The best outfits to wear on New Year’s Eve – whatever your plans

Whether you’re curled up at home watching Jools Holland’s Annual Hootenanny, braving the cold to catch a fireworks display or escaping to the countryside with your nearest and dearest, New Year’s Eve offers the perfect excuse to get dressed up.

No matter your plans, there are simple ways to add sartorial sparkle to your night, even if your preferred party look is a pair of pyjamas. Here are the best New Year’s Eve outfits to welcome in 2026, however you’re celebrating.

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The best outfits to wear on New Year’s Eve

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A pub in the city

You’ll want a look that’s smart enough to feel special but nothing so precious you’ll fret when someone sloshes their Guinness over it. A good jacket is essential for the chilly walk there and back, and aim for shoes you can stand in comfortably in the likely event the pub is packed.

Red tie-detail peplum top

£18 at H&M

Keep the Christmas spirit going with this bright red peplum top, complete with a big bow reminiscent of a present from under the tree – the perfect pub companion.

Animal miniskirt

£37.99 at H&M

Carry the leopard print trend into 2026 with this mini from H&M.

Kate kitten heel boots

£66.50 at Monsoon £66.50 at Simply Be

Knee-high boots will look great and keep your legs warm on the walk home. This Monsoon pair have a heel low enough for dancing.

Longline blazer coat

£52.50 at Asos £70 at Topshop

A slouchy blazer is perfect for throwing over your shoulders to add a bit of laid-back polish.

Black velvet shoulder bag

£46 at Next

A sparkly martini bag is the ideal NYE accessory to top things off.

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Staying home

You may be spending NYE on the sofa, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel like a standard night in. Opt for something soft and luxurious that also nods to the occasion, to make a quiet celebration feel special.

Stars pyjama set

£60 at Chelsea Peers £60 at John Lewis

Bring the fireworks to your living room with this pyjama set from Chelsea Peers.

G&T slippers

£49 at Laines London £49 at Wolf & Badger

Swap out your party heels for some party slippers. This G&T-themed pair from Laines London are fun.

For more, read our guide to the best slippers

Cosy Nights scented candle

£30 at Lookfantastic £40 at Neom

This Cosy Nights scented candle from Neom has a festive sandalwood, frankincense and nutmeg scent.

For more, read our guide to the best scented candles from our tests

M&S Blanc de Blancs cremant d’Alsace

£14 at Ocado

Nothing says happy new year like a bottle of fizz – why not swap champagne for a more budget-friendly (but equally delicious) cremant?

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Going to a country cottage

Whether you’re already rural or are escaping a city, spending NYE in the countryside is the perfect excuse to cosplay Downton Abbey with your favourite party dress. For added drama, try bold colours and accessories that sparkle in candlelight. (For what to wear for a morning-after yomp, see below).

Two-in-one necklace

£39.99 at Pilgrim

No NYE outfit is complete without something metallic; this two-in-one set from Pilgrim is a pretty option.

Asymmetric draped midi dress

£198 at Reiss £198 at John Lewis

This orange Reiss dress is beautifully draped and the perfect companion for dancing into the new year.

Golden beaded bag

£145 at Rixo

A beautiful dress needs an equally beautiful bag. This one from Rixo is adorned with gold vintage-inspired beads.

Pearl shoe clips

£49 at LK Bennett

Save on new heels by adding these sweet shoe clips to an existing pair.

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A meal out

Restaurant dressing is a lesson in perspective – your top half is the one that matters most, so dial it up with an embellished knit and statement earrings. Keep the rest of your look relaxed with a flowing skirt and shimmering accessories that don’t feel overdone.

Pearl drop earrings

£68 at Isla Silver £75 at Wolf & Badger

A statement earring is perfectly at home on New Year’s Eve. This pair from Devon-based brand Isla Silver is on the subtler side.

Embellished jumper

£195 at M&S

Knitwear, but made NYE with some strong embellishment.

Lace trim satin skirt

£88 at Free People

This rich burgundy midi skirt from Free People leans into the festivities with a lace trim.

Silver tassel bag

£40 at John Lewis £40 at Asos

Don’t be scared to double up on your glitz this NYE – this silver-fringed bead bag rises to the occasion.

Polka dot heels

£15.99 at Schuh

A party shoe is a non-negotiable for New Year’s Eve. This Schuh kitten heel pair is comfortable and fun.

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Watching fireworks

Should you wish to out-sparkle the fireworks but stay warm enough to actually see them, New Year’s Eve alfresco requires strategic dressing. Subtle changes in cut, rich colour and braver fabrics can turn a sensible outfit into something worth toasting.

Funnel-neck coat

£175.20 at John Lewis

A warm coat is a must. This chic funnel-neck option from John Lewis should do the trick.

Fitted cardigan

£75 at Nobody’s Child

With slimmer and smarter cuts, a fitted jumper is a simple trick to make your knitwear party ready.

Sequin mini skort

£65 at Abercrombie & Fitch

If full-on sparkle feels a little much, a muted, colour-blocked approach lets your sequins whisper rather than shout.

Fleece-lined tights

£15 at M&S

Sheer-look but fleece-lined, these Marks & Spencer tights will keep you warm without ruining the festive vibe.

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House party

There are no rules to house-party dressing, so it’s the perfect time to express yourself with a kitsch earring or fun dress. Strike a balance between comfort and glam so that you still feel relaxed standing around in a kitchen.

Bubbly drop earrings

£8 at Accessorize

Match your outfit to your drink with these champagne glass earrings.

Knitted dress

£160 at Kitri

Knitted but with a hint of sparkle, this gold and black dress from Kitri is a solid house party choice.

Polka dot bow socks

£12 at Calzedonia

If your host has a “shoes-off” policy, opt for a sock that keeps the party vibes strong.

For more, read what to wear to a no-shoes house

Heeled boots

£65 at Next

Burgundy boots are a great alternative to black; this Next pair has an on-trend curved heel and pointed toe.

Panettone liqueur

£24.99 at Selfridges

Swap out the bottle of supermarket wine and give your hosts this festive panettone liqueur instead – perfect over ice for a NYE drink.

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A New Year’s Day walk

Whether or not you’re nursing a hangover, opt for a look that makes you feel like you haven’t left your bed, with relaxed fits and soft, cosy neutrals.

Striped beanie

£45 at Finisterre

When last night’s hair refuses to cooperate, throw on this cosy Finisterre beanie.

Waxed cotton jacket

£130 at M&S

With its cool, boxy shape and generous pockets, this utilitarian waxed cotton coat is the right balance of practical and stylish.

Straight-leg jeans

£34.90 at Uniqlo

This perfect pair of straight-leg jeans from award-winning designer JW Anderson’s Uniqlo collaboration is a rare find – designer style at an affordable price.

Mohair vest

£87 at & Other Stories

Cashmere jumper

£49 at Intimissimi

Throw this & Other Stories mohair-blend vest over a tonal cashmere-blend jumper for a cosy, stylish combination that pairs perfectly with denim.

Fleece-lined wellies

£55 at Hush

These Hush wellies are made for muddy walks, but with a fur lining to keep your feet toasty as well as dry.

For more, read the best party dresses and the best flat shoes