I Hate NYE but Love Dressing Up—Here Are 8 Failsafe Outfits For Every Event

Let's be honest here: Not all of us will be going out this New Year's Eve. While it can be great to go out dancing, there's something equally great about getting dressed up to stay in, and spending the night with your nearest and dearest in your own home. No bar queues, no £££ tickets, and no waiting for a cab home. So, if you are between ideas, there are a lot of perks to choosing to be propped up in your kitchen or on the sofa instead of a busy soirée.

Either way, NYE feels like that last opportunity to get dressed up in something sparkly and festive. I appreciate this sounds rather doom and gloom, but I don't mean it to. For starters, sequins aren't just for Christmas (wear them in the summer, people!), and who says you can't dress up for your sofa? This year, I may even incorporate sequins in my plans to watch the fireworks, stranger things have happened. 

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(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

There are other options out there of course, which is why I've turned to my favourite fashion people on Instagram to show us how it's done. There are outfits that include head-to-toe sequins, and the pared-back looks that will suit minimalist tastes. There's a classic LBD, or the feathered trimmed PJs that make any evening feel more eventful. All you really need to know is that each and every one of the below looks can be worn with slippers or heels, the choice is yours. So, keep scrolling for all of my favourite New Year's Eve outfit ideas for every personality and every type of plan. See you in 2024!

1. The Party Girl: The Satin Dress

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(Image credit: @heartzeena)

Style Notes: Why not wear head-to-toe shimmer and shine to see in the New Year in style? A satin dress paired with metallic heels is a brilliant way to shine this NYE without having to do a sequinned look.

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2. The Hostess with the Mostess: Sparkle and Suiting

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Style Notes: Want to be smart on NYE but don't want it to look corporate? Break up stuffy tailoring with a sequin skirt or trousers. It's the perfect outfit for spending the evening entertaining, just take off the jacket when you're ready to dance around to Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny

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3. Early Dinner Plans: A Slip and a Jumper

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Style Notes: It's not all about sequins and bright colours. You can just as easily get into the "party on the sofa" mood by wearing a satin slip skirt or dress, and your favourite chunky knit. Wear to dinner, be home by 10, and watch the fireworks from the comfort of your own home. Understated elegance. 

4. The Hibernator: Fancy PJs

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

Style Notes: Arguably the most practical of outfits on NYE, hibernators will love that fancy pyjamas allow for the smoothest transition from sofa to bed. Wear with an easy, slip-on flat and know that you had a comfortable NYE, no matter the weather. 

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5. The Last Minute Planner: All Black and a Statement Shoe

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(Image credit: @emmarosestyle)

Style Notes: Juggling a few invitations and can't decide which to commit to? If you're doing the rounds and seeing just about everyone in your social circle, or just end up trading in your plans for a cosy night in after a sudden change of heart, you'll need a look that's quick to put together and works for any scenario. Enter the all-black look. An under the radar outfit that you can easily spice up with the addition of some statement shoes. (And a bright red lipstick to really give it oomph). 

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6. The Family Fireworks: A Faux Fur Coat and Knee High Boots

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Style Notes: As much as I have a soft spot for dressing up in the kind of glam we only allow ourselves three times a year (birthdays, Christmas, and NYE), there's something to be said about getting wrapped up and heading to the local park for an evening of fireworks (and preferably mulled wine, too). Don't forget insulating layers, a fluffy coat and a sturdy flat boot too. 

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7. Cocktail Hour: The LBD and Bold Accessories

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(Image credit: @oliviamarcus)

Style Notes: The ultimate unbeaten classic. If you want to make this versatile staple feel a little livelier for NYE, add pretty earrings and blushing makeup. 

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8. The Pub Drinks and New Year's Day Walk: A Puffer Coat and Jeans

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Whether the night before or morning after, if you're venturing out in the cold be sure to reach for a substantial coat. Puffer coats are always our first choice when pried away from our duvets, and adding a simple pair of jeans and flat shoes is an easy formula to replicate whenever you're getting ready in a hurry. 

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This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Up Next, Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Trends: The Looks You Need to Know About

Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.