Any other year, a roundup of the best New Year’s Eve outfit ideas for cold weather would include suggestions for how to pair sequin pieces and coats, and recommendations for the best winter boots for heels that can survive a night out on the town—but this year, my friends, is very different indeed. We are, after all, still living in the middle of a pandemic. And while we’ve adjusted to wearing cute face masks and nailed our work from home style, it feels as if some part of this year was lost, especially for those of us who love to dress up.
But I’m here to tell you that you can still serve a look this New Year’s Eve, especially from the comfort of home. You don’t have to be out on the town to say sayonara to a spectacularly strenuous year—you can parade around your living room in your best look because you deserve to feel good. But if the thought of wearing anything but sweatpants is off-putting, I implore you to keep reading as I’ve rounded up the best New Year’s outfit ideas that are great not only for cold weather but an evening spent cozily inside and run the gambit from doing very little to doing the most. If you don’t want to ditch your sweatpants after seeing these outfit ideas, then I hope you’ll bookmark these outfits for a special occasion in the new year.
WHO: Gosia Boy. WHAT: H&M . WEAR: Off-the-shoulder top, pants, sandals. If you know for a fact that you’ll be inside, then you can definitely get away with an NYE outfit that’s not as bulky on the fabrics. Opting for a fun statement one-shoulder top (in a comfortable knit, of course) with pants and shoes in the matching hue is an effortlessly chic outfit fit for celebrating inside.
Prefer a more simple off-the-shoulder knit top? You may like Nanuhka’s Cleto Sweater ($350).
WHO: Daleeda Soomar . WEAR: Metallic minidress and cowboy boots. You may not be able to be underneath the disco ball when the clock strikes midnight, but who said you can’t still shine? Give the metallic dress in the back of your closet a new spin by pairing it with cowboy boots or no shoes at all for a look that’s better than any hoedown ever thrown.
Pair this dress with these Jeffery Campbell Amigos Over the Knee Boot ($300).
WHO: Alyssa Coscarelli. WHAT: Selkie The Puff Dress ($245). WEAR: Puff-sleeve dress and statement earrings. You know that special occasion puff-sleeved dress collecting dust in the back of your closet? It’s time to stop waiting for the perfect event and bust it out. Even if you’re only wearing it to your sofa (like Alyssa Coscarelli), slipping it on to celebrate making it through 2020 is the perfect occasion.
Already have the perfect dress? You’ll want to finish off the look with a pair of earrings from Notte Jewelry.
WHO: Lydia . WHAT: House of Harlow 1960 x Revolve Maxi Wrap Dress ($268); Bottega Veneta The Chain Pouch Shoulder Bag ($3600). WEAR: Full-length maxi dress with a matching bag. Just because you’ll be most likely spending your New Year’s Eve inside doesn’t mean you can’t dress up. In fact, since you won’t be dealing with the cold, you can opt for a warmer-weather look and wear a full-length satin or silk maxi dress. Not only is it easy to throw on, but it’s also perfect for lounging at home.
Finish off your look with this Catmicco Chunky Chain Dumpling Bag Cloud Clutch ($43).
WHO: Makeda. WHAT: Avec Les Filles coat; The Drop Maya Silky Slip Skirt ($45); Staud Kenny Bag ($195). WEAR: Colorful sweater with matching silk skirt and a wool coat. Festive clothing doesn’t have to be limited to sequins and metallic fabrics—just look to Makeda for proof. Whether you’re grabbing a New Year’s Eve dinner alfresco in the cold weather or gathering your pandemic pod, layering is essential for surviving the evening. Don’t be afraid to gold bold with your look and pair bright monochrome pieces with an opposing colored coat for the best outfit you’ve worn all year.
This Tanya Taylor Liliana Knit Sweater ($365) would pair perfectly with this skirt.
WHO: Mobina. WHAT: L’Academie Lucia Cropped Turtleneck ($168); SNDYS Lounge Hendrix Knit Pant ($69). WEAR: Matching knit loungewear set. Does binge-watching a new series sound like the perfect plans for this New Year’s Eve? Then you’ll want to keep warm and snuggle up in a matching knitwear set. Not only will you look cute while you watch some of television’s most stylish characters, but you will also be downright cozy to boot.
