What To Wear This New Year’s Eve
Whether you’re spending December 31 on a far-flung island or hosting an intimate dinner party at home, the right outfit will set the mood for the evening and make ringing in the new year even more memorable. Here, four tastemakers share the party looks that will see you through to midnight (and beyond) in style
Olivia Singer, writer and editor
What are your top style tips for New Year’s Eve?
“There’s no such thing as too much. I plan to start 2026 as I mean to go on.”
Describe your ideal New Year’s Eve outfit?
“My issue is that I like to dress up every day, so it’s a struggle to up the ante for special occasions. My ideal is extravagant: I want a Saint Laurent or McQueen gown and sky-high shoes. Go big or go home.”
Is your New Year’s Eve style maximalist or minimalist?
“I’d say maximalist in the sense that I want high glam; minimalist in the sense that it will inevitably be an iteration of a skin-tight black dress, which is perhaps not maximalist by other people’s definition.”
What fabrics, colors and finishes are you most drawn to?
“I mainly wear black, so I’m extra militant about fabrics. I like a technical silk or chiffon because I need to know that I can get it cleaned if I spill something – which I am fairly likely to do – or if it trails a little in London’s inevitable December puddles.”
What are your go-to accessories for NYE celebrations?
“Sunglasses, in case I stay out long enough to need them.”
What do you love most about your outfits in these pictures?
“I like a sense of high glamour worn with fresh, glowing skin and little makeup. It feels like the most modern way to go full throttle – dramatic but without feeling like you’re dressed in a costume.”
What brands will you be turning to this season?
“Saint Laurent, Rick Owens, McQueen, The Row and Alaïa.”
How will you be spending New Year’s Eve this year?
“I am undecided, but always at a friend’s house, or a series of friends’ houses. I’m a Londoner and have spent far too many New Year’s Eves here to make the foolish mistake of trying to go out-out for it – it gets feral out there.”
THE ROWBarina lace-trimmed silk-twill midi dress
SOPHIE BILLE BRAHEClassic Tennis 18-karat gold diamond necklace
TOTEMET-Lock mini calf hair clutch
NEOUSNoqui velvet sandals$975.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size353636.537 - low stock37.5 - low stock38 - low stock38.5 - low stock3939.54041 - out of stock
Viky Rader, creative director and content creator
Describe your ideal New Year’s Eve outfit?
“I love a look that feels chic and feminine but still has a little touch of playfulness – something elegant with a subtle hint of flirtation. That balance always feels right for the occasion.”
What fabrics, colors and finishes are you most drawn to?
“I gravitate toward silk, lace and crepe – fabrics that feel sensual and luxurious on the skin. For colors, I love deep red, black, chocolate tones and soft-cream shades. They always photograph beautifully and feel timeless yet festive.”
What are your top style tips for New Year’s Eve?
“Go for one statement accessory – bold jewelry can transform an entire look. Pair it with sexy shoes and choose an outfit with a special cut that subtly reveals the skin. I love pieces that create a ‘skin connection’, or even a full lace, see-through dress layered with beautiful underwear. And of course, dark-red lips always add the perfect final touch.”
What brands will you be turning to for the perfect party look this season?
“Stella McCartney is always a favorite. Her silhouettes feel modern, empowering and incredibly chic. I also love Victoria Beckham for her clean, sculpted lines, Toteme for effortless sophistication and Chloé for soft, feminine elegance. These are the brands I always opt for on NET-A-PORTER when I’m looking for beautiful partywear pieces.”
What do you love most about the outfits in your pictures?
“I love the sleek shapes, the special cuts and those simple yet elevated lines that make the outfit feel effortless but still incredibly sophisticated.”
How will you be spending New Year’s Eve this year?
“In the mountains, surrounded by family and friends. I love to start the new year cozy, connected and grounded.”
