New Year’s Eve is the perfect occasion to get all dressed up and celebrate the end of one year and the start of another in style. But with so many parties and events ranging from black-tie formal to laid-back casual, how do you choose the perfect New Year’s Eve dress?
The key is picking a dress that aligns with the formality and mood of the specific NYE party you’ll be attending. A sequined mini that wows at a friend’s house party may look out of place at an upscale hotel gala. So consider the event details and dress code before hitting the shops or browsing online retailers.
Here’s your ultimate guide to selecting the best New Year’s Eve dress for every type of party, along with tips for completing your glamorous NYE look.
In this article:
- Cocktail Attire for Upscale NYE Soirées
- Black Tie New Year’s Eve Soirées
- Dressing for House & Hotel Parties
- Dressing for a Casual NYE Pub Party
- How to Style Your NYE Party Dress
- NYE Dress Shopping Tips & Tricks
- Conclusion
Cocktail Attire for Upscale NYE Soirées
When the invitation calls for cocktail attire, that typically means a more elevated dressy-casual look is called for. For ritzy New Year’s Eve cocktail parties, you want a chic, party-ready dress that strikes the right balance between dressy and fun.
The little black dress is always a foolproof choice, but NYE is the perfect excuse to break out bolder colors, prints and silhouettes if that suits your style. Key features to look for include:
- Knee-length or midi lengths
- Luxe fabrics like satin, lace or velvet
- Eye-catching embellishments such as sequins, beading or ruffle details
- Elegant accents like wrap or twisted waist styling
- Flattering silhouettes like fit-and-flare or asymmetric shapes
Consider a sequin wrap dress with a surplice neckline, a velvet skater dress with sheer sleeves, or a satin midi dress with an embellished waist. Finish the look with statement heels or stilettos and a metallic minaudière.
Two picks for you:
This One-shoulder Midi Dress features cut-out design,side slit and all-over sequin embellishments. Pair it with red heels and lipstick, a faux fur jacket, and waved hair.
This Sequin V-Neck Dress with sheer sleeves comes in elegant navy, perfect for making a elegant statement on NYE. Complete the look with heels, a matching metallic minaudière, and dangling earrings.
Black Tie New Year’s Eve Soirées
If you receive a black tie invite, that calls for full-on formal attire and eveningwear. While a long black gown is always a sophisticated choice, modern black tie dress codes allow for more versatility. Consider:
- Formal evening gowns in luxurious fabrics like chiffon, satin or velvet
- Dramatic silhouettes like mermaid or fit-and-flare shapes
- Embellished details like sequins, beading, ruffle or sheer accents
- Slits, off-the-shoulder and low backs for touch of sensuality
- Bold colors and prints if they complement your style and personality
For a wow-worthy look, opt for a strapless ballgown with an embellished bodice or a sequin mermaid gown with an open back. Complete your black tie NYE dress with opera-length gloves, dazzling jewelry and an elegant updo.
Two picks for you:
This Mermaid Gown in emerald green features a dazzling display of fireworks perfect for black tie. Style it with silver chandelier earrings, an embellished minaudière, and strappy heels. Sweep hair up into a bun and wear bold red lips and smoky eyes.
This Silver Sequin Dress has a faux-wrap design and high slit , great for a black tie NYE look. Add sparkling drop earrings, an updo, and bright pink lips.
Dressing for House & Hotel Parties
Smaller soirees call for more low-key NYE dresses that still make a fun, festive statement. For hotel parties and house gatherings, you can take a more playful, edgy approach like:
- Short sequin, metallic or velvet mini dresses
- Sweetheart, off-the-shoulder or one-shoulder necklines
- Dresses with fringe, feather or fur trims
- Bodycon and bandage styles
- Bold prints, neon brights and fun embellishments
Try a flirty feather trim mini, a bold animal print dress with cut-outs, or a bright neon bodycon dress. Finish with strappy heels and statement jewelry like chandelier earrings.
Two picks for you:
This Off-the-shoulder Sequin Mini Dress in navy features a sweetheart neckline and bodycon silhouette ideal for a hotel or house soiree. Finish with same-coloured heels, chandelier earrings, and curled hair. Don't forget to take a outerwear for warmth.
This Mini Dress with Feather Trim in black is perfect for a NYE house party. Add some drama with black strappy heels, dark smoky eyes, and red lips.
Dressing for a Casual NYE Pub Party
If you’ll be ringing in the new year at a local pub or more low-key venue, comfort is key. You still want to look celebratory and festive, just with a more relaxed vibe. Great NYE pub party dress options include:
- Jersey wrap dresses or sweater dresses
- Velvet shifts or tunic styles
- Short printed dresses in silky or chiffon fabrics
- Long sleeve lace or brocade cocktail dresses
- Sparkly but comfy metallic or sequin dresses
Consider a velvet cowl neck shift dress or an off-the-shoulder lace cocktail dress. Finish with booties or block heel sandals and fun jewelry like oversized hoop earrings.
Two picks for you:
This One-Shoulder Sequin Dress in black is a great choice to make a statement. Pair it with knee-high boots, a sparkling headband and neutral makeup for a pub NYE look.
This Halter Velvet Dress in green with ruffled skirt is elegant yet comfy for a pub party. Style with block heels, a leather jacket, and soft curls.
How to Style Your NYE Party Dress
Once you’ve chosen the perfect dress, complete your New Year’s Eve party ensemble with:
Fabulous Footwear: Heels, booties and sandals with a bit of sparkle elevate any NYE look. Consider metallics or glittery fabrics and embellished straps or t-straps when choosing shoes.
Glitzy Jewelry: New Year’s Eve is the perfect occasion to break out statement earrings, tennis bracelets, shoulder-grazing necklaces and cocktail rings. Go big and bold with your NYE accessories!
A Sparkly Clutch: Opt for a compact metallic or beaded evening bag to stash your essentials with style. Pick a color or fabric that coordinates with your dress.
A Stylish Coat: Stay warm between parties with a fashionable coat like a faux fur stole, cropped jacket, or longline overcoat. Choose one that complements your overall look.
Dazzling Hair & Makeup: Get your glam on NYE with false lashes, defined smoky eyes, glossy lips and swept-up hairstyles. Add soft curls or sleek strands depending on your dress.
NYE Dress Shopping Tips & Tricks
Start scoping out New Year’s Eve dresses early, as the most covetable styles get snapped up quick. For the best deals on glamorous NYE dresses, be sure to check out Ever Pretty UK's massive Black Friday sale. With incredible discounts on elegant evening gowns, cocktail dresses, sequin frocks and more, you're sure to find the perfect NYE dress for less!
Now for some additional dress shopping strategies:
- Check the dress code on the party invite, then stick to those guidelines
- Search online retailers for the biggest selection, along with prom and formalwear stores
- Seek out stretch fabrics and designs with give to ensure comfort for dancing
- Get fitted a few weeks before NYE in case alterations are needed
- Order early to allow time for custom sizing, shipping and returns if necessary
Conclusion
New Year’s Eve is all about popping bottles, singing Auld Lang Syne and celebrating in glamorous style. With our guide, you’re ready to choose a sensational dress that’s ideal for every type of NYE fete from black-tie formal to laid-back causal and everything in between.
May your New Year’s Eve be filled with fun, revelry and lots of magical moments as you dance your way into an amazing new year. Happy NYE!
