What to Wear on New Year's Eve No Matter What Your Plans Are

Trying to figure out what to wear on New Year's Eve can come with a lot of pressure. After all, you want to send the year off right, which means finding the perfect outfit for the occasion — and maybe your zodiac sign, too. If a glitzy gown and strappy pumps make you feel festive then, by all means, reach for your most outrageous holiday attire and don't look back. However, if your ideal New Year's Eve involves heating up frozen appetizers in the oven, drinking a cocktail or mocktail, and watching the ball drop from your couch, you're under no obligation to wear heels or dress to the nines — unless you want to, of course.

We've rounded up several looks and tips from fashion influencers Jen Adams and Carla Rockmore; let the following outfits inspire your celebratory style and radiate confidence and excitement as the clock strikes midnight.

Be Bold

New Year's Eve is inherently glitzy and glamorous, so if you're itching to make a statement, Adams recommended leaving your LBD at home and going big with bright, bold patterns and eye-catching hues. "Eccentric colors mixed with pretty metallics are a serendipitous way to ring in the new year," she told us.

Stay Neutral

A neutral color palette says I'm looking forward to the new year, but I'm not getting my hopes up just yet. Stay impartial by sticking with earth-toned basics, including items such as your favorite pair of denim, a solid tee, and a beige duster jacket to dress up the look just a tad.

One-and-Done

One-and-done ensembles are a lazy fashionista's dream. If you can't be bothered to piece together an outfit, embrace the jumpsuit; it's an almost effortless fashion statement. Accessorize with dainty jewelry and a sleek belt, and wait until plans have been cemented before deciding on footwear. Heels and flats are both great options, but no one's going to judge you if you opt for easy slides or even go barefoot around the house.

Cozy Sweats

If the extent of your plans includes ordering takeout and ringing in the new year with sound makers and paper hats on your couch, you might as well keep your OOTD casual, too. Get comfy in a sweatsuit and call it a night. The only accessory you'll need is a bottle of bubbly.

Something Sleek

A mini dress and matching blazer is an easy New Year's Eve outfit that will have you looking sleek and sophisticated. Add a pair of knee-high (or higher) boots or kitten heels and minimal accessories to tie it all together.

Go Monochromatic

A streamlined color scheme has become our favorite easy styling trick over the past few years. Whether the plan is to dress up or down, pick a color — any color — and rock it from head to toe for a cute New Year’s Eve outfit.

Sparkle and Shine

Take a cue from Rockmore and go with a New Year’s Eve outfit that shines. "I'm pairing an emerald green fitted lurex sweater with high-waisted, tiger patterned, sequin bell bottom trousers," she told us before suggesting pairing with a wide black vintage belt. "It's a look Tony Douquette would be proud of," she added.

Throw It Back

Looking towards the future doesn't mean you aren't nostalgic for simpler, happier times like the '90s and Y2K. Borrow some of the alternative era's chill vibes with a grunge-inspired New Year's style of baggy jeans styled with an oversized flannel jacket.

Go Big

There's truth to the age-old sentiment: "The bigger, the better." Snuggle into the oversized sweater that brings you the most joy and claim your seat on the couch or your side of the bed if you're celebrating at home. If you're heading out, pair the baggy top with mom jeans or wide-leg pants.

Cozy Yet Classic

Another done-in-one option that’s both cozy and cute? The sweater dress. There are so many ways to wear it, too: You can keep things casual with a pair of white sneakers or heeled booties or dress it up with statement jewelry and strappy footwear. We love this knit jacket, boots, and tights combo.

A Little Bit of Leather

If you're feeling particularly on edge this time of year, there's something about the attitude of (faux) leather that will help put you in the right mindset to get you through the tail end of December. If you don't have a pair of leather pants in your wardrobe, swap out the piece for a leather skirt or jacket to create a similar vibe.

Pretty Pajamas

Props if you can stay awake long enough to see the ball drop, but if your track record mirrors Sleeping Beauty's, don't bother getting dressed for the occasion. Instead, slip into your favorite pair of festive pajamas as your New Year's Eve outfit. This way, you're ready for photo ops in true Pinterest fashion, and if you happen to fall asleep on the couch, it's no big deal.