Whether you’re planning a night of high glamour and romance, or a cozy night in, we have everything you need to know about what to wear and how to dress in chic style for New Year’s Eve this year.
what to wear on New Year’s Eve
Whether you’re already broadcasting your amazing, once-in-a-lifetime New Year’s Eve plans to anyone who will listen, or being dragged to a party by your well-meaning friends, the fact remains – you have to look the part. Shiny, sparkling and stunning is the dress code for the night.
It’s one of the biggest nights of the year; your chance to go all out, if you choose. We have the other 364 days of the year to go back to our all-black ensembles and yoga pants. Resistance is futile, dear reader – it’s far better to just embrace it.
But we know it can be pretty stressful to have all that pressure to find the perfect outfit. So we’ve curated a few different outfit inspirations, depending on the New Year’s Eve festivities you have in mind.
how to dress in chic style on New Year’s Eve
From the black tie gala, to the house party, to just staying in and trying to stay awake to watch the ball drop. Whatever you’re doing, we know you’ll look fabulous doing it.
1. Watching the ball drop/New Year’s Eve fireworks
If you’re standing out there in the wintry cold for hours this year, first of all- good luck with that! Second of all, you might as well look amazing (and be cozy) doing it. Layer up with this creamy Lauren Manoogian fisherman style sweater ($436) made from a blend of Peruvian alpaca and organic cotton.
We are in love with this sophisticated Max Mara caramel coat ($1,265) – which is part of the label’s green initiatives. The insulation is made from camel hair offcuts and blended with recycled polyester. And it’s water-repellent, in case of rain or snow.
what to wear New Year’s Eve this year: watching the ball drop or New Year’s Eve fireworks. Courtesy Photos.
The Row’s utilitarian chic motorbike leather boots ($2,100) give a stable and comfy lift with its attractive platform sole. Mischa Lampert’s chunky merino wool hat ($325), with Jocelyn’s super-soft faux fur scarf ($175), and Aqua’s leather gloves ($88) with metallic star appliqués give you added warmth, color and dimension.
Store your water and snacks in State’s silver metallic backpack ($85). And ice your ears with Isabel Marant’s crystal fringe earrings ($545) for that obligatory nod to everyone’s favorite color on New Year’s Eve: glitter.
2. Black tie gala
Hey! Why weren’t we invited? If you’re going to be the belle of the ball, it’s definitely time to start planning.
Consider this disco ballroom Halpern gown ($3,500), with a dramatic puff sleeve and flattering draped waistline in the most sumptuous pink devoré lamé. Volon’s luxe bag ($826) was inspired by Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage and crafted of velvet in a striking jewel toned colorway.
what to wear New Year’s Eve this year: going to a black-tie gala. Courtesy Photos.
Saint Laurent’s gold snake-effect slingbacks ($995) have a slender and elegant profile to keep your silhouette long and lean. To and from the limo, add some edge and warmth to your outfit with Mr. and Mrs. Italy’s fox fur stole ($868). And for a dose of opulent sparkle, we love Irene Neuwirth’s one-of-a-kind tourmaline and diamond earrings ($17,875). And this vintage Victorian emerald eyed diamond snake bracelet ($9,400).
3. House party
Our favorite way to spend New Year’s Eve is at the home of good friends. Bonus if you know and like their other friends too. And relaxed luxury is a look that’s always in style.
Start off with a statement top like LoveShackFancy’s 70’s inspired blouse with metallic gold stars ($345) with a pair of your favorite cropped jeans ($545).
how to dress for New Year’s Eve this year: going to a house party. Courtesy Photos.
All the better to show off those kick-ass Chloe python print leather boots ($1,109). Crafted from a combination of gold and silver-tone metal, Maison Margiela’s set of 4 rings can be layered and matched for an offbeat quality.
We love Simone Rocha’s pink crystal hoop earrings ($295) to soften the vibe. And this chic Saint Laurent pyramid clutch ($1,450) admittedly doesn’t hold much. But you’re at a friend’s house. What else do you need, but your own keys and your phone?
4. Office party
Attending a party with work colleagues doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun. This season, the tailored look is in. And Elie Tahari’s velvet green blazer ($498) and trousers ($298) has boss lady written all over it. Continue the monochrome look with Dolce and Gabbana’s emerald green crystal and faux pearl earrings ($1,053).
how to dress for New Year’s Eve this year: going to an office party. Courtesy Photos.
Salvatore Ferragamo’s elegant satin peep toe booties ($930) with bow trim lend a feminine touch. Trade the briefcase for Rosantica’s jewelry inspired clutch ($947) of crystal-embellished lattice with fringed green pendants.
Make sure no one misses the countdown with Piaget’s classical rose gold and diamond timepiece ($25,400).
5. Girls night out
You don’t have to take the holiday or yourself too seriously when you’re celebrating with your favorite girlfriends. We like a kitschy, fun and wild look for these kind of nights.
Mixing high and low is the way to go like this Browns x Sara Shakeel kitten T-shirt with gemstone embellishments ($83) paired with Sies Marjan’s sequined asymmetric draped skirt ($895).
how to dress for New Year’s Eve this year: hanging out with your girlfriends. Courtesy Photos.
For coverage, Christopher Kane’s raspberry wool coat ($1,695) lends warmth and pizzazz with built-in jewelry detailing. Vintage glam-inspired shoes and with tulle overlay ($1,050) and leopard brocade bag ($1,395) elevate the ensemble. While blue-lagoon colored Swarovski crystal earrings ($390) add a dose of unexpected color.
6. Hot date night
Expectations are at a high and feeling sexy and confident is key. We can’t think of a better dress to set the mood for flirty fun than this bubbly 80’s inspired cobalt blue velvet number ($1,853) from Attico. Sophia Webster’s bejeweled heels ($595) further bring out the gorgeous jewel tones of the ensemble.
how to dress for New Year’s Eve this year: planning for a hot date night. Courtesy Photos.
What’s more appropriate for starry-eyed lovers than a coordinating diamond star amulet necklace ($4,290) and Rosantica’s celestial sphere clutch ($699)? And for extra cuddles, we love this glamorous Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini’s faux fur jacket ($980).
7. Staying in
For everyone who has been there and done that, staying in can sometimes be the best way to spend New Year’s Eve. After all the holiday crazy, chilling out is totally allowed – perhaps even encouraged!
Get ready to get cozy in Mansur Gavriel’s adorable cloud sweater ($495) made from a soft alpaca blend. And pair of the softest cashmere track pants ($475). No heels for you tonight!
how to dress for New Year’s Eve this year: planning on a cozy night in. Courtesy Photos.
Soak it all in with fleece plaid socks ($16) and cashmere pom pom slippers ($154). Just in case you start to doze while waiting for that ball to drop, this warm check blanket ($110) made from Icelandic wool has you covered.
And just to get in the festive spirit, even if you are sitting on the couch, don this headband crowned with faux pearls from Lele Sadoughi.
How to dress on New Year’s Eve this year
That’s it – seven ways to greet the new decade and the new year in chic style. Happy shopping! And whatever your plans, from everyone here at Dandelion Chandelier, we’re wishing you a Happy and Stylish New Year!
