Today, we go beyond the generic glitz and glitter of your typical new years dresses to explore the more daring realm of interesting cuts, fabrics, and patterns. New Year's Eve doesn’t have to be basic…It can be daring, surprising, and fun! In this article, dresses will be explored at all price points, with links provided for purchase. Enjoy!
What to Wear for New Years
New Years is all about showcasing your prosperity and optimism for the new year through elegant, put together looks. This is your chance to dress better than you have for the entire year–so don’t be afraid to go all out.
What most people wear on New Year’s Eve:
- Evening Gowns
- Formal Suits
- Capes or Overcoats
- Furs (or faux-furs)
- Earrings (stone, pearl, or long)
- Full face of makeup
- Different hair styles (slicked back gel for men, updo for women)
Today’s article will focus on quality dresses of different lengths and styles that appeal to every aspect of your New Year’s celebration–whether it’s hyper-formal, party-core, or just a casual get-together among friends. With these dress picks, you’ll never feel over or under dressed.
(Note: This article is organized by various price points, starting in the thousands of dollars range and eventually ending up on the lower end of the tens. Quality and fashion can be found at any price point, and this article seeks to highlight that.)
First Price Point: $$$$ (Most Expensive)
These first few dresses are most certainly a splurge. If you take your New Year’s Celebration super seriously (and have extra cash to BURN) by all means, take a look into your designer & haute couture future!
Dress 1
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This dress from Saks Fifth Ave is an all time favorite, with its golden embroidery set upon a soft white background. Projecting a sense of both elegance and artistic spirit, this is certainly a dress for those looking to make a stand-out entrance at any New Years party.
Dress 2
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This second dress, also from Saks Fifth Ave, has a relatively low cut, with a draped pattern trailing down either side. Silhouetted and partially transparent, this dress projects an ethereal, almost earthy air. If you are someone who is looking to get more in touch with nature this upcoming 2024, then this just might be the dress for you.
Dress 3
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Are patterns your thing? Because if so, this dress might be the one you decide to settle on. With an attractive low neckline and figure-hugging form, this sequined dress is unlikely to disappoint its wearer. Best paired with thin, open-toed heels and a necklace.
Dress 4
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Are you a fan of the old empire waistline, but looking for something a bit more modern? Do you enjoy old films like ‘My Man Godfrey,’ admiring the class and elegance of the past? Well, then this dress is certainly for you! Set in an understated eggshell color, this satiny gown projects elegance with every movement. You may want to consider, however, whether or not you will be dancing at all this New Years Eve. The dress tends to run a bit long, and you wouldn’t want to be tripping over yourself all night.
Dress 5
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Back to the 20’s at last! Here is a flapper-like gown perfectly suited to the dance floor. Coming in an attractive chartreuse color, you will certainly stand out amongst your friends and family, who will–let's face it–most likely be sticking to the traditional garb of sequins and red/green/gold colors of the New Year.
Embrace your inner flapper with a dress that’s dance-floor friendly!
Next Price Point- $$$ (Middle of the Road)
This next price point lists dresses that are ‘a bit of a splurge,’ but not crazy out of most people’s budgets. If you are in need of a new dress and are looking for a piece that is both quality and affordable, look no further!
Dress 6
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Dress no 6 is not for the faint of heart. Smaller than the other ‘gowns’ so far, it is sequin-laden, and almost glows under any light. Best rocked with confidence (and/or an overcoat).
Dress 7
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Red might be a stereotypical color to wear during the winter holidays, but that might be for a reason. There’s no denying that this particular shade of red is especially dashing: standing out even amongst all other reds. Pair with some simple dark heels and you have a combination that is both appropriate and slightly racy! Embrace your inner romantic with this long red number from Urban Outfitters!
Dress 8
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Can a dress be art? Apparently, Urban Outfitters thinks it can. If you’ve never had rose-like appendages stemming from your shoulders, might you consider giving this little number a go? Light and lively, this dress is great for lovers of indie films, or those who follow balletcore trends and accounts.
Dress 9
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A slightly more risque version of our previous dress, this coral cocktail dress is a bit more confident in itself, willing to take risks. Beware, however, of certain lighting, as the ruffles and coral color of this dress might make you look…how shall I say this? A bit childish.
Dress 10
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If you are the type of person to seek out a more casual dress, even for the most posturing of holidays, then you might prefer the one pictured above. Light, comfortable, and un-offensivley colored, this dress is both easy to dance in, and to pair with just about any other clothing item in your closet. Add an undershirt if you are a bit more conservative, or just pair with some leggings, a light jacket, and–voila!
Dress 11
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It’s New Year's Eve and time to bring out the disco ball yet again!
