The right New Year's Eve outfit depends less on trends than on where you will be at midnight. A crowded bar, a long dinner and a freezing countdown outside need three different answers.
Start with your plan; the chart sorts it in one look. If you are still planning the week before, see these Christmas outfit ideas too.
For a club or a big party.
This is the night for sequins and metallics. Pick shoes you can stand in until 1 a.m., which usually means a block heel or a slim boot.
1. A champagne sequin mini.
Champagne sequins look warmer than silver and softer in photos than black. Keep the jewelry to small earrings and let the dress do the work.
2. A long-sleeve black sequin dress.
Long sleeves make sequins feel grown-up and keep you warmer between venues. Black also hides a champagne spill.
3. A gold metallic skirt.
A metallic skirt with a plain black top lets you shine without a full sequin dress. A fitted knit or a bodysuit keeps the top half smooth, and the best bodysuits make it easy.
4. A red dress.
Red reads as celebration from across the room, and it is a nice break from all the black and gold. Pair it with nude or black shoes and gold earrings.
For a dinner out.
Restaurants are warm, the night is long and you will be sitting most of it. Choose fabrics that move with you and look good from the waist up.
5. A black suit.
A sharp black suit with wide trousers looks dressed up without a dress. Wear it with a silk camisole and pointed flats or heels.
6. A navy suit.
Navy feels softer than black and looks rich under candlelight. Add gold jewelry and keep the shoes simple.
7. A champagne satin slip dress.
A bias-cut satin slip skims rather than clings and looks right at a candlelit table. Bring a blazer or a long coat for the walk there.
Suit over sequins
For dinner I would pick the suit over the sequins. You sit for three hours, the jacket keeps you warm on the way home, and you can wear every piece again in January.
For a house party.
At a friend's place, comfort wins. One sparkly piece with good jeans looks festive without making you the only guest in heels.
8. A camel blazer over black basics.
A camel or cream blazer over a black top and trousers looks polished and warm. Swap it for a sequin jacket if the party gets louder.
9. A gold top with jeans.
A satin or sequin top with straight jeans and flats is the easiest New Year's Eve outfit there is. Add sparkly nails for midnight and you are done.
For an outdoor countdown.
Watching fireworks or a ball drop means standing still in the cold for a long time, and wind makes it worse. On the National Weather Service's wind chill chart, 0°F air with a 15 mph wind gives a wind chill of -19°F, at which exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes.
The CDC's cold-weather clothing advice comes down to four things:
- Several loose layers instead of one tight one.
- A hat, and a scarf or knit mask over your face and mouth.
- Gloves or mittens.
- A water-resistant coat and boots.
Wear the party outfit underneath and let the coat do the work. If you need a new one, see these winter coats for extreme cold.
10. A red coat and a big scarf.
A red wool coat looks festive in every photo and keeps the outfit underneath a surprise. A large scarf doubles as a wrap once you are indoors.
11. A long coat and warm boots.
A long coat covers a dress to the knee or beyond, which matters after an hour outside. Pair it with flat, water-resistant boots.
12. A teddy coat and a beanie.
A fleecy teddy coat and a knit beanie are the coziest choice for a long wait. Tuck gloves in the pocket for when you hold your phone up at midnight.
For a night in.
Staying home is a plan too, and it deserves an outfit.
13. Matching pajamas.
Plaid or satin matching pajamas make a quiet night feel like an occasion. Add warm socks and something sweet; these New Year's cakes are easy to make for two.
What if the invitation says black tie optional?
If the invitation says black tie optional, the Emily Post Institute's attire guide lists a floor-length evening gown, a dressy cocktail dress, a little black dress or dressy separates for women.
For festive or cocktail, any party or dinner look above works. For more choices, browse these holiday party dresses.
New Year's Eve questions, answered.
What colors should I wear on New Year's Eve?
Gold, silver, champagne and black are the classics because they catch the light. Red and jewel tones such as emerald and sapphire are a good change when everyone else wears black.
What shoes are best for New Year's Eve?
Shoes you can stand in for hours: block heels, low boots or flats. If you will be outside, wear water-resistant boots and carry the heels in a bag.
Can I wear jeans on New Year's Eve?
Yes, for a house party or a casual bar. Dark, straight jeans with a sequin or satin top, a blazer and good shoes look dressed up.
