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Yes, there's sequins involved.
As the countdown to New Year’s Eve begins, it’s time to finalize your plans, and more importantly, your outfit. New Year’s Eve is the perfect time for style experimentation. Whether you’re attending a black-tie gala or hosting a laid-back movie marathon at home, there’s a sparkly, glamorous outfit waiting to help you ring in the new year in style. The key is to balance festive exuberance with comfort, ensuring your look suits both the occasion and your personal style.
“This season is all about glamorous opulence with a modern edge, blending bold textures and statement details to create unforgettable looks,” says Petal & Pup vice president of merchandising, Emily Ziegler. So you can expect to see a lot of sequins, metallics, sheer elements, and velvet—all trends that have been the epitome of style this past year. These trends reflect a desire for glamour, boldness, and fun, which is perfect for a night where you want to feel confident and celebratory, no matter your plans.
Choosing the right ensemble for the big night can be daunting, but there’s no need to stress. The key is to let your outfit reflect the moment while ensuring you feel festive. After all, style is as much about the memories you make as the clothes you wear.
The first step is to understand the event’s atmosphere and location. “The New Year’s Eve basics— sequins, metallics, blacks, and reds—can be easily transformed to fit the location of the occasion with just a few tips,” says co-founder of fashion brand Daily Drills, Mary Ralph Lawson Bradley. For example, if you’re celebrating somewhere chilly, she says, “Have fun with burgundy or lace tights, big coats, and a red lip.” If your plans involve popcorn and time on the couch, try a comfortable fit with a chic twist. There is no such thing as overdressing on New Year’s, which is the beauty of this holiday.
Ahead, 10 outfit ideas for every type of New Year's Eve outing, all of which will set the tone for a celebratory night.
Little Black Dress and Red Tights
Elodie Potts, Boohoo stylist, notes that “burgundy tights are the key takeaway of this year’s party season.” Conveniently, these adorable tights perfectly match with the classic wardrobe staple, the little black dress, for a sophisticated styling. Push forward your ensemble by adding matching burgundy accessories, like a chic clutch, chunky boots, or a pair of adorable bow earrings.
But be careful not to over-index on the stylings, warns Potts. “If you’re wearing a chunky necklace or big earrings, you don’t want too much going on around the face and neck because it can look messy. An updo is the answer to this problem as it keeps the attention of the eyes on the accessories.”
Sheer and Lacy
Sheer and lace are the new hot duo in town. Bringing an ethereal and edgy aura to 2024 fashion, the wispy, barely-there lacework effortlessly toes the line between sultry sophistication and playful romance, making it a quintessential going-out pairing.
“The sheer trend from the 2024 runway shows isn’t going anywhere in 2025, and when paired with a bralette or briefs it creates the perfect sexy, festive nighttime look,” says Bradley. Don’t stop there—elevate your ensemble by layering some chunky rings for an extra edgy flare or add some bows to your hair for a more wholesome appearance. Oh, and cute pumps are always welcome no matter the dress code.
Statement Faux Fur
Thanks to Charli XCX and the year of Brat, faux fur jackets are back big time. Model and entrepreneur Lauren Chan notes that ivory-colored jackets are particularly festive and easy to pair, especially with “a going out top, oversized light-wash jeans and faux-croc heeled boots.”
If your New Year's Eve plans consist of something more casual like a friend-of-a-friend's house party, wearing this statement piece will guarantee you compliments. And if you’re headed to a more formal gathering, simply take it a step further by wearing a slip dress underneath and some opera gloves.
Wrong Shoe Theory
Stylist Allison Bornstein’s “Wrong Shoe Theory” dictates that picking the most unexpected shoe will give your look the perfect amount of personality. Case in point: completely bedazzled ballet flats with a menswear-inspired tuxedo. For accessories, add an unexpected flare like smart reading glasses, a chunky necklace, and a stylish woven handbag to fit right in at your colleague’s party, Chan recommends.
Fringe for Days
Western styles are an easy way to get out of your comfort zone and experiment with new patterns, silhouettes, and textures. Fringe in particular adds a dynamic element to every outfit. Whether it’s cascading from a sparkly mini dress or swaying on statement sleeves, fringe brings an equal dose of movement and drama for a night that’s all about celebrating in style, even if just over dinner with the girls.
Pairing a long fringe skirt with an oversized blazer is an easy way to look put together without really devoting a lot of effort to your ensemble. Statement accessories like chunky earrings and rings, along with a waist-defining belt, make for an eclectic mix to an otherwise homogeneous look.
Peek-a-Boo Sequins
What’s New Year’s Eve without a bit of sparkle? Layering transparent sequin tops with a sleek and tailored pant is timeless in a way that feels harmonious. Luxury fashion expert Chassaddi Rice notes that a bold, flashy top “pairs beautifully with simple slingback heels, creating a sophisticated yet festive ensemble.” To let the sequins really shine, keep embellishments to a minimum and silhouettes simple.
Brat Core
Speaking of Brat, if you’re headed to a club or crowded bar, now’s your chance to make a statement. Dressing in brat-core is all about not caring what people think and embracing unconventional clothing – think daring hemlines, sharp cutouts, and playful details. This asymmetric mini dress pairs well with sheer tights and black strappy heels.
All Black Flare
For casual, at-home gatherings, Rice recommends using your favorite pair of hem-split pants as a foundation and building your outfit around them, pairing them with stylish but comfortable tops or accessories. If you’re looking to really cozy up, adding a soft cardigan and slouchy accessories makes for an outfit that is balanced yet glamorous.
Sophisticated and Simple
Rice notes that for formal events like weddings or galas, “a mid-length dress is a timeless option.” Consider materials like sequins, metallics, or velvet, all of which exude an upscale and polished look. These fabrics not only reflect elegance but also align with the spirit of New Year’s celebrations.
This minimalist black strapless dress pairs perfectly with sleek, modern accessories. Opt for statement gold earrings, a bold cuff bracelet, or a structured clutch to complement the clean lines, and finish with sharp, pointed heels to keep the look polished and sophisticated.
Satin Sets
Spending the night at home but still want to be put together? Slip into a chic satin pajama set this New Year’s Eve. With its silky sheen and effortlessly luxe vibe, this unexpected outfit is the perfect choice for ringing in the new year with your favorite playlist on repeat. Add bold gold hoops and finish with a trendy pair of platform Ugg boots to keep the cozy spirit high.