit ideas 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Pretty Designs
