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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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’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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.