Festive New Year’s Eve Outfit Ideas For Every Occasion

There are few things I love more than a good party—especially when said party requires me to get a bit dressed up. That’s where New Year’s Eve comes in.

The end-of-the-year holiday offers the perfect excuse to get all dolled up and count down to January 1 with family and friends. I also feel like this holiday in particular practically begs for you to go all out and wear something that’s outside of your comfort zone.

Between sparkly dresses, feathery tops, and metallic-inspired looks, New Year’s is simply the ideal day to showcase the ultra-fun side of your personal style. Plus, you don’t have to have elaborate plans or be heading to a huge party in order to dress for the occasion. In my opinion, it’s just as fun to throw on something festive while you sip your favorite drink and indulge in appetizers from home.

Regardless of your NYE plans, these outfit ideas will help you look the part. Bonus: Many of these pieces are from Amazon, meaning you can still order them in time to celebrate the holiday this year.

What to Wear on New Year’s Eve

A Sparkly Dress

It’s likely that the first New Year’s outfit idea that comes to your mind is something that involves a touch of sparkle. If so, I’m right there with you.

I love incorporating sparkles and sequins into my everyday style (they don’t have to be reserved for special occasions!) but I will also admit that they feel really appropriate for this holiday.

Consider wearing a simple sparkly dress, whether it’s silver, gold, or black. And if that feels too bold for you, adding sparkles through your accessories or shoes is always an option.

p.s. If you’re in a time crunch and want to receive a sparkly dress to wear in time for celebrations this year, this option from Amazon is cute. I also like this midi dress and think the cutout details are so fun!

Something Metallic

Second to sparkles, I’d say that reaching for metallic hues during the holiday season is a no-brainer. It also doesn’t hurt that metallics have been wildly popular these days (like the metallic ballet flat trend we saw in the fall.)

I really adore this dark and moody sequin top (with the matching pants) but you could also flaunt a metallic look in a less bold way. Try silver pants, like these from Amazon, paired with a basic silk top and some neutral heels—this option is easy to put together and can be reworn a variety of ways.

Go With Champagne or Gold Colors

If you do happen to be heading to a New Year’s Eve party, you might as well match the cocktail of choice—a classic glass of champagne. Tones of gold and champagne are so on-theme during this time of year, and they can both be incorporated into outfits well beyond the holiday season.

I linked several fun choices below, but for the most practical and budget-friendly option, I’d style this $33 skirt with a white sweater or basic tank and some strappy high heels.

Opt for Feathers

Don’t be afraid to play around with unique textures when picking out your NYE look—now is your chance! I personally think feathers add a playful and interesting touch to an outfit, and there are luckily several ways you can include them in your look.

Whether you dip your toes in this trend by wearing a feathered dress, skirt, or top, the result is sure to be chic and on-theme.

My main recommendation when trying out this look would be to keep the other pieces (aka non-feathery items) neutral and simple so your outfit doesn’t get too busy or overwhelming.

Go With All Black

Keep things classic with an understated yet elegant black outfit. I personally think a simple black dress offers a timeless and formal feel to the holiday, but you could also incorporate touches of black through a blouse, heels, or a skirt.

One major perk to going an all-black route is that these pieces are staples you’ll want to have in your wardrobe for years to come, meaning you’ll certainly get a lot of use from them. Plus, you might already have black clothing in your closet that you can wear on the big day.