Pair these soft stretch chenille trousers with the matching Charlie One Shoulder Crop Top ($51).
WHO: Jeannine Roxas . WHAT: Nadine Merabi Hailey Red Jumpsuit ($429). WEAR: Jumpsuit. Honestly, it doesn’t get more iconic than opting for a jumpsuit for New Year’s Eve. Not only is it super low-fi in terms of effort, but it will also keep you warm all night long and comes in so many different iterations (sequins, velvet, etc.) that you’ll find one that works for you.
Not into jumpsuits? You can get the same look by pairing this Zara Sequin Top ($40) and Full-Length Sequin Pants ($70).
WHO: Nicole Ocran. WHAT: F&F Clothing outfit. WEAR: Sequin top, leather leggings, pointed heels. Another low-lift way to dress up this New Year’s Eve and stay warm is to opt for leather leggings and a sequinned top. The great thing about sequin tops is that they dress up just about anything, so you can also pair it with jeans or even sweatpants for a comfortable outfit that looks way more intentionally styled than it is.
Pair this top with these Mango Coated Leggings ($28).
WHO: Maggie McCormack. WHAT: Lovers + Friends Royale Dress ($128); Tony Bianco Faythe Sandal ($151). WEAR: Black dress and sandals. After months of not getting dressed up at all, something as simple as throwing on your favorite black dress (whether it’s off-the-shoulder, mini, or cutout) is the perfect outfit idea for celebrating New Year’s Eve at home. Bonus points if you throw on some sandals, too, because it’s the effort that counts.
These simple kitten-heel black sandals can be worn well into the new year.
WHO: Amy Julliette Lefévre. WHAT: Bewede top. WEAR: Corset, jeans, layered on jewelry. What’s a simple yet sexy outfit idea for New Year’s Eve that you can wear inside the house or out to dinner? A corset top, jeans, and layered-on jewelry. It’s a look that will surely turn heads, and if you’re too cold, you can wear a mesh top underneath or throw on a coat to keep yourself warm throughout the evening.
You want to pair this bad baby with some chains from Baby Gold.
WHO: Adenorah . WHAT: Paco Rabanne Gathered Logo T-Shirt ($120) and Sequinned Skirt ($1,680); Musier Paris High Boots Mia ($341). WEAR: T-shirt, sequin skirt, knee-high boots. The excuse you needed to wear that sequin skirt? It’s right here. All you have to do is pair it with your favorite vintage-inspired T-shirt and knee-high boots for a New Year’s Eve outfit that’s easier than ever. And should you get cold, don’t be afraid to add tights or a coat into the mix for an on-trend layered look.
Pair with Aldo’s Kinkuna Black Knee-High Boots ($70).
WHO: Oumayma Elboumeshouli. WHAT: Cult Gaia Mala Top ($298). WEAR: Statement crop top, leather pants, sandals. Call it a cult-classic going out piece, but you really can’t ever go wrong with a crop top. Even if you’re only driving by your friend’s spot or relocating to the living room, throwing on a good statement crop and a pair of leather jeans is a festive outfit that never fails.
Pair this top with Paige’s Melila Pant ($178).
WHO: Kate Mao. WHAT: Pleats Please Issey Miyake Pleated Longsleeved Shirt ($467). WEAR: Button-up, sweatpants, heels. Oh, you made it this far, and you’re still dreading taking off your favorite sweat pants? Okay, how about instead of taking them off, you dress them up by pairing them with a button-up top and heels? No one can say you didn’t change (or try) for that matter.
Warning: The textured ribbing fabric on these sweats will make them impossible to take off.
WHO: Maria . WHAT: Oasis sweater and skirt. WEAR: Oversized turtleneck sweater, metallic skirt, ankle boots. It does not get easier than this outfit idea: just pull out your favorite oversize sweater and pair it with a matching metallic skirt for a look that will keep you both warm and in a festive mood this New Year’s Eve.
