What to wear on New Year’s Eve
Dress for the party inside and the fireworks outside: something with sparkle, velvet or dark tailoring, plus a warm coat, scarf and shoes you can stand in at midnight. Choose a dark, shiny or rich colour and keep the rest simple.
Two outfits that work
Velvet or sequin dress, gold heels, wool coat
- midnight sequin or velvet dress
- gold block heels
- long black wool coat
- small gold clutch
- warm scarf for the fireworks
One sparkly or velvet piece is enough to feel festive, and a long coat and scarf get you through the fireworks without hiding the outfit.
Dark blazer, white shirt, black trousers, overcoat
- dark velvet or wool blazer
- white shirt
- black tailored trousers
- polished black shoes
- charcoal overcoat
A dark blazer and shirt suit most parties, and an overcoat keeps you warm outside while the polished shoes hold up for a night of standing.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | In warm places, a light dress or linen shirt and trousers, with a thin wrap for after midnight. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | A dressy outfit with a wool coat and a scarf for the walk between venues. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A long warm coat, thermal tights or long underwear, gloves, a scarf and shoes with grip for ice. |
Do and don’t
- Choose one statement piece and keep the rest simple
- Wear a coat that covers the whole outfit and a scarf
- Pick shoes you can stand and dance in
- Plan how you get home, since transport is busy at midnight
- Wear heels you cannot walk home in
- Wear only a thin dress or jacket outside; midnight is the coldest part of the night
- Bring a large bag or glass items to public celebrations
- Wear loose sleeves near fireworks or candles
Check the night before
- Check the dress code and whether there is a cloakroom
- Try the whole outfit, shoes included
- Put out gloves, scarf and a hat for the fireworks
- Pack flats in a bag if you wear heels
- Charge your phone and check the last train or taxi
Questions people ask
What should I wear on New Year’s Eve?
Something with a festive element, such as velvet, sequins or a rich colour, and a coat, scarf and sturdy shoes for the fireworks. Check the party’s dress code for the level.
What colours are popular on New Year’s Eve?
Black, gold, silver, midnight blue and deep red. In some traditions people wear red or white for luck, but it is not a rule.
How do I stay warm in a party dress at midnight?
Put thermal tights or a thin base layer underneath, wear a long wool coat and a scarf, and keep your gloves in your pocket.
Can I wear jeans on New Year’s Eve?
At casual parties and bar nights, yes, with a smart top or blazer. For a dinner or a ball, wear trousers or a dress.
Pick New Year’s Eve in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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