How will you be spending your New Year’s Eve? Perhaps you’ll be having a smaller celebration than usual this year or a big party? However you choose to ring in 2022, you’ll find the best New Year’s Eve outfits to choose from below, whether you are celebrating with a small, casual gathering, or you want to dress up.

Take a look below for plenty of New Year’s outfit inspiration whether you’ll be at home with family, enjoying a small party with friends, you are able to attend a more formal event, or you’re just heading out for a New Year walk.

First, some tips for putting together New Year’s Eve outfits

Just as there’s no right way to celebrate New Year, there’s no right New Year’s Eve outfit; so long as what you wear helps you to see in the New Year in the style and confidence you want to project for the year ahead.

1. Be unique

While Christmas tends to be a time of tradition, New Year is a time to make resolutions, try something different, be more daring and stand out.

Think about the style you really want to achieve in the year ahead and dress accordingly.

You could add a touch of asymmetry to an outfit as another way to help you to stand out. Or add an element of menswear looks with an element of tuxedo style, like the tuxedo dress (below).

Eliza J Long Sleeve Tuxedo Gown | 40plusstyle.com

Eliza J Long Sleeve Tuxedo Gown

New Year's Eve outfits you won't want to put away at midnight | 40plusstyle.com

Kim @kimair above (read her style interview here) wears a beautiful metallic maxi dress.

Check out these maxi dresses from Ramy Brook, Ronny Kobo, Lost + Wander and Veronica Beard that you can wear with this similar pair of sandals,and clutch (another option here).

2. Think about how your New Year’s Eve outfit will move

Are you heading to a party? Will there be dancing? Don’t just think about how your outfit looks standing in front of a mirror, but how it will move with you.

You may like a dress or skirt which you can twirl in! Look out for a dress with pleats like the Karen Millen style (below), which would look good styled with red accessories.

Karen Millen Compact Stretch Tailored Jacket & Soft Tailored Dress | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Compact Stretch Tailored Jacket & Soft Tailored Dress

3. Don’t be uncomfortable

Style and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

As you will be celebrating until at least midnight, you won’t want heels you can’t walk in at the end of the night.

If you find stilettos uncomfortable, opt for block or kitten heels instead, or try a pair of statement flats or loafers.

Boden Mary Jane Flats | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Mary Jane Flats

New Year's Eve outfits: Jona in silk blouse and tulle skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Jona @the50plusgirl above chooses comfy block heels with her tulle skirt.

Steal her look with this similar blouse (another option here), skirt, sandals and handbag.

Check out our article on the best low heeled party shoes for more inspiration.

4. Choose a hero piece for your New Year’s Eve outfit

If you are struggling for New Year’s Eve outfit inspiration, start with one piece and work from there.

That could be a sparkly jacket, a fabulous pair of drop earrings, a statement necklace or a pair of brightly colored shoes.

Whistles Misha Sequin Blazer | 40plusstyle.com

Whistles Misha Sequin Blazer

The best New Year’s Eve outfits for you

Now that you’re thinking about the best way to put together a look for New Year’s Eve, let’s get down to some serious inspiration.

These New Year’s Eve outfits have every eventuality covered, whether you are going out, staying in, or watching the fireworks with your kids or grandkids, if you’re able to.

Don’t forget to let me know what you’ll be wearing this New Year in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your outfit choices and what you’ll be doing to see in the New Year.

New Year's Eve outfits: Nora in leather pants, fur scarf and wrap | 40plusstyle.com

Nora @juststylela above (read her style interview here) opts for a cozy monochrome look.

Check out this similar wrap (another option here), pants, pumps, clutch (another option here) and scarf.

NYE outfit: a statement suit

Rather than a dress, how about a suit this New Year. We love the burgundy shade of the Whistles suit (below). You can always wear it as separates too. The blazer would look good with jeans and a camisole, while the pants would be good with a cashmere sweater.

Sequin suit and silk blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Whistles Misha Sequin BlazerBoden Sienna Silk ShirtWhistles Sandra Sequin TrouserSam Edelman Rayelle Heeled SandalMarc Jacobs The St. Marc Convertible ClutchDeepa Gurnani Alianah Crystal Drop Earrings

Sparkly sweater and a leather skirt

A leather skirt is a great wardrobe staple as it can be dressed up or down. Add a special sparkly sweater, sequins or silk to create your party look. Wear boots if it will be chilly, or heels if not.

Sparkly sweater and leather skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Whistles Sparkle High Neck KnitMango Leather Midi SkirtLa Canadienne Jennifer Knee High BootsKurt Geiger London Mini Party Crossbody BagKurt Geiger London Eagle Link Chain Necklace

Check out our article on how to wear leather over 40.

an off the shoulder sweater and wide leg pants

An off-the-shoulder sweater and wide leg pants combination are incredibly elegant in a haven’t-tried-too-hard way. Choose a pair of satin or silk pants for extra glamour.

For more inspiration, read our article on how to wear wide leg pants.

Off the shoulder sweater and wide pants | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Viscose Blend Knit Bardot JumperCinq à Sept Shauna Belted Satin Wide Leg PantsSteve Madden Courtnie Slingback PumpsKate Spade New York New Pochette Evil Eye Canvas East/West PochetteDeepa Gurnani Alianah Crystal Drop Earrings

New Year's Eve outfits: Sheree in lace top. and silk pants | 40plusstyle.com

Sheree @shesheshow above wears a wide-leg pants outfit that would be ideal if you are celebrating New Year’s Eve in warmer climes.

Get her look with this similar lace top (another option here), pants (another option here), sandals, handbag and earrings.