This sweater would look good with Mango’s Metallic Pleated Skirt ($100).
WHO: Laura Tønder . WHAT: Röa Mesh Turtleneck Top ($90); F.ilkk Mint Sequin Dress; Mietis bag. WEAR: Mesh top, sequinned dress, combat boots. Think back to that sequinned dress you wore awhile ago because it’s time to bust it out for an end-of-year hurrah. Of course, you can make it more cold-weather friendly by layering, but to make it even more practical, pair it with some combat boots for your most unique New Year’s Eve ensemble yet.
Long gone are the days of buying a pair of shoes just for NYE and never wearing them again.
WHO: Lauren Crowe . WHAT: Free People cardigan and sequinned skirt. WEAR: Cropped cardigan, sequinned skirt. If the thought of spending a ton of money on an outfit you’re not even considering wearing out doesn’t sit right in your spirit, then we recommend this outfit idea for you. Pairing a sequinned skirt with a cropped cardigan is not only a cute head-to-toe look, but it’s also probably something you already own, which makes it cost-effective. If you still have FOMO about not buying something new, trying layering on jewelry you haven’t worn in a minute to give your at-home New Year’s Eve outfit a breath of fresh air.
Pair this cardigan with this H&M Fringe-Trimmed Sequined Skirt ($40).
WHO: Nina Sandbech . WHAT: Anouki Faux Leather Trench Coat ($1459); Balenciaga Green Square Knife Heels ($509). WEAR: Statement coat, heels, and bag. Twenty-twenty may not have been particularly fun, but your outfit for New Year’s Eve sure can be—that is, if you opt for bold pieces. After all, it’s been a year, so don’t be afraid to knock it out of the park by opting for a statement coat, bag, and shoes; it doesn’t matter if they match, just bust out the pieces you love most for a look that brings you joy.
Already have the coat? Your perfect statement shoes can be found at Kat Maconie.
WHO: Fia. WHAT: Gestuz sweater; Chanel bag; Dear Frances Ana Boots ($760). WEAR: Oversize sweater, jeans, and sparkly shoes. If the prospect of wearing a head-to-toe sparkly look isn’t for you, then we recommend injecting only a little shine into your New Year’s Eve ensemble via your shoes. Who wouldn’t want to wear sparkly shoes? The great thing about this look is that you style whatever shoes catch your fancy with your favorite jeans and sweater you already own.
On a budget? You may like Steve Madden’s Tarra Rhinestones Ankle Boots ($160).
WHO: Michella Choi . WHAT: Viola Vesper dress. WEAR: Turtleneck dress, crystal jewelry. Whether you’ll be snuggled up on the couch or have outdoor plans, you can not go wrong with a turtleneck dress. Not only will it keep you warm all night, but it’s also a piece that you either already own or can wear again. We just recommend adding on some statement earrings and necklace to freshen up the staple.
Looking for a similar sheer turtleneck dress? You may like AFRM’s Lizzo Mesh Dress ($88).
WHO: Chainky . WHAT: Paris Georgia Knit Cardigan ($579); Tibi Pleated Cargo Pant ($450) . WEAR: Full-length knit cardigan, metallic pants. Striking a balance between comfort and festivity is the key to the perfect New Year’s Eve outfit idea, and no one nails that balance quite more beautifully than Chainky. Just pair a full-length cardigan with some metallic pants for a look made for a celebratory evening at home.
Finish your look off with & Other Stories’ Fitted Asymmetric Button Up Knit Cardigan ($59).
WHO: Lauren Douglass. WHAT: Sleeper Black Pajama Set “Black Tie” ($265). WEAR: Your fanciest pajamas. After all these cute New Year’s Eve outfits, and you find yourself still not convinced to will yourself out of your sweatpants, then we’ve got an idea for you: fancy pajamas. Comfort can be chic, and so long as there is a little bit of glitz involved in your NYE look, who’s to say you didn’t celebrate with style?
Not a fan of feathers? You may like this Victoria Secret Silk Long PJ Set ($150).
