What I Would Wear for New Year’s Eve if I Had Somewhere Fabulous To Be

If you have a dinner date with your girls, your partner, or your family, you’ll want to make sure you’re comfy enough to last through dessert. I’m so here for the velvet revival — you’ll notice a lot of it on this list — not least because the fabric is so cozy. But this dress has all the elements to make it a little sexy, too, like a deep V-neck and buttons up the front. ($230, Anthropologie)

There’s nothing better than serving a standout look just to go to your favorite restaurant. This hot pink blazer fits the bill, especially if you pair it with the matching pants. The shawl collar gives this a classic vibe, but the color is anything but stuffy. Plus, you don't need to wear a top underneath. ($298, Universal Standard)

There’s something about a sweater dress that always makes me feel effortlessly put-together like Cameron Diaz in The Holiday (my style icon). This one is a simple silhouette with a body-skimming fit and buttons up the front. You can do so much with this look, whether that’s adding gold hoops with a slicked-back bun or a red lip with air-dried hair. ($278, Reformation)

So you’ve decided to go out. It doesn’t matter if going out to you is one more drink after dinner or dancing at a club all night long, you need an outfit that’s meant to be seen. This midi dress is the ticket, especially in the festive wine color. With its sheer underlay and slit up the back, you’ll be serving “I just threw this on but I still look chic” energy. Wield it. ($110 Abercrombie & Fitch)

I just bought this dress, and while I didn’t think much of it on the hanger, the fit is a dream. It’s swingy in all the right places, which will let me dance if I so choose, but it doesn’t look shapeless. The sequins offer just the right amount of shimmer, and the long sleeves will keep me warm as I bounce from bar to bar. ($209, Nordstrom)

Are you looking for someone to kiss at midnight? Is there a possibility of running into your ex? If either answer is yes, I’d suggest showing up to the function in this. Between the all-over velvet, the knot at the bust, and the two jewel tones it comes in, you’ll be a knockout. ($109.95, Eloquii)

In my opinion, the humble house party is the best New Year’s plan, since you don’t have to deal with strangers. This top is giving “Joanne at the dinner party when she first meets the rabbi” energy (any other Nobody Wants This fans in the audience?). I love that it comes with a matching scarf. Pair it with your favorite jeans and you’ll feel like a more polished version of yourself. ($70, Shopbop)

Or, dress up the top above with a pair of black capris. If you pair these with a really good pair of heels, you’ll achieve the “office siren” aesthetic our Pinterest boards have been dreaming of. These are made of a thick, knit fabric so they have a bit of stretch, and they have belt loops if you want to accessorize. ($78, Free People)

If you’re not big on the holiday (understandable) but still want to give a nod to sparkle, keep it low-key with this metallic eyelash sweater. It pairs nicely with jeans or trousers, and you can wear a blazer or cardigan over it for warmth. There’s also a matching skirt if you do want to amp up your outfit. ($79.50, J.Crew)

Ever since one of our editors wrote about not being able to stop thinking about these, I can’t stop thinking about them, either. And how perfect they would be for New Year’s Eve. They bring a cool-girl appeal to a sequin dress or skirt with their block heel and timeless square toe. These boots make me want to show up to the party. ($235, Revolve)

A New Year’s Eve wedding is a great excuse to have a good time without any pressure to make the plans yourself. Depending on the dress code, this mini dress is perfect for the occasion. It comes in a fun and festive color with silky taffeta cuffs on the sleeves. The body-skimming fabric has enough stretch that you can throw your hands up and shout. ($345, Neiman Marcus)

Let the record show, Banana Republic is really good right now. This strapless sequin dress will hug your figure but still has enough stretch that you won’t feel poured into it. It has a built-in bustier so you won’t be tugging it up all night. The high-shine sequins will turn you into a disco ball on the dance floor. ($200, Banana Republic)

These gorgeous platform sandals are made in Italy of shiny, metallic leather you can wear with your party ’fits until the end of time. All of the reviews mention that they’re incredibly comfortable, likely due to the stable block heel, secure ankle strap, and wide toe bed. FYI, use code SKIMM20 to take 20% off sitewide through January 9. ($565, Elizée)

Yes, you read that correctly. We’ve come to my favorite category of New Year’s Eve dressing, what I like to call Doing the Most. If you’re a student of the When Harry Met Sally school of thinking that the holiday is magical, these outfits are for you. This jumpsuit has all the elements of a good party outfit — sequins and feathers, of course — wrapped into a sleek bodysuit. If you’re going to wear this, prepare for the compliments. ($98, Lulus)

I can’t escape the micro shorts and tights trend this winter, and I’m here for it. These leave less exposed than other versions and look great when paired with basics you probably already have in your closet, like an oversized blazer and a bodysuit. Don’t forget the tights. ($68, Shopbop)

While fur coats have never not been in, this year it’s about wearing them with everything. I’m especially obsessed with the color of this faux fur, which will offset a dark-colored outfit nicely. The length is also perfect — it’s long enough to wear with dresses, and it’ll actually keep you warm. You’ll pair it with jeans and a tee well into 2025. Make it your most fabulous year yet. ($228, Gap)