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If, like me, you’re still wrapping presents less than 48hrs before Christmas day itself, it’s also probable that you haven’t even considered what you might wear on New Year’s Eve.
After a snug festive period of cosy soft knits, slouchy jeans (to allow for all the Quality Street chocolates) and wind-defying puffer coats – necessary for traversing the Yorkshire Dales – the expectation to dress up always catches me off guard.
But it’s an excellent opportunity to embrace the annual rebirth we all like to give ourselves and really get zhuzhed up for the occasion. Net-a-porter’s 2026 trend report predicts a return to more-is-more dressing next year, featuring playful textures, sheer fabrics, high (not kitten) heels and bold primary colours.
Similarly Pinterest, the digital ‘pin board’ platform for inspiration on hobbies, projects, recipes, fashion and home decor, coined it a new Glamoratti era and says we’re in for a ‘decade of decadence’ in a move away from 2025 minimalism; searches for ‘baggy suits’ are up 90%, ‘gold cuffs’ are up 50% and ‘chunky belts’ up 65%.
With that in mind, forget your failsafe jeans-and-a-nice-top outfit combination. Instead, take your NYE dressing inspiration from the year to come.
Will you go for sparkly and short? Dressed up denim (yes, it’s spangly too)? Perhaps an LBD or something velvet? Or maybe even amped up tailoring? Blazers are not just for the office.
These are the showstopping NYE styles that will set the tone for 2026.
LBD
If sequins aren’t your thing, a Little Black Dress is striking enough to stand out among the sparkles. Throw on some 20 denier sheer or patterned tights if you don’t fancy baring your legs. Alternatively, slather on a coat of Tan-Luxe’s gradual lotion for a post-Xmas golden glow.
Sequins
I am all for borrowing your sequins (rather than buying and binning them). But the trick to achieving a timeless glittering look which you can wear past NYE is to invest in sparkles in neutral tones, rather than festive colours. Avoid going for head-to-toe spangles or risk resembling a disco ball. Instead, choose one glitzy item to go with trousers, denim or knitwear.
Velvet
There are few fabrics which look as decadent as velvet. Ruching and ruffles will keep you looking up-to-date. Steer clear of shapeless silhouettes, as this can make oyu look frumpy.
Blazers
Choose a style with a flourish of interest; seek out feather cuffs, all-over embellishments, lace trims and peplum waists.
Dressed up denim
Leave your trusty barrel legs behind. Jeans are only passable on NYE if they’re jazzy. Opt for diamantes, sequins, studs or try Hush’s sophisticated boucle pair.
