How to Choose a Dress for New Year's Eve

Co-authored by LaTricia Brown

Last Updated: January 27, 2023 References

Whether you’re planning on going out on the town, attending a ball, or throwing a party at your house, you want the dress you wear on New Year’s Eve to be the perfect choice. It’s the start of a new year, and that deserves a new dress, but picking a dress can be a stressful process. By looking at specifics such as dress style, color, and fabric, you’ll be choosing your New Year’s Eve dress in no time at all.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Dress Style and Length

1
Pick a cocktail dress if you'll be attending a semi-formal party or event. Cocktail dresses are a great option for many New Year's Eve events - they're short yet elegant. There are tons of different cocktail dress styles - from long sleeve to strapless, off-the-shoulder to cap-sleeved - to fit any type of party.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Strapless and off-the-shoulder dresses are perfect for people with a pear-shaped body, while cocktail dresses with ruffles or pleating look best on ruler-shaped forms.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
2
Choose a long gown if you'll be attending a ball or black tie event. If you're going to be attending a very formal event, a floor-length gown is the perfect choice. Just be sure to try it on plenty of time beforehand so that you can fix the length and buy proper shoes if needed.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Decide on a mini dress if you’ll be going to parties, clubs, or bars. A mini dress is easy to dress up or dress down, depending on the exact event you’re going to, and they come in almost every color or style.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Mini dresses (such as body cons) are usually fitted, so if you have an hourglass figure, this is your best option.
- If you're going to be doing a lot of dancing or moving around, make sure the dress isn't too short or uncomfortable.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Deciding on the Dress Color and Fabric

1
Wear silver or gold for a bold, classic look. Silver and gold are popular New Year’s Eve colors, and they’re a great way to make you stand out. If you’re going to a party or want to make an impression, choose a silver, gold, or other metallic dress color.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If you really want to stand out, choose a dress with sparkle, such as beads, glitter, or sequins.
2
Wear a darker-tinted color for a holiday look. Wearing darker colors, such as maroon, purple, dark green, or navy blue, is a popular New Year's Eve choice when it comes to picking a dress. It allows you to be festive while also showing off your sophisticated evening attire, and you can choose whichever color looks best on you.
- Whatever color you choose, make sure that it doesn’t wash you out, and you don’t appear too pale or dull.
3
Choose a little black dress perfect for any event. You can never go wrong with a little black dress. They come in a variety of styles, are easy to dress up or down, and can be found in almost any store. If you’re unsure about the color or type of dress that would be appropriate for the event you’re attending, pick out a black dress you feel confident in.
4
Choose a dress made of velvet for a stylish and warm look. Velvet is a very popular holiday fabric, especially during the winter. Its texture and thickness make it comfortable to wear while also keeping you warm, and it always looks festive.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Other warm fabrics you might consider are knits, leather, or wool.
5
Wear satin or silk for a dressier look. While they’re not the warmest fabrics, satin, silk, or any other shiny fabric is sure to create a more formal-looking dress that’s party-ready.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If you want to wear satin or silk but don't want to look too formal, dress it down by adding a simple jacket.
6
Choose a lace dress for a sophisticated look. Lace is another fabric that can be dressed up or down, and it’s very popular in the winter. Since it’s an intricate and detailed fabric, you don’t need to add many accessories - choose some great shoes and let the lace be the center of attention.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Accessorising the Dress

1
Choose shoes that match the color and length of your dress. Shoes are an important piece of any outfit, so make sure you spend some time deciding which ones will look (and feel!) the best.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you’re wearing a long dress, make sure to try your dress on with your shoes to ensure that the shoe height is correct - you don’t want your dress to be dragging on the ground all night.
- Whether you're wearing high heels or flats, it's typically good to choose a shoe color one shade darker than your dress, and black is always a safe choice.
2
Pick out jewelry that goes with the style and color of your dress. Your jewelry should complement your dress, not overshadow it. Choose a maximum of three pieces and match your jewelry to the dress's features.
- Pay attention to your dress's neckline and choose a necklace that will frame it nicely.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
3
Wear outerwear that matches your dress and is weather-appropriate. Since New Year’s Eve is one of the chilliest holidays in the northern hemisphere you’re going to need a jacket of some sort to keep warm.
- If you know you’ll be spending the majority of the time inside, a shawl, sweater, or light jacket are good options.
- If you’re worried about being cold while outside, opt for warmer outerwear, such as a fur coat or a leather jacket.
4
Add a scarf, hat, or tights to your outfit to stay warm and stylish. If you're still worried about being cold or know you'll be ringing in the New Year outside, bundle up with additional warm accessories such as a knit scarf or fleece lined leggings.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I dress and accessorize for a winter white gala?

Community Answer

I assume that it is formal, so I suggest a floor length dress that's a pale color to suit the theme. Wear subtle silver jewelry, such as a necklace and earrings, and pale, white, or nude heels. You can also wear black accessories, like a velvet ribbon or something like that.
Question

I have a black and gold ball, do I have to wear a black or gold dress?

Community Answer

I'm sure that would be the theme of the ball, but you don't necessarily have to.
Question

I am going to a white and black ball, would it be okay to get 3 dresses and switch in and out of them?

VermontGal

Top Answerer

There is no actual reason you cannot, although you will have to consider where you will be storing the dresses and how much time you will spend changing into the outfits. This is also a bit unusual and may be seen as odd by the other people attending.