While many New Years dresses come with sequins attached, this dress subverts that expectation by also adding on a single pale rose as well as a two piece top and bottom for a more sophisticated and well-thought out look.
Dress 12
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Are you an unconventionalist? A nonconformist? And have you ever had the urge to wear cowboy boots on New Year's Eve? Well, now you can!
This dress, which pairs best with a couple of tall, high-heeled boots, is white with golden, floral embellishments. It is flowy and easy to move around in, while still feminine and soft.
Dress 13
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It’s about time velvet appeared on this list, and I’m happy to present it here, as part of a contrasting top/bottom combo, complete with velvet ribbons and an embellished ‘top.’ If you want to project subtle confidence, without drawing every eye in the room (let’s face it, that experience can be just as alienating as it can be powerful), then this may be the dress for you.
Dress 14
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Copper is a color which is relentlessly underestimated, but it shouldn’t be. There is a stately elegance to copper, as well as a humorous lightness in its orange undertones and shimmer. The billowing sleeves and tied centerpiece give this dress the unique angle it requires to make our list of dresses to rock this New Years.
Price Point Three- $$ (Less Expensive)
This third price point consists of our least expensive dresses, mainly in the upper and lower ‘tens of dollars.’ Here you can find unique pieces for less that are sure to fit any party-person’s personality: be it quirky, cute, or elegant!
Dress 15
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Technically a two-piece garment, this outfit made our list of dresses because it is simply too eye-catching to possibly miss out on!
If you’re having trouble finding a New Years dress because they’re all glitz and glam, and you lean a bit more bohemian, then look no further than this breezy two-piece.
(Note: Also an ideal and inexpensive choice for a beachside wedding!)
Dress 16
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This dress might bring to mind Wednesday Adams from the recent ‘Wednesday’ Netflix series, and for all the right reasons, too.
This suit-dress (the first of its kind to make our list) is both business and party-oriented. It projects a stately and important air, without being too gaudy or unbreakable to look at. Ideally paired with a couple of long or short stud earrings and some understated black heels.
A gorgeous suit dress for a night out.
Dress 17
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This short silver number is both eye-catching and easy to pair with shoes or accessories. If you’re a low-maintenance gal just looking for a dress that’ll do the trick, then why not go with this one, our Dress no 17?
(Note: Silver is gorgeous on those with cool skin tones, who look great in pigment-rich ‘jewel’ colors).
Dress 18
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The New Year tends to focus on elegance and glam…But what if you’re all about comfort? Not everyone wants to wander about all night in an itchy sequin or worryingly skimpy dress, and that’s why our No 18 is here for those who don’t want to have to worry about their comfort all night.
Fuzzy, and with the appearance of a long, turtleneck sweater, this look can be tied together with just some tights, boots, or even flat shoes. No need to be overly glam when you can be perfectly cozy.
Dress 19
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On the opposite end of the spectrum from our cozy dress, this one knows exactly what it is about and doesn’t shy away from its more attention-grabbing attributes. Built like a bodysuit, but with a mesh dress covering, it is designed to be commanding and feminine.
Dress 20
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For those of you party animals who know that you’ll be hitting the downtown this New Year’s Eve, I present to you this skin-tight sequinned party dress, courtesy of (who else?) Urban Outfitters. Gauzy and glittery, this dress would look downright ethereal with just a bit of holographic eyeliner. What do you think?
Dress 21
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This dress is on the more unconventional side when it comes to New Year’s Eve celebrations, but hear me out. Long, with a mesh-like fabric and various 60’s era colors, the carefully placed “Ciao!” also adds a breezy, worldly vibe.
If you are studying abroad in the New Year (or just going abroad in general), you might want to consider this dress, which is certainly Euro-inspired and indicative of an adventurous personality.
Dress 22
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As we near the end of our list, dresses appear to be getting more and more unconventional. Here, however, is a dress that is perfect for a person looking to dress conservatively this New Year’s Eve.
Again, not everyone is looking for flashy colors and sequins. Some, in fact, just want a little length and elegance, and this dress certainly delivers on both factors.
Dress 23
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A simple red dress, with slightly puffed sleeves and a medium length. Inoffensive and containing just a titch of fun within its lipstick-red hue, this dress makes for great workplace-party attire. I certainly hope you aren’t spending your New Year holiday alongside your coworkers, but in case you are…Be sure to enjoy this dress along with your store bought cupcakes!
Dress 24
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Capping off our list of 24 New Years Eve Dresses to Rock the New Year in is yet another understated yet elegant dress. This little number brings to mind the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, with its simplicity yet figure-hugging form.
It All Depends on What You Want!
Your New Year is going to be what you make of it, and while your dress is only going to be a small part of your celebration of what is to come, make sure that it is an impactful one with these 24 New Years Eve Dresses to rock the New Year in!
Cheers!
