The best New Year's Eve outfits for women over 50 will ensure you feel great and look fabulous. Regardless of your age, getting dressed up to celebrate will boost your confidence and put you in a party mood, helping you to see the new year in, in style.
New Year’s Eve is the perfect excuse to dress up, whether you plan to spend it on the dancefloor, with a cocktail in hand or on the couch. It’s a time to say goodbye to the past year and welcome what lies ahead and selecting the right outfit can help you set the correct tone. What you choose to wear will depend on your plans, but getting the right balance between glamour and comfort is essential.
If you are invited to a gala dinner or smart party, you can re-wear one of the best Christmas party outfits for women over 50. Combine your outfit with the best underwear solutions for partywear for women over 50 to give you added confidence and feel supported and sculpted under your eveningwear. If your plans are more low-key, dress for comfort while still adding a nod to the occasion in embellished knitwear and soft velvet fabrics.
Best New Year's Eve outfits for women over 50
1. BEST PARTY OUTFIT FOR WOMEN OVER 50 FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE
Planning to see in the new year at a party or off out to dinner? You have the perfect excuse to dress up in eveningwear. The key to finding something that you will enjoy wearing is to choose an outfit that reflects your personality and doesn’t stray too far from your everyday style, in that way you will feel more relaxed and less self-conscious. Having said that, it’s good to get out of your comfort zone every once in a while, and try something new. By investing in a classic tuxedo for women you can opt to style it in a variety of ways. Keep things elegant and simple by wearing with a classic silk camisole and pearl jewellery or add an extra level of glamour with a sequin top. A definitive single-breasted style with satin trim will be a reliable addition to your capsule wardrobe.
RRP: £70 | Made from luxurious velvet fabric with satin labels and pocket trim this tuxedo jacket is the epitome of 70s glamour and a great alternative to your best cocktail dress. Available up to a size 22, this edge-to-edge style is universally flattering. Wear with the matching trousers or throw over a strappy party dress as a cool cover-up.
RRP: £44 | The matching trousers are cut with a wide leg and high-waisted silhouette, creating a streamlined shape that will be particularly flattering for women with pear shaped figures. Wear with kitten-heel slingbacks or dressy flats to give the look a feminine edge, or try with metallic ankle boots, a key boot trend of 2023 that we expect to carry into the new year.
RRP: £9.99 | Flower corsage necklaces are having a fashion moment and are an affordable and easy way to update your classic tuxedo and give your outfit some extra style points. This high street buy is less than £10 and will add a pop of personality to the overall look, whilst drawing on the latest jewellery trends for the season.
2. BEST OUTFIT FOR CELEBRATING AT HOME ON NEW YEAR’S EVE
If you’re staying in and celebrating at home on New Year’s Eve, but still want to elevate your usual look to suit the mood, there are plenty of options that combine comfort with glamour. Try mixing your party separates with more casual items in your wardrobe. Here’s where you can embrace embellished knitwear paired with jeans or fancy loungewear with sequinned jersey trousers. “If you are staying in with family and friends for dinner, and telly, a cosy cashmere set with some sparkly jewellery is always a great option,” suggests fashion PR and Instagram influencer, Marie Louise Pumfrey.
RRP: £98 | Famous for its upmarket homeware and fragrances, The White Company are one of the best knitwear brands to invest in. Made from a cosy wool and cashmere blend, from sustainable sources, this jumper is ideal for everyday, or a special event. The star design is fun, but not so festive that you couldn’t wear it in spring with a pair of white jeans.
RRP: £89 | These sequins are made from recycled bottles and the trousers are fully lined for comfort and extra coverage. One of the best plus size clothing brands, these wide-leg trousers, from Live Unlimited will flatter all figures, skimming your curves to enhance your shape. Machine washable - a bonus for sequin partywear, they can be worn as part of a set or as separates.
RRP: £189 | Trainer lovers rejoice! You don’t have to ditch your favourite style of footwear to complete your evening look. These black glitter trainers will complement your party trousers or elevate a basic pair of jeans into something more fitting to the occasion. The 4cm platform soles will add height and they are lined with a breathable, anti-bacterial vegan lining for comfort.
3. BEST DRESS FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50
If you are looking for something which will stand out from the crowd when the clock strikes midnight this year you might want to consider a full-on, floor-length sequinned dress. A more flamboyant alternative to the classic tuxedo suit this is a look that is sure to sparkle. Choose a dress that incorporates style elements designed to flatter your figure and enhance the parts of your body that you want to highlight. Show off your décolleté with a sweetheart neckline or opt for a mini length to showcase your legs. If you plan to dance your way into the new year then you will benefit from investing in party shoes with added technology to soothe feet.
RRP: £229 | Available in sizes 6-26, regular and petite fittings, this flattering wrap front dress is guaranteed to draw complements and turn heads. The pretty flutter sleeves offers upper arm coverage and the tie belt draws attention to the waist. The ruffle hemline will balance out fuller hips and broader shoulders. Made from recycled polyester sequins.
RRP: £40 | With the right amount of sparkle to pair with the best cocktail dresses, this bag will hold all your evening essentials. Can be carried as a clutch or worn on the shoulder with the metal strap. The bag fastens with a secure clip-frame closure, offering extra security to your items on a night out. We love the black embellishment on black fabric for a subtly elegant look.
