Outfit ideas for every New Year's Eve event

See out 2018 in style

Sarah Jones
Monday 31 December 2018 04:27 EST
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Love it or loathe it, New Year’s Eve is coming and bringing with it a whole host of sartorial dilemmas.

Whether you’re welcoming in 2019 by drinking overpriced plonk in a bustling bar, attending a civilised gathering with friends or lounging in front of the TV sipping on prosecco, your outfit is key.

No matter what your plans, your ensemble can make or break your night; if you’re heading out until the wee hours, comfy heels are a must, while a house party calls for a low-key glittering ensemble.

Luckily, we’ve got all the outfit inspiration you need to get the new year started in style.

Staying in

Sequin Metallic Thread T-Shirt, £15, Topshop; Wide Trousers, £29.99, H&M; Pointed Mule Pumps, £43, & Other Stories
Sequin Metallic Thread T-Shirt, £15, Topshop; Wide Trousers, £29.99, H&M; Pointed Mule Pumps, £43, & Other Stories

If you’re planning on a cosy night in with the family, nibbling on left over mince pies and tuning in to Jools Holland’s Hootenanny then comfort should be your main priority.

Here, you are ultimately left with two choices; slum it in sweats or slip into something sparkly.

Of course, the former is entirely acceptable when dodging the world of triple-priced taxis but there’s no reason you can’t zhoozh up an otherwise mundane experience by dressing up a little.

When embarking on a more subdued celebration, we suggest opting for a comfy pair of wide-leg trousers and a sparkly top teamed with heeled mules that can be slipped on and off at your leisure. Simply turn up the heating, fill up your glass and watch the bells ring in 2019.

Dinner date

Black Ribbed Roll Neck Top, £8.99, New Look; Rainbow Sequin Tube Skirt, £25, Oasis; Leather Court Shoes with Metallic Heel Detail, £49.99, Zara
Black Ribbed Roll Neck Top, £8.99, New Look; Rainbow Sequin Tube Skirt, £25, Oasis; Leather Court Shoes with Metallic Heel Detail, £49.99, Zara

If you’re welcoming in the new year at a fancy restaurant, chances are you’ll be dressing to impress but it’s important to think practically too.

For full-on festive twinkle a dress might be your go-to, but to strike the perfect balance between dressed up and comfortable, we suggest wearing a glitzy skirt with a lightweight turtleneck sweater and court shoes.

This way, your outfit will be ritzy without going OTT. Top tip: wear a dark colour up top in case of wine or food spillages and opt for a showstopping eye look rather than lipstick so you can enjoy your meal smudge-free.

Grown-up house party

Square Neck Velvet Jumpsuit, £79, & Other Stories; Rainbow Lines Sequin Cross Body Bucket Bag, £29.50, Oliver Bonas; Elegant Tassel Drop Earrings, £5, Oasis
Square Neck Velvet Jumpsuit, £79, & Other Stories; Rainbow Lines Sequin Cross Body Bucket Bag, £29.50, Oliver Bonas; Elegant Tassel Drop Earrings, £5, Oasis

House parties are without a doubt one of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve. You’ve got all your friends under one roof, limitless booze and the freedom to whip off your heels should the mood strike.

When it comes to what to wear, you can get away with wearing something a bit more revealing as you’ll be indoors all evening, but you want to be comfy too.

In this case, a failsafe strappy jumpsuit is king. It’s an option that can be as gaudy or understated as you like, and sequins never go amiss – but if you’d prefer to invest in a black number that will see you through to midnight and beyond, add a little sparkle with accessories instead.

Out on the town

Bonded Velvet Suit, £55, Topshop; Harlan Two Part Block Heels, £26, Office
Bonded Velvet Suit, £55, Topshop; Harlan Two Part Block Heels, £26, Office

Heading out with the girls for a night on the tiles? Then you’re going to need an impressive party outfit because if you can’t go all out for new year, when can you?

Unsurprisingly, sequins and velvet are taking centre stage this year but if you’re feeling a little fed up with the festive fabrics, opt for equally striking metallics instead.

Your carte blanche for dialling up the glam and gleam, we suggest ditching the mini dress in favour of a power suit, which should be worn with stiletto heels and heaps of attitude.

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