Satin blazer and tuxedo pants

We love the combination of the satin blazer and black pants (below). The tuxedo styling adds a special element to the pants that is perfect for parties. You can also wear the jacket to dress up your jeans when you’re heading out to dinner.

Satin jacket and tuxedo pants | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq à Sept Cheyenne Satin BlazerGeneration Love Lori Crystal-Embellished Stretch Silk CamisoleCOS Satin Paneled Wool Tuxedo PantsSam Edelman Rayelle Heeled SandalKate Spade New York New Pochette Evil Eye Canvas East/West PochetteKurt Geiger London Eagle Link Chain Necklace

A wide leg jumpsuit and moto jacket

A jumpsuit can look just as glamorous as a dress. Choose a luxurious material like velvet. If it will be chilly outside, add a cozy moto jacket on top.

Velvet jumpsuit and moto jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Generation Love Dion Faux Shearling-Trimmed Moto JacketEliza J Wide Leg Faux Wrap JumpsuitSteve Madden Courtnie Slingback PumpsKurt Geiger London Mini Party Crossbody BagEttika Crystal Chandelier Earrings

A beautifully shaped dress and heels

When you’re choosing your next party dress, don’t just think about color and material (although those are important). Also, consider the shape and how that will work with your body type. The Kay Unger midi dress has a beautiful shape that will create the look of an hourglass figure, even if you aren’t an hourglass.

Cocktail dress to wear for New Year's Eve | 40plusstyle.com

Kay Unger Tatum Floral Lace Midi DressSteve Madden Courtnie Slingback PumpsMarc Jacobs The St. Marc Convertible ClutchEttika Crystal Chandelier Earrings

New Year's Eve outfits: Emms in knitted cardigan, dress, tights and pumps | 40plusstyle.com

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above opts for a dress and jacket set that could be worn for lots of different occasions.

She is wearing a dress and cardigan from Phase Eight. Check out this similar dress, jacket, tights, pumps and handbag.

Satin midi skirt

Mix different textures by combining satin with wool or cashmere. Wear a satin midi skirt with a cashmere or wool sweater, and combine with pointed flats, boots or heels.

Off the shoulder sweater and satin skirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Viscose Blend Knit Bardot JumperBOSS Vinarea Satin Midi SkirtKurt Geiger London Mini Party Crossbody BagC.Paravano Bow Knot FlatEttika Crystal Chandelier Earrings

A faux fur poncho to stay cozy at midnight

If your New Year plans include fireworks outside, then you’ll want to make sure your outfit is both warm and stylish. Add boots, knitwear, and a glamorous faux fur wrap.

Outfit with a faux fur wrap | 40plusstyle.com

ZLYC Faux Fur Trim Poncho  – AllSaints Akira Cashmere & Wool Turtleneck SweaterAG Farrah High Waist Ankle Skinny JeansLa Canadienne Jennifer Knee High BootsMarc Jacobs The St. Marc Convertible ClutchKate Spade New York Sam Cuff Beanie

Glamorous loungewear

If you’ll be at home, maybe with family or friends, or with a good movie and a glass of something bubbly, you can still look incredibly stylish in your loungewear.

There’s more inspiration in this article on the best loungewear for women over 40.

Loungewear for New Year's Eve | 40plusstyle.com

Petite Plume Feather-Trim Silk RobePetite Plume Mulberry Silk Panthere De Nuit Pajama SetClarks Comfort Slipper

Your choice of Year’s Eve outfits

Below you can see the outfits used in this article below. You can see you can mix and match many of the clothes and shoes to create plenty of different outfits for New Year’s Eve and beyond.

You could, for example, wear either of the sweaters with the sequin or tuxedo pants, the sequin blazer with the jeans, or the off the shoulder sweater with the leather skirt. For a more casual look, you could add the moto jacket to any of the outfits. For more casual days, wear any of the jackets, tops and sweaters with your favorite jeans.

New Year Eve's outfits | 40plusstyle.com

shop the best pieces to wear on nye:

More thoughts on how to dress for New Year’s Eve

We’re sure you have lots of inspiration for your New Year’s Eve outfit this year. So, what else should you think about?

How do you dress for New Year’s Eve?

Take into account all of the tips we’ve talked about, and look for an outfit that will make a statement. Choose metallic shades, bright colors, sequins, and luxurious fabrics.

What is the best outfit for New Year’s Eve?

This will come down to where you are going, what you are doing, and what makes you feel most confident. You can wear anything from dresses and jumpsuits to a tuxedo suit or wide leg pants.

Can you wear jeans on New Year’s Eve?

Of course. So long as you aren’t heading to a very formal event, jeans are always a good choice. Just be sure to elevate your jeans outfit by dressing them up with a special jacket and choosing luxurious materials for your top, such as silk, satin or cashmere.

What do you wear on New Year’s Eve if it’s cold?

Layers! If it’s going to be chilly where you are on New Year’s Eve, then make sure you are wearing plenty of layers to keep you cozy. Wear boots to keep your feet comfy and cozy, and add a glamorous outer layer. There are more ideas in this article on how to layer like a pro.

What will you be wearing for New Year? Don’t forget to tell me about your New Year’s Eve outfits in the comments below. Happy New Year!

Continue reading:

  1. How To Dress For A Christmas Party: 11 Outfit Ideas!
  2. The Best Cocktail Dresses In Stores Now – What Do You Think Of Number #5?
  3. What To Wear To A Winter Wedding

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New Year's Eve outfits you won't want to put away at midnight | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Kim @kimair

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