RRP: £169 | If you're looking for beautiful party shoes but struggle to find wide fits, or bunion accommodating shoes, try these for size and style. Made from super soft napper leather with arch support and extra cushioning and coverage in the bunion area, the striking sculptural heel ensures that this pair of black evening shoes are bang on trend. A great addition to a shoe capsule wardrobe.
4. BEST SEPARATES OUTFIT FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50
Separates make a versatile alternative to a party dress or matching suit. By building a capsule wardrobe of pieces that you can mix and match you can create more varied looks that will suit many different occasions. Every capsule wardrobe for women over 50 should include a trophy jacket that will instantly elevate an outfit and turn a plain look into something special. Combine an embellished jacket with a pair of velvet trousers and the result is laid back and luxurious, perfect a New Year’s Eve dinner date.
RRP: £159 | If you are looking to invest in a statement jacket head to East. Made from intricately embroidered fabric, scattered with gold sequins this bomber jacket is the epitome of sports luxe styling. Layer over a shell top, such as a silky camisole or wear zipped up on its own as an alternative to a top.
RRP: £42 | Made from a machine washable stretch velvet fabric these trousers are soft and drape over the hips without clinging. For a smooth line and extra support try some of the best shapewear, such as a high waisted shaping brief that will create a contoured and smooth finish. Available in petite and regular fit.
RRP: £99 | These retro-inspired platform sandals will give you height with the added stability of the block heels. By choosing shoes in the same shade as your trousers you will create a streamlined silhouette and the illusion of longer legs, as even if your heels peep out at the hem, no one will spot a definitive break.
5. THE BEST COSY OUTFIT FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50
There are lots of ways to celebrate the start of a new year, you may decide to wrap up warm and head outdoors. Woman&home deputy fashion editor Charlie Bell comments “I'm planning on being outside to watch the fireworks this year, so my outfit will be all about the coat. Seeing as your coat will be the main thing on display, minus the actual fireworks, why not make a statement and go for a chic winter white or a fluffy faux fur coat for instant glamour,” she continues. “Minimal effort is needed with the rest of your look, just layer (your coat) over some elegant wide-leg trousers, a cashmere jumper and a thermal vest to ensure you're toasty throughout the night. Finish with some sparkly chandelier earrings to coordinate with the glistening sky!”
RRP: £79 | Embrace the winter white trend, seen recently on Catherine, Princess of Wales, in this vintage-inspired aviator jacket. One of the best winter coats for the season, the super soft faux-fur lining makes it extra cosy. Wear with ecru jeans and tan boots for a top to toe tonal look that looks chic and expensive or layer over black for a striking monochrome ensemble.
RRP: £25 | With over 70 years of experience and research, you can trust Damart to make some of the best thermals for women. Its Thermolactyl fabric is designed to provide 3 levels of warmth and this long-sleeved top is the perfect base layer to wear under a jumper to keep the chills at bay as you enjoy the great outdoors - yes even in the cold.
RRP: £40 | Encrusted with pave crystals, these 18K gold plated earrings are the perfect finishing touch to a winter white ensemble. Don’t save your sparkles just for parties, use a pair of statement earrings to give any occasion a touch of glamour and add a luminous glow to your face. The celestial style theme of these earrings make them particularly appropriate for the event.
How to choose an outfit for New Year’s Eve for women over 50
Regardless of your age, the key to dressing successfully for New Year’s Eve is to consider how you will be celebrating and plan your wardrobe accordingly. Thinking ahead and planning your outfit will reduce stress levels and give you time to consider what you already have in your wardrobe and how you can add or improve your options with a new key item or accessory. Designer dress rental for a one-off celebration can be a more affordable and more environmentally friendly option, if you allow yourself the time to plan ahead. Don’t forget to consider your footwear too, there are comfortable shoes for women over 50 options for every occasion. If you want to treat yourself to a new outfit look out for the key trends with embellished or metallic fabrics for partywear or cosy items like lush knits for more relaxed celebrations.
Marie Louise is planning to celebrate at a drinks party with friends. “There will be some dancing too,” she comments, “as a group of 50-somethings we all like to dress up and sparkle. I’m big on comfort these days. I no longer tolerate painful shoes or squeeze into ill-fitting clothes. I love stretchy fabrics,” she continues. “I recommend looking into your wardrobe and pulling out your favourite pieces and start planning early. Especially with the sales in mind, in case you need to add in any extra styling details like a designer belt or cute evening bag. Then when the sales start on Boxing Day, you can be ahead of the game and snap up something fabulous.”
In addition to being prepared and not leaving the outfit decisions to the last minute, Marie Louise suggests turning the day into an excuse for some indulgent self-care. “Get yourself to the hairdressers for a professional blow-dry,” she suggests. “Having fabulous salon-done hair is the biggest game changer for me, in terms of feeling wonderful, and looking groomed.
As deputy fashion editor at Future plc, Charlie works across multiple women’s magazines including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman's Own, ensuring she has her finger on the pulse. Beginning her career in the magazine industry in 2009, Charlie has written for titles including Stylist, Closer and Dare. With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.
Marie Louise Pumfrey is a pro-age fashion influencer, sharing her grown-up guide to style, beauty and wellness to over 37,000 followers. From styling tips, outfit ideas, beauty buys and wellness tips, Marie Louise also has her own London based fashion PR consultancy MLPR. Some of Marie Louise's career highlights include working on the launch of the first Australian Fashion Week, and Channel 5.
