If there’s one night in the calendar loaded with expectation, it’s New Year’s Eve.
The last night of the year is the one that many decide you must go all out for, however you picture it.
You could be up on a London rooftop, chilled flute in hand, eyes turned upward for the impending fireworks. Perhaps you’re in a country retreat by a roaring fire, preparing your vocal cords for the annual rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Maybe you’re with your inner circle at a riotous house party, considering who in the crowd you’ll embrace when the clock strikes 12.
Whatever you have on the agenda, one thing’s for certain: you’ll need a knockout outfit to suit.
Much in the same way we lean towards florals come spring and earthy-toned knits in autumn, NYE dressing is all about sparkle. Sequins, beading, mirrorwork, crystals; all will echo the look of the bubbles in your glass and the pyrotechnics cast into the sky. Plus, thanks to their light-reflecting qualities, they’ll look gorgeous in pictures.
Sequins aren’t for everyone, of course. If you’d rather give them a swerve, a luxe fabric like velvet, lame, or jacquard will still help convey the party look with a little more elegance. Confine bling to jewellery and footwear instead — you’ll still look the part without denting your status as the belle of the ball.
Below, you’ll find my countdown to the best party dresses out there, with options at every length and price point.
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Nadine Merabi Camille Gold Dress
Come the end of the year, it’s all about sparkles to help you transition into 2025. Loved by celebrities and often spotted on the red carpet, Nadine Merabi’s gold mini dress is perfect for the occasion. The piece is covered in sequins arranged in a floral pattern and comes with long sleeves to help ward off the cold. A real party piece.
Buy now £395.00, Nadine Merabi
RIXO Laurie Embellished Mini Dress
A party-starting dress if ever I saw one, RIXO brings the NYE vibes in this sparkly little number. Available in sizes 6 - 16, it’s one to buy now and crack out for special occasions all 2026 long.
Buy now £395.00, RIXO
Boden Halter Fit & Flare Gold Dress
When in doubt, a black and gold palette will always nail the party brief. Boden’s take comes with a bow neckline and flared skirt, which will flatter all shapes. Wear with a shimmering dry oil across the decolletage and shoulders to continue the golden girl vibe.
Buy now £169.00, Boden
KarenMillen Crystal Embellished Long Sleeve Woven Maxi Dress
If there’s any occasion that calls for glitter, it is New Year’s Eve. Karen Millen’s maxi is a hit, finished with intricate crystalwork across the front and back. Offered in gunmetal grey, team with polished silver accessories.
Buy now £391.20, KarenMillen
Topshop Metallic midiaxi dress with silver hardware in silver
Prefer to keep things simple? Silver always feels futuristic, and the unbroken lines in this midaxi make it look like liquid mercury, even when you’re standing still. Super elegant and chic, it comes in sizes 4 — 18.
Buy now £60.00, Topshop
H&M Glittery bandeau dress
A short, fitted dress with cutaway details and encrusted with rhinestone embellishments makes a nice upgrade to an LBD on a night as special as NYE. It’s lined and comes with silicone strips along the hem to keep the plunging neckline in place. Team with a big, faux fur coat, sparkly jewellery and party tights.
Buy now £44.99, H&M
Aligne Blaze Satin Party Dress
Whether you’re going to a central London soiree or a house party, Aligne’s silver mini is a sleek, party piece that has fun written all over it. Add pearl jewellery to dial up the radiance and prepare to glow come midnight.
Buy now £109.99, Aligne
Topshop Heavy beaded fringe mini dress in silver
A party look that renders all jewellery obsolete, it’s practically impossible to have a bad time in Topshop’s beaded fringe dress. It’s made in a lightweight chiffon that will have you gliding around the party with the fringe detail falling well past the hemline. You’ll need heels to do it justice, and don’t forget a big coat if you’re heading outside to watch the fireworks.
Buy now £130.00, Topshop
Stine Goya Kick Pleat Mini Dress - Lurex Garden
The Danish designer is a great label for special occasion dressing when you want to stand out without blowing a fortune. This mini comes with a kick pleat skirt and jacquard floral artwork. Equally as lovely with heels or flats — you decide.
Buy now £285.00, Stine Goya
Nadine Merabi Margot Black Dress
Lined with sheer nude-coloured mesh, Nadine Merabi’s LBD is what grand entrances were made for. The nearly-naked look is finished with leaf-shaped sequin embellishments to create the perfect balance between coverage and allure. You’ll need nude-coloured underwear with this one, as it doesn’t come with a slip.
Buy now £425.00, Nadine Merabi
Albaray Sequin Fringed Midi Column Dress
Meet the flapper 2.0. This column dress is made for owning the dance floor with tiered fringing detail that swings with every twist and turn.
Buy now £150.00, M&S
ARRANGE mirror embellished cami column midi dress in black
Follow the call of the disco ball in this midi, finished with mirrorwork embellishments that will ping light around the room. A range of sizes is available from 4 — 18.
Buy now £180.00, ASOS
AFRM Kira Mock-Neck Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress
Leave 2025 in your rearview with this dramatic maxi. It features a built-in high-leg body suit and long flowing skirt with light embellishment across the hem. Edgy yet sophisticated, it’ll look just as lovely paired with a biker jacket or warmer, double-breasted coat.
Buy now £128.00, Anthropologie
Kitri Neve Burgundy Velvet Halter Dress
The colour of a rich glass of red, this velvet halter looks and feels sumptuous enough for black tie parties. The cross-front halterneck ties at the nape of the neck, leaving just the right amount of skin on show. Come 2026, bring sexy back.
Buy now £215.00, Kitri
ME+EM Evening Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit is a great alternative to a dress, conveying a slightly retro glam that’s ideal for December 31. ME+EM keeps the festive feels on the agenda with this red velour piece that sports a halter neckline with a bandeau underneath and full, flowing legs complete with pockets for the essentials.
Find it in sizes 6 - 16.
Buy now £250.00, ME+EM
Mint Velvet Pink Metallic Midi Dress
Rose gold is one of those alchemic colours that looks lovely on practically everyone without the headache of working out undertones as with gold or silver. For a demure yet decadent look, Mint Velvet’s midi is an easy pick. Team with bronze, pink or burgundy accessories and makeup to accentuate that rosy glow.
Buy now £190.00, Mint Velvet
