What to wear on New Year's Eve according to five editors and their (very) different plans
While its main focus is finding the best Christmas gifts for your loved ones, December is also about the outfits – namely, planning what to wear on New Year's Eve and deciding which one of your many party dresses is getting shown off at the office 'do this year.
Before you reach the “what day of the week is it?” stage of Twixmas (i.e. the gap between Christmas Day and the 1st of January), let's put some thought into the much-anticipated (but often ill-prepared) NYE wardrobe.
Whether you're off to a black tie event or out for a romantic dinner, going to a house party with your wildest pals, or you're actually jetting away, New Year's Eve is a real excuse to dress up. It signals the need to dig out your favourite party outfit (or buy an entirely new one for the occasion), get glam, and see in the good vibes for the year ahead.
This year, five members of the Glamour team have weighed in on outfit ideas according to their (very different) plans. See below for some inspiration on what to wear on New Year's Eve 2025…
1. House party/out-out
The editor: Sophie Cockett, Senior European Commerce Editor.
“It's my boyfriend's birthday on New Year's Eve, which means we're often playing host. This year, we've got friends coming over for drinks, nibbles and games, and it feels like the perfect chance to get a bit dressed up. That said, I still want to be comfy. I recently wore this adorable tweed top from Sister Jane to a dinner with the brand, and loved how much it elevated otherwise very simple denim. I'll be wearing that again on 31st December, paired with some statement earrings, barrel-leg jeans (don't fix what ain't broken) and flats.”
Save when you shop your New Year's Eve outfit with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
2. Dinner and drinks
The editor: Lucy Morgan, Digital and Purpose Director.
“This year I’ll be heading to my old university city, Newcastle, to spend my first New Year’s Eve with my boyfriend. He has promised to take me to The Bake, a Lebanese restaurant where I used to live when I was a student. I’m envisioning wearing a mini skirt, knee-high boots, and a turtleneck for a put-together look that isn’t too OTT. Oh, and massive hoop earrings.”
Save when you shop your New Year's Eve outfit with these Dune discount codes at checkout.
3. Black tie/fancy event
The editor: Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer.
“My New Year's Eve plans aren't exactly black tie, but the dress code does say ‘fancy’, so I'm taking that translation anyway. Me and my husband are going to a posh hotel for a six-course meal, and if you can't get dolled up for something like that then when can you? We'll probably still race home just before midnight to watch Jools Holland's Hootenanny countdown on the sofa in our dressing gowns, but life is all about balance.”
Save when you shop your New Year's Eve outfit with these Karen Millen discount codes at checkout.
4. Staying in
The editor: Sophie Donovan, Senior Commerce Writer.
“I’ve got no shame in admitting that I’m done with staying out to see in the new year — even lining up along the Thames to see the London fireworks feels a little too much effort. Instead, I’ll be belting Auld Lang Syne in my living room with a glass of bubbles in hand. The dress code for the few friends we’ve invited to join us? Comfort with a hint of sparkle — think fancy pyjamas and slippers or your best loungewear.”
Save when you shop your New Year's Eve outfit with these Boux Avenue discount codes at checkout.
5. Away from home
The editor: Eilidh Williamson, European Design Director.
“This New Year, I’ll be hitting the slopes with friends in the Swedish mountain town of Åre. After a day on the snow, we’ll venture into town for dinner and drinks to ring in the new year. With evening temperatures dipping as low as –20°C, layering will be essential for my New Year’s Eve look. I’ll start with a thin but warm base layer, preferably cashmere, to stay comfortable throughout the night and into the early hours. Over that, I’m planning a festive-yet-chic knit, perhaps with a hint of sparkle that will be revealed once we’re safely indoors by a cosy fire. Leather trousers are the perfect way to stay warm while elevating the knitwear. A solid pair of snow boots is non-negotiable, ideally fur-lined to keep my toes warm and to help me stay upright on the snowy streets. And finally, to top it all off, a faux-fur coat with a matching hat will create a chic European ski look — stylish, practical, and warm enough to enjoy the fireworks without freezing.”
Save when you shop your New Year's Eve outfit with these AllSaints discount codes at checkout.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
