Whether you’re hitting up an over-the-top shindig that would make Truman Capote proud or ringing in 2018 at home with dear friends (Seamless and Netflix among them), New Year’s Eve merits an extra special outfit. That means no last-minute decisions — and absolutely no lazing around in your PJs.
The very best New Year’s Eve dresses and outfits are accessorized to a T (we’re currently in love with the single dangly earring look), incorporate at least a hint of holiday sparkle (via sequins, jewelry or even a metallic bootie) and don’t cost an arm and a leg. (Save your money for champagne, movie rentals, party tickets.)
In the slideshow above, you’ll find 15 such New Year’s Eve dresses and outfits, all exciting, all impeccably coordinated, all sourced from fast-fashion wunderkind Zara. Go forth and buy ‘em right off the rack or mimic their styling using clothes you already own. Happy outfit planning, and may 2018 be your most stylish year yet.
[ Next: From H&M to Saint Laurent, Here Are the Hottest Party Shoes for Every Budget ]
New Years Eve Outfits 2017
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Sequins on Sequins on Sequins
Too much? What's too much? This lavish sequins robe/top/midi skirt combo is perfect for decadent celebrating. Accessorize the over-the-top trio with thin, dangly earrings, a wispy ballerina bun and a graphic cat eye.
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Jeans and a Going-Out Bodysuit
This going-out top and jeans look is festive, but also comfortable and (kinda) low-key. The fanciful details (pearl buttons, pearl-dusted belt buckle, studded booties, silvery chandelier earrings) make it clear this isn't your average girls' night out.
Velvet Bodysuit With Faux Pearls, $49.90 at Zara
Studded Belt, $22.90 at Zara
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Pantone Approved
Pantone named glam-rock bright purple, aka "Ultra Violet," the 2018 color of the year. Show your 2018 spirit in a head-to-toe (muted) purple outfit made more glam by pleats and a hint of sparkle.
Pleated Velvet T-Shirt, $29.90 at Zara
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Fringe Benefits
Both sequins and fringe feel classically New Year's Eve, not to mention this skirt will look awesome on the dance floor. Balance out those loud 3D finishings with a silky black top that's a statement in and of itself.
Shirt With Puffed Sleeves, $89.90 at Zara; Sequinned Skirt With Fringe, $89.90 at Zara
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A Velvet Goldmine
Don't overcomplicate your New Year’s Eve outfit. Stick with a formula: cool (preferably patterned) velvet dress, faux red fur, a little bling (embellished scrunchie, anyone?) and some messed-up Chucks.
Velvet Dress, $19.90 at Zara
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An Easy-Breezy Midi
Pro tip: Any floaty floral wrap dress can be made New Year's Eve-ready with the addition of a slinky metallic scarf and clashing, high-octane eyeshadow.
Devoré Velvet Midi Dress, $89.90 at Zara; Chain Mail Scarf, $35.90 at Zara
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Sheer Joy
Wear a New Year's Eve dress that's as glamorous and airy as you aspire to be in the coming year. This dress' transparent panels give it a weightless feel and make layering all the more fun. Finish off your flirty evening look with metallic booties, a slicked-back pony and a perfect red lip.
Long Lace Dress, $59.90 at Zara
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An Après-2017 Moment
Spending December 31 on a hillside in Aspen? Or just appreciate an après-ski moment? Make your party look a glittery midi skirt worn under an outsize, bubble-sleeved jacquard sweater. Cap things off with a single statement earring and Marc Jacobs-esque turban (or, if you're feeling particularly cheeky, a chic pom-pom hat).
Oversized Jacquard Sweater, $59.90 at Zara; Ruffled Skirt With Sequins, $89.90 at Zara; Sequinned Sock-Style Slingback Court Shoes, $99.90 at Zara
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A Crossover for the Crossover
In 2018, we'll continue to take our styling cues from the 90s, layering strappy (sequined) crossover dresses such as this one over navy blue or black turtlenecks. (Though we'd swap those black sandals for metallic ones, which we'd fasten over black pulled-high socks.)
Crossover Sequinned Dress, $119 at Zara; Ribbed Roll Neck Sweater, $29.90 at Zara
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Bright Tights
Sequin naysayers, make your New Year's Eve outfits shine with accessories in fun, unexpected colors like robin's egg blue.
Printed Dress With Elastic Detail, $49.90 at Zara
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A Leggings Look
In 2018, we're going to make leggings as party attire happen (by hiding them under kimonos).
Combined Floral Jacquard Kimono, $119 at Zara; Après-Ski Leggings, $39.90 at Zara
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The Party Pantsuit
Spend the night power posing in a sassy silver suit and gargantuan earrings. Ground the Hillary-approved look with a black turtleneck and sock booties.
Sequinned Miniskirt, $49.90 at Zara; Blazer With Sequins, $119 at Zara; Long Shiny Earrings, $19.90 at Zara
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Late 2010s Meets Early 2000s
Halt the passage of time in a sparkly strapless number that brings it back to the year 2002. For cool contrast, pair your kitschy going-out top with wide-leg trousers and an outsize velvet blazer or faux fur coat. Leave low-rise jeans in the past.
Shimmery Halter Top, $29.90 at Zara; Faux Fur Coat, $169 at Zara
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The Perennial Dress-Over-Pants Look
If you love your sequined miniskirts but don't feel like freezing your legs off this New Year's Eve, here's an on-trend solution. Elevate your everyday denim with metallic kitten heels and a luxe millennial pink "fur."
Colored Faux Fur Coat, $119 at Zara; Sequinned Mini Skirt, $49.90 at Zara
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Haute PJs
For those ringing in 2018 on the couch with good friends, something cozy, stretchy and just a little bit sexy is in order. Behold, the ultimate elevated pajama set. Style it with your highest metallic heels, seeing as you won't be doing much walking.
Pyjama Shirt, $69.90 at Zara; Printed Trousers, $69.90 at Zara
