Picking an outfit for New Year’s Eve can be panic-inducing. Choose wrong and you’re uncomfortable the entire night. You might even find yourself vowing on the first morn of the new year to make better shopping choices.
To help you narrow in on dresses that’ll carry you through to January 1 in style, here’s a list of nine dress styles that are sure to be a hit. Shop wisely and you can implement any one for $50 or less.
Best New Year’s Eve dress styles
1. Pretty in pink
On the night near every girl’s wearing dark colors, you can stand out in pink. And why not? Pink is festive, especially when it comes in an all-over sequin form. Even better when the pink dress has a sexy off-shoulder shape and a short hemline, like the Grace Karin style above.
Pair this dress with silver or rose gold heels and bag. Keep the rest of your accessories and your makeup simple so your sequins really pop.
2. LBD upgraded
There are good reasons the LBD is so popular. Black is flattering and always in style. You can best make use of those qualities by choosing an LBD with an extra dimension — such as a sheer overlay or tulle details.
Floerns’ evening party dress shown above is a perfect choice. It has the elements of a head-turner, such as the deep neckline and high-thigh hemline. But those sexy details are muted just a touch with a sheer overlay. Wear it with heeled black sandals, a simple pendant, and a black, textured handbag for a classic but still original NYE look.
3. Racy in red
Where some ladies run into trouble with red is going too short and too tight — that can be too much sex appeal in one package, which can send the wrong message.
A racy color like red pairs better with sweet elements like a curved neckline or bow. The vintage-inspired Muxxn dress above is an example. It’s eye-catching without being raunchy. So if you naturally gravitate towards more demure silhouettes, heat things up this NYE by choosing red. Red works beautifully with silver or gray accessories.
4. The marvelous maxi
When you need something that’ll deliver lots of bang for your buck, opt for a lightweight maxi dress in black or charcoal. The one shown above by Woosea comes with a perfect price tag and a flattering shape.
For NYE, you can dress it up with heels, sparkling jewels, and an updo. And then, when spring rolls around, pair this same piece with sneakers and wear it to the market. No one will know!
5. Glitzy gold
Gold dazzles at evening events, especially the biggest evening event of the year. A stretchy, wrap-style dress like this one by Lyaner flatters with its fitted top, high waist, and gentle A-line skirt. Wear with simple black accessories and your favorite red lip color.
6. Striking with stripes
Stripes are a design detail that’s typically reserved for more casual occasions. But you can easily step up the formality of a striped dress (and then wear same striped dress to work the next week). Simply add a flashy CZ necklace or pretty drop earrings, put your hair up, and hold your chin high.
The Vfshow dress shown above has a zipper at the neckline, which you’ll keep you undone on NYE.
7. Devilish details
It only takes small design details to take a dress from boring to beautiful. In this case, tweed at the neckline, shoulders, and pockets give Verdusa Women’s bodycon dress a classy vibe — despite its very short length. This is a party dress in the truest sense. If you can handle baring most of your legs, the night is yours. Pair it with slingback pumps to up the retro vibe.
8. Jumpsuit joy
When you’re shopping for a party outfit, don’t overlook the jumpsuit as an option. They’re warmer, more modest, and often more comfortable than a dress. And they can be incredibly flattering if you choose an option with a defined waist.
Dokotoo’s jumpsuit has that defined waist and more — sexy, open shoulders and a wrap style top that’ll show off your curves. Add in sandals with block heels and your favorite box bag to complete the look.
9. Vivacious velvet
Velvet has a luxurious and indulgent texture, which makes it a wonderful fabric choice for NYE. Merokeety’s dress adds femininity with its one-shoulder neckline and belted waist. This dress is sure to flatter most shapes.
Skip the necklace with this dress and wear drop earrings instead. Add a barely there stiletto and a shimmery clutch bag.
The wrap on NYE dress styles
If you need more New Year’s Eve style inspiration, see: Quick Shop: 5 Fabulous Holiday Party Skirts and NYE Outfits to Adore.
Whichever direction you go, let NYE be the occasion to stretch your style chops. Go a little flashier, a little bolder than your comfort zone. It’ll turn heads, raise eyebrows (in the best possible way) and set a fun tone for your new year ahead.
