What to wear on New Year's Eve: Glitz and glamour whether you're staying in or going out

Our guide to what to wear on New Year's Eve will help you shine your way into 2021 in style

what to wear on new year's eve: oliver bonas loungwear set
(Image credit: Oliver Bonas)

2020 has certainly been a year for the history books! As the year draws to an end, it’s safe to say we are all looking forward to more hopeful 2021 - and that is definitely something to celebrate. It’s time to pop the Christmas jumpers away and slip into something extra sparkly, ready to boogie our way into 2021. Whatever your New Year’s Eve looks like this year, let’s welcome the start of a new one in style.

2020: the year of baking banana bread, wearing almost exclusively elasticated bottoms and enjoying more time outdoors in the fresh air. Despite a challenging year, it is the small wins we will be celebrating this New Year’s Eve - even if it is spent on the sofa in cosy loungewear with a glass of bubbly.

Ringing in the New Year should always look fabulous. To help you look and feel your best for the occasion we have rounded up all our fashion favourites, from the glitziest sequin pieces on the high street, to the cosiest and most stylish co-ords. 

Whether you've got your New Year's Eve outfit sorted and just need a few finishing touches, or in desperate need of a new shimmery get-up, our fashion finds will ensure you greet the New Year in style...

What to wear on New Year’s Eve

The Statement Dress

Dress to impress this New Year’s Eve in a dazzling party piece. Our edit of statement dresses will be sure to turn heads as you welcome in 2021. Opt for classic sequins for head-to-toe glitz, or ooze glamour in a luxe velvet dress.

Ghost Lotte Starlight Dress

(Image credit: Ghost)

Ghost Lotte Starlight Dress

Specifications

Price: £169
Sizes: XS-XL

Be sure to turn heads in Ghost’s stunning celestial print dress. Made in their signature georgette fabric, the gown falls and gathers beautifully at the waist, ensuring a flattering fit. The wonderfully festive piece features a full length midi skirt and cuffed sleeves for added volume.

H&M Puff-Sleeved Sequinned Dress

(Image credit: H&M)

H&M Puff-Sleeved Sequinned Dress

Specifications

Price: £34.99
Sizes: 6-22

Synonymous with New Year’s Eve, sequins are a failsafe option to shimmer and shine your way into 2021. We love this silver sequin dress from H&M, featuring 80s inspired statement puff sleeves.

Cos Silk Velvet Puff Sleeve Dress

(Image credit: Cos)

Cos Silk Velvet Puff Sleeve Dress

Specifications

Price: £99
Sizes: 32-44

If sequins aren’t your bag, opt for velvet for an equally opulent New’s Year Eve outfit. This roomy oversized dress, from fashion favourite Cos, will ensure comfort all through the night. Accessorise with sparkly accessories for a touch of glitz.

Anthropologie Sequin Tiered Midi Dress

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

Anthropologie Sequin Tiered Midi Dress

Specifications

Price: £160
Sizes: XS-XL

Sparkle in Anthropologie’s glamorous sequin midi dress. The easy-to-wear tiered design emphasises the waist for a flattering fit. Dress it down with boots or flats, or pair with heels for a dazzling duo.

Shimmery Midi Skirt

The perfect addition to your festive wardrobe, we think everyone needs a statement midi skirt. Pair with jumpers, blouses or t-shirts for endless outfit combinations. We’ve found all the best skirts for swishing your way into the New Year.

M&S Jersey Metallic Midi A-Line Skirt

(Image credit: M&S)

M&S Jersey Metallic Midi A-Line Skirt

Specifications

Price: £35
Sizes: 6-24

This subtly sparkly midi skirt features an elastic waist and added stretch for a comfortable and flattering fit. The versatile piece can be dressed up or down to suit every kind of NYE celebration. 

Whistles The Cocktail O’Clock Co-ord

(Image credit: Whistles)

Whistles The Cocktail O’Clock Co-ord

Specifications

Prices: Top, £129, skirt, £39
Sizes: 6-18

Part of John Lewis & Partners’ 12 Days of Christmas Dressing collection, The Cocktail Co-ord is perfect for party season. Adorned in colourful green sequins, the midi skirt will look just as fabulous paired with a cosy knit on top. Shop the top above and skirt here.

Anthropologie Sequinned Fringe Midi Skirt

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

Anthropologie Sequinned Fringe Midi Skirt

Specifications

Price: £160
Sizes: 6-16

Shimmy and shake in this dazzling fringe skirt from Anthropologie. The playful design will instantly elevate your look, perfect for ringing in the New Year.

Sugarhill Brighton Mink Velvet Pleated Skirt

(Image credit: Sugarhill Brighton)

Sugarhill Brighton Lynette Mink Velvet Pleated Skirt

Specifications

Price: £59
Sizes: 8-16

We love the luxe look that velvet provides. This stylish midi skirt is made from luxurious dark mink velvet with a slim pleated design to help you swish your way into 2021.

Statement Accessories

Elevate any outfit with statement accessories. From glitzy earrings to shimmery bags, we have rounded up our favourite finishing touches to help you dazzle this New Year’s Eve.

