Yes, New Year's Eve Is Overrated, But These 8 Outfits Are Making Us Into It

A quick poll in the Who What Wear UK office confirmed what I suspected: Most of us are reluctant to venture out into the world of a triple-priced taxi and extortionate menus. Dinner parties, drinks at friends' houses and trips to local pubs often trump club nights, but just because you're not battling surging ride-share fares and elbowing your way to a drink doesn't mean you can't have fun with sequins…

Whatever your plans, New Year's Eve is an opportunity to play dress-up and have fun with unexpected styling. Which is why we've turned to our favourite Instagrammers to bring you some of the coolest NYE-ready looks we've seen recently. Unless you're going to see the fireworks, in which case we advise you forget the glamour and pile on the knitwear. Keep scrolling to see and shop our favourite New Year's Eve outfit ideas; then simply accessorise with a glass of champers.

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(Image credit: @tamumcpherson)

Style Notes: Satin is easily this party season's standout fabric, and it doesn't get better than this red Self-Portrait midi. Wear it with gem-encrusted shoes and chandelier earrings for the "more is more" appeal. 

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: If you're looking for an edgy dress alternative, Lucy Williams has the answer with her leather trousers–and–silky top combination. 

Related: These 25 New Year's Eve Dresses Will Make You Want to Stay Up Past Midnight

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(Image credit: @songofstyle)

Style Notes: If any occasion calls for sequins, it's New Year's Eve. Give them a cool overhaul by pairing a sparkly skirt with a cashmere knit. Eighties-inspired accessories complete the suitably extra look.

Related: You'll Never Wear Heels Again After Seeing These 19 Party-Ready Flats

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(Image credit: @laurennicolefk)

Style Notes: If in doubt, a tuxedo jacket will ensure you look the NYE part. Just add silky trews and your favourite jewels. 

Related: 10 Christmas Party Outfits You Can Wear With Jeans

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Style Notes: This Emili Sindlev outfit isn't a conventional New Year's outfit (no sequins? No glitter?), but the Ganni skirt looks perfect paired with a crisp white shirt. And Manolos are always a good idea. 

Related: If 2018 Could Be Summed Up in One Trend, It'd Probably Be This One

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Suits are having a moment right now, particularly in luxe fabrics like velvet and satin. Any colour goes, but we love this green hue, which will look good on everyone.

Related: We've Already Found So Many Amazing Pieces in the Christmas Sales

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

Style Notes: Many of us don't go anywhere near a bar on New Year's Eve, and Pernille Teisbaek's look is perfect if you have cosy, low-key plans. We love how her cream knit looks with matching ivory pumps. 

Related: 35 Pieces That Are Destined for Cult Status in 2019

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(Image credit: @meganellaby)

Style Notes: Jumpsuits can be just as glam as dresses—if not more so. Look for jewel-toned hues and keep your accessories to a minimum to ensure your all-in-one takes centre stage.

Still searching for the perfect outfit? Then you need to see the dresses that were made for NYE

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.

Emma Spedding