How to Style the Perfect New Year's Eve Outfit

There's something euphoric about the perfect New Year's Eve outfit. We're not certain if it's the joy of starting a new chapter, the relief of leaving last year behind, or the sheer delight of a sparkle-forward dress code, but NYE looks shine brighter than almost any other occasion wear. When planning and prepping your New Year's Eve look, fashion experts recommend keeping a few things in mind. First and foremost, "Embrace the sparkles and colors of New Year's Eve," says expert Jane Lu. "But don't forget to stay true to your personal style, whether it be boho-chic or classic elegance."

Meet the expert

• Jane Lu is the founder and CEO of global fashion brand Showpo.
• Samantha Brown is a celebrity stylist based in New York City.

Ahead, you'll find dresses and separates that sparkle, accessories that shine, and luxe, evocative looks sans sequins for fashionistas who prefer to keep things paillette-free. 

A Micro-Mini Moment

This year, hemlines kept getting higher, and nothing says NYE like a cheeky homage to the hottest micro-mini dresses of the year. Whether you prefer sequins, metallic chainmail, or rhinestone-spangled fabric, a micro-mini dress is the perfect opportunity to lean into all that glitters on NYE. The weight of over-the-top beading and stoning won't weigh you down when featured on a micro-mini dress's relatively minimal surface area so that you can lean into the heaviest of metals while remaining light on your feet. As a bonus, the impact of this New Year's Eve outfit comes from the thigh-skimming hemline so that you can opt for a comfortable, loose-fitting or boxy mod silhouette rather than a body-con style.

Paint the Town Red

Pay homage to this year's vampiest and trendiest shade by incorporating vivid red into your New Year’s Eve look. Equal parts on-trend and occasion-appropriate, a red look will stand out from more expected black and metallic looks. If you want to spice up a look you've already planned, consider adding red outerwear, footwear, or accessories.

Stellar Sequin Alternatives

Not a glitz kind of gal? You can still get in on the playful, celebratory textures of New Year's Eve dressing without a single sequin. "Think outside the box with textures that shine if you’re not a sequin person—leather, faux fur, silk, and velvet are all seasonally appropriate and feel luxurious," says Brown.

A Show-Stopping Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits work wonders as a one-and-done New Year's Eve outfit that delivers maximum impact with minimal fuss. For a fun, glitzy event, Lu suggests opting for sequins while a more formal event invites a wide-leg, velvet moment. If you're looking for a casual look that’s still luxe, ditch seasonal go-to’s like sequins and velvet in favor of black denim or cotton, then add a pair of high-shine metallic pumps and a statement belt to pull the look together.

Sumptuous Sheers

Sheer dressing isn't just about going gauzy. Add a vampy, femme fatale edge to a sheer look by opting for diamanté-studded mesh, layers of lace, or subtly metallic separates. If you want to try a sheer New Year's Eve outfit but crave a bit more coverage, look for pieces that come with a slip layer, sheer overlays, or mesh with a tight weave like the Delfi dress below; all three options convey the idea of sheer without leaving you feeling overexposed.

Magnificent Midi Dresses

Mini dresses are hot and floor-length gowns are stunning, but you shouldn't discount midi or tea-length dresses. "If you’re aiming for something more sophisticated, a midi dress is perfect for a luxurious celebration," says Lu. In particular, a metallic or sequined midi dress combines the elegance of a floor-sweeping maxi dress without the fuss of a train.

Winter-Ready Layering

If your New Year’s Eve plans include a rooftop bar or outdoor venue, you’ll want to dress for winter weather, but that doesn’t mean you have to bail on super-short hemlines or sheer statement pieces. Instead, incorporate one or two warmer layers into your look. Keep things simple by slipping on a faux fur bolero or pulling a pair of cashmere over-the-knee socks on over your tights.

You can also transform your look by adding a boxy blazer, wearing a crisp button-down under a micro-mini dress (the addition of a neck or bowtie is guaranteed to add upscale menswear flair), or layering a lightweight duster under a trench coat. For the ultimate luxe look, get in on the statement glove trend and wear a pair of leather or velvet opera gloves with an eye-catching cocktail ring or glittering bangles. 

Add Sparkling Accessories

Turn any going-out look into a New Year's Eve outfit by adding the requisite sparkle with a rhinestone purse or crystal-embellished shoes. "Transforming a casual New Year's Eve outfit into a stylish and celebratory look can seem daunting, but with the right additions you can infuse a touch of glamour without feeling overdressed," advises Lu who recommends reaching for bold statement jewelry. This styling hack is also helpful if you’re attending an event or venue with a strict and formal dress code, but still want to give your New Year’s Eve outfit a celebratory vibe or you want to avoid your 'fit interpreting the Times Square ball drop too literally.

Statement Stockings

"I always love a textured tight," says Brown. "French dot is a personal favorite, but you can experiment with lace, fishnet, and other patterns." If you plan to spend time outside on New Year's Eve, swap sheer statement stockings for embellished over-the-knee socks and score some bonus style points if your leg-warming layers coordinate with your jewelry.

Monochrome Magic

Metallics are not the end-all-be-all of New Year's Eve outfit color palettes. You can create the same show-stopping feel of a gold or silver look by committing to a head-to-toe monochromatic look, including accessories and outerwear. To ensure the color of your choice feels rich and multifaceted, we recommend incorporating a range of different textures and fabrics. Mix sheers with silky mohair, fuzzy faux fur with sleek silk, and add pops of shine with patent leather shoes or enamel jewelry.

Mix in Metals

For a semi-formal look with a sophisticated shine that’s perfect for a dinner party, opt for a New Year’s Eve outfit that includes a liquid gold or silver statement piece. Rather than sequins or crystals, opt for the kind of molten metallics spotted in Ralph Lauren and LaPointe’s Fall/Winter '23 runway shows. To highlight this unique texture, we recommend boosting the contrast on your metallic moment by adding a luxe layer of cashmere in a softer, neutral shade as seen above. 

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