Tada & Toy Celestial Hoops

(Image credit: Tada & Toy)

Tada & Toy Celestial Hoops

Specifications

Price: £125

Add a touch of sparkle with Tada & Toy’s glittering earrings. Their styles are designed to mix and match, to create your perfect stack. We love the pairing of the gorgeous chunky hoops with the delicate Constellation Cuff and Star Stud. 

Swarovski Time Necklace

(Image credit: Swarovski)

Swarovski Time Necklace

Specifications

Price: £209

Swarovski’s Time collection is characterised by silhouettes which draw inspiration from the hardware trend. This necklace incorporates a touch of glamour with crystal pavé detailing, making it the perfect finishing touch to your New Year’s Eve outfit.

Accessorize Star Embellished Clutch Bag

(Image credit: Accessorize)

Accessorize Star Embellished Clutch Bag

Specifications

Price: £19.50

We can always rely on Accessorize for glamorous accessories that don’t break the bank. This party-ready clutch is embellished with sequins in a beautiful celestial star design. 

Lulu Guinness Shell Clutch Bag

(Image credit: Lulu Guinness)

Lulu Guinness Shell Clutch Bag

Specifications

Price: £195

A whimsical statement bag which you will treasure forever. The gorgeous metallic clutch features a detachable long gold chain for extra wearability and inside you’ll find a surprise embroidered message - the world is your oyster.

Fancy Footwear

No matter what your celebrations look like this year, put your best foot forward with our pick of the most stylish shoes. Whether you’re after a pair of party heels or a sparkly slipper, we’ve found the most dazzling styles.

Mango Chain Heel Shoes

(Image credit: Mango)

Mango Chain Heel Shoes

Specifications

Price: £59.99

Everyone needs a pair of versatile black heels in their wardrobe. Perfect for party season and special occasions all-year round - you can’t go wrong with a simple and elegant slingback heel. 

M&S Leather Lace Up Glitter Trainers

(Image credit: M&S)

M&S Leather Lace Up Glitter Trainers

Specifications

Price: £45

Featuring metallic and sparkly glitter panels, these show-stopping trainers are the perfect finishing touch. They come with Insolia Flex® technology to keep your feet correctly aligned for a comfortable fit - perfect for dancing the night away.

Next Glitter Mule Slippers

(Image credit: Next)

Next Glitter Mule Slippers

Specifications

Price: £25

Make staying at home look just as fabulous as going out with a pair of glitzy slippers. Designed in an easy-to-wear slip on style, these mule slippers will keep you comfy whilst you boogie.

Luxe co-ords

Loungewear has come a long way in 2020, understandably so. This festive season you can find an array of jazzy co-ords that offer comfort and style rolled into one. Ditch the pyjamas and channel laidback luxe in stylish satin separates and lust-worthy loungewear.

The White Company Sparkle Knit Co-ord

(Image credit: The White Company)

The White Company Sparkle Knit Co-ord

Specifications

Prices: Jumper. £149, trousers, £79
Sizes: XS-XL

For a laid-back yet elegant ensemble, opt for The White Company’s sparkle knitted co-ord. The batwing jumper is crafted with ultra-soft cashmere for a cosy and luxury feel, and the matching trousers are high waisted for a super flattering fit. Shop the jumper above and the trousers here

Kitri Satin Co-ord

(Image credit: Kitri)

Kitri Satin Co-ord

Specifications

Prices: Top, £85, trousers, £85
Sizes: 6-16

Look effortlessly put together in a beautiful satin co-ord. What’s more, you’ll feel as comfortable as you would do wearing your pyjamas! The trousers feature a drawstring waist, perfect after an almost exclusively chocolate based diet. Shop the top above and the trousers here

Oliver Bonas Loungewear Set

(Image credit: Oliver Bonas)

Oliver Bonas Loungewear Set

Specifications

Prices: Top, £45, trousers, £49.50
Sizes: 6-18

A loungewear set you will enjoy wearing long after the holiday season has ended. This super soft co-ord from Oliver Bonas is perfect for cosy days. Both pieces feature subtle metallic threading for a touch of sparkle. Shop the jumper above and the joggers here

Hope Satin Loungewear Set

(Image credit: Hope)

Hope Satin Loungewear Set

Specifications

Prices: Top, £95, trousers, £95
Sizes: 8-14 or 16-20

For top-to-toe elegance, Hope’s satin loungewear co-ord is as stylish as they come. The easy-to-wear top is made from soft cotton jersey, with a satin hem and collar. Coordinate with the matching satin trousers for a winning look. Buy the top above and the trousers here

Emma White is a freelance fashion and lifestyle writer. She has worked in the publishing industry since she graduated with an English Literature degree from the University of Southampton in 2018. Combining her love of writing and fashion, she started working as part of the fashion team at woman&home in early 2019.

Emma writes about a broad range of fashion topics, from trending seasonal styles, to sustainable fashion, how to get designer looks for less on the high street and timeless wardrobe classics. When she isn’t writing she is probably shopping, looking for the latest piece to update her wardrobe.