What to Wear on New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is the one night of the year when there's no such thing as too much sparkle. But the right outfit still depends on where you'll be at midnight: a restaurant, a packed club, a friend's living room or out in the cold for the fireworks.
Three things to plan before you choose:
New Year's Eve Outfits by Occasion
New Year's Eve Party or Club Night
Go all-out. Sequins, metallics and bold colour are expected, and it's the easiest night of the year to wear them.
Best NYE party looks:
Shoes: a block heel or platform you can dance in. Stilettos look beautiful but rarely make it to midnight.
New Year's Eve Dinner Outfit
More polished than the club, with a little sparkle for the countdown.
Best NYE dinner outfits:
New Year's Eve House Party
Dressed-up but relaxed. You'll be on a sofa as much as on a dance floor.
Best house party looks:
Black-Tie New Year's Eve Ball
Hotel balls and black-tie dinners call for floor-length.
Best NYE ball looks:
See our black tie guide for the full dress code.
Watching the Fireworks Outdoors
Edinburgh's Hogmanay, the London fireworks or a local display: it's cold and you'll be standing for hours. Keep the sparkle, add the warmth.
Best outdoor NYE outfits:
New Year's Eve Colours
New Year's Eve Outfits by Body Shape
Hourglass
A sequin wrap dress or a belted metallic midi celebrates your waist.
Pear
A sparkly top with dark wide-leg trousers or an A-line skirt keeps the focus up and balances the hips.
Apple
A V-neck sequin dress with long sleeves, or a satin slip with a sharp blazer, skims the middle.
Rectangle
One-shoulder, ruffled or wrap styles add curves; a belted sequin dress creates a waist.
Petite
A sequin mini or a column of one colour adds height; a platform heel helps too.
New Year's Eve Outfits by Budget
NYE Outfit Under £50
One sparkly hero piece from Dorothy Perkins, with shoes and a bag you already own. Sequins do the work, so keep everything else simple.
NYE Outfit Under £100
A proper party dress plus new shoes or a clutch. Coast's party collections often land in this range, especially in pre-Christmas offers.
NYE Outfit Under £150
Enough for a statement dress, shoes and jewellery. Goddiva's sequin and evening dresses are made for a night like this.
Find Your New Year's Eve Outfit in Seconds
Not sure what to wear? Aureva Styles is a free AI outfit finder that builds complete New Year's Eve looks for your body shape and budget, with every piece shoppable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear on New Year's Eve UK?
A sequin or metallic dress is the classic choice for a party. For dinner, go for satin or velvet; for a house party, sparkly tops with jeans or satin trousers.
What colour should you wear on New Year's Eve?
Silver, gold and black are classic. Some people wear a colour for luck in the new year: red for love, gold for prosperity, white for a fresh start.
What should I wear to watch the fireworks?
Layers: thick tights, knee-high or ankle boots, a chunky knit and a long wool coat. Keep the sparkle in a sequin skirt, metallic knit or gold jewellery.
Can I wear trousers on New Year's Eve?
Yes. Sequin, satin or leather-look trousers with a dressy top are just as festive as a dress, and much warmer outdoors.
Find your perfect outfit free
AI-powered outfit suggestions personalised to your body shape and budget. Takes 30 seconds.
Try Aureva Styles free →