STELLA MCCARTNEYOpen-back cady gown$2,275.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - out of stock36 - low stock38 - low stock40 - low stock42 - out of stock44 - low stock46 - low stock4850 - out of stock
LUCY DELIUSStirrup 14-karat gold diamond earrings
TOTEMEGarderob gathered crepe maxi dress
CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION54 chainmail clutch
Loïcka Grâce, stylist
What are your top style tips for New Year’s Eve?
“Don’t be afraid to bring out your favorite evening dress and wear it again. Whether you’re into minimalist or maximalist pieces, what truly matters is choosing something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable in your own skin. That confidence is the real key to a perfect New Year’s Eve look.”
Is your New Year’s Eve style maximalist or minimalist?
“I’m definitely more of a minimalist when it comes to New Year’s Eve dressing. I love keeping things simple. I’m not into embellished dresses with pearls or rhinestones. I prefer something clean, uniform and long. For me, elegance comes from the silhouette, not the sparkle.”
What fabrics, colors and finishes are you most drawn to?
“Black velvet is one of my favorites. There’s something incredibly comforting about it, both in the way it feels and in the quiet elegance it brings to a look. I also love stretchier textures that sculpt and refine the silhouette without ever compromising on comfort.
Describe your ideal New Year’s Eve outfit?
“My ideal New Year’s Eve outfit is something simple, refined and comfortable enough to enjoy the night without thinking about it too much. Nothing overly extravagant, just a long black backless dress, a pair of pointed heels, and that effortless elegance that still feels natural. It’s the kind of look that lets you feel beautiful, confident and completely yourself. The best part is ending the night barefoot, still dressed up but relaxed – exactly the way I love to celebrate.”
What are your go-to accessories for NYE celebrations?
“A sleek bag and a pair of statement earrings are non-negotiable for me. They really complete the look and give it that polished finish. I always love adding a beautiful ring, too – it’s a little detail that elevates everything effortlessly.”
What do you love most about the outfits in your pictures?
“How perfectly they fit and enhance my silhouette. I’m really drawn to pieces that feel clean, minimal and effortlessly elegant – nothing overloaded, just shapes that fall beautifully and create presence without trying too hard.”
How will you be spending New Year’s Eve this year?
“I’ll be spending New Year’s Eve in the most intimate way: at home, surrounded by the people I love the most. No extravagance, no big plans – just good music, good food and a warm atmosphere. That’s honestly what matters the most to me.”
TOVEYana ruched stretch-jersey maxi dress
GUCCICrystal-embellished velvet and leather shoulder bag
BY PARIAHSet of three 14-karat recycled yellow and white gold diamond rings
CHLOÉVelvet-jacquard jacket$3,104.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - out of stock36 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock46 - out of stock
Bettina Looney, content creator
Describe your ideal New Year’s Eve outfit?
“This year, I’m feeling a little more adventurous and loving fringing and rich color palettes – full Christian Dior spring 1998 couture by John Galliano energy. That’s how I want to ring in the new year.”
What fabrics, colors and finishes are you most drawn to?
“I always love a silk piece, good tailoring and a really great statement shoe.”
What brands will you be turning to this season?
“Bernadette, Dries Van Noten and Taller Marmo are always fun. I also love everything and anything from Magda Butrym.”
What are your go-to accessories for NYE celebrations?
“Jacquemus earrings and my Alaïa ‘Le Teckel’ bag.”
What do you love most about your outfits in your pictures?
“The mix of color and print feels really refreshing for winter. It’s nice to wear something a little more playful and festive this time of year.”
How will you be spending New Year’s Eve this year?
“In Miami, hosting at our new home with some of our closest friends.”
BERNADETTELena cropped appliquéd polka-dot taffeta bustier top
BERNADETTEDamian polka-dot duchesse-satin maxi skirt$750.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - out of stock3638 - out of stock40 - low stock42 - low stock4446 - low stock
ALAÏALe Teckel textured-leather tote
KHAITEComair cropped satin-trimmed crepe blazer
