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.
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
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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The bright pink, the dramatic sleeves, the party-ready shine—what's not to love?
Prada aren't just specialists in perfect party shoes, there's bags too.
Brave the cold in a pair of subtly sparkling socks.
A retro, mirror platform with a wearable heel height? Sign me up.
2. The Hostess with the Mostess: Sparkle and Suiting
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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The slightly slouchy, oversized fit makes the look that bit more cool.
I cannot express enough how obsessed I am with these trousers—such a chic take on the embellished trouser look.
Party season deserves special shoes, and nothing says "dressed up" quite like a rhinestone strappy sandal.
3. Early Dinner Plans: A Slip and a Jumper
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.
The collar makes this humble cardigan feel dressy enough to wear with jeans and a loafer too.
Every wardrobe has a satin slip skirt right? If you don't, allow me to introduce you to the piece you'll wear with everything on rotation.
Now that's a ballet pump with a little extra je ne sais quoi.
4. The Hibernator: Fancy PJs
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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Thanks to Sleeper, we thinking of the myriad of ways we'll be wearing PJs for the foreseeable.
The most elegant flat I've ever seen.
5. The Last Minute Planner: All Black and a Statement Shoe
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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There's something about a fluffy, mohair knit that feels surprisingly decadent.
Such a luxe alternative to the classic slip skirt.
I haven't stopped thinking about these Cinderella boots since I first saw them.
The ultimate highly pigmented, matte red lipstick.
6. The Family Fireworks: A Faux Fur Coat and Knee High Boots
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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If there's one animal print you can rely on and never goes out of style, it's leopard print.
The oversized fit makes it ideal for throwing over leggings.
Who knew Toteme made such cool leggings?
A classic riding boot will always serve you well.
7. Cocktail Hour: The LBD and Bold Accessories
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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Dresses with this level of embellishment always look so premium.
These are real statement earrings.
A shoe that will work for just about any fancy plans.
8. The Pub Drinks and New Year's Day Walk: A Puffer Coat and Jeans
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 oversized down coat is an online exclusive. so you won't be able to get your hands on it in store.
Just when I thought I already had an extensive knitwear collection I came across this perfectly cosy jumper. One more won't hurt...
These jeans will go with everything from a white tee to an embellished evening top.
The perfect boot to take you from a walk to the pub.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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