The Best Dresses for New Year’s Eve

I absolutely love holiday and NYE parties and having an excuse to get a fun dress. Each year, I go through some of my favorite affordable retailers and try to compile the best affordable holiday cocktail dresses (since many of us don’t want to spend a ton on a dress we may only wear once or twice a year). If you’re not necessarily after a dress, here are some NYE outfit ideas, whether you’re celebrating at home or going out!

Everything in this haul is under $200, so you won’t break the bank when shopping for a holiday cocktail party this year. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, read this roundup of my favorite Tuckernuck dresses (I found a few holiday dress gems from them under $200 you’ll see below). They have some great cocktail options for NYE and the holidays. Or if you want to opt for something more casual than a dress, check out my favorite Fair Isle sweaters for the holidays.

If you’re shopping for a work holiday party, here are office-appropriate holiday outfits.

If you’re pregnant over the holidays, like I was a couple of years ago, here are maternity-specific cocktail dresses for the holidays that I loved.

The Best NYE Dresses for Women

Alright, let’s get into the festive cocktail dress options!

Black Cocktail Dresses

Started strong with black or metallic cocktail dresses. Not only are these perfect for the holidays, but they also work well for NYE, which is already on my mind. If you’re shopping for a black dress, I recommend getting something that’s a little more fun with cutouts, an unusual hemline or neckline or with fun fabrics like velvet, lace, or sequins vs. just a plain black cocktail dress.

With black dresses, I prefer to wear fun shoes and red lips to make the look feel like more festive cocktail attire. These gorgeous Sam Edelman jeweled pointy-toe heels would immediately make a simple black dress feel perfect for the holidays. I ordered them last year, and they’re amazing in person. And this Armani shade is, hands down, the most flattering red lipstick ever (shade Four Hundred). It looks GOOD on everyone.

Little black dresses will serve you well for years to come so it’s worth the effort to find one you love.

Tuckernuck Black Velvet Elodie Dress

The black velvet dress from Tuckernuck I’m wearing below is classy, timeless, and festive. I love the flare at the bottom and the puff sleeves to balance out the fitted silhouette of the rest of the dress. Not to mention, it’s so comfortable, which is perfect if you’re holiday party involves lots of moving or dancing.

I love wearing it with kitten heels and delicate drop earrings. If you’re petite, consider heels with a pointed toe like these from Sam Edelman to elongate the leg.

Hyacinth House Black Knit Giavanna Maxi Dress

The Black Lace Giavanna Maxi Dress is glamorous even when you’re keeping things low-key. It’s knit on top, so it’s comfy and sleek, then gives you this gorgeous lace skirt bottom that moves and twirls – perfect for when you want drama without trying too hard. Wear it with heels, throw on a plush fur coat, and you’re totally set for a holiday party, NYE party, or any festive night out. At under $200, it’s a sweet spot for a statement piece that isn’t over the top – just right for feeling cute, confident, and a little festive.

Amazon Long Sleeve Velvet Ruffles Mini Dress

This Amazon long-sleeve velvet mini is such a classy, fun, and flirty holiday cocktail dress. The long sleeves balance the shorter hem, and the ruffle details add just enough playfulness. I’d throw on tights, black pumps, and a glittery clutch for a festive feel. A dress like this works all holiday long, whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the New Year!

If you prefer a sleeveless option, the Lulus Gorgeous Darling Black Velvet Sleeveless Mock Neck Mini Dress is pretty similar – a slightly more modern, polished look.

Both of these come in a handful of festive colors.

Pontee Plissé One-Shoulder Midi Dress

This midi-length Pontee Plissé One-Shoulder Dress is such a great option for NYE parties. Since I’m in my 40s, I tend to opt for midis more often than mini dresses (although for a cocktail party, it is fun to sport a short dress), so I was drawn to this dress. You could dress it up with colorful shoes or keep it sexy with black strappy shoes and some sparkly earrings. You could wear this dress for multiple occasions.

Tuckernuck Black Sequin Carmen Column Midi Dress

The Black Sequin Carmen Midi Dress is all about sleek sparkle. The column silhouette elongates the body, while the sequins catch the light without feeling over the top. Throw a silky shawl over your shoulders, and pair with simple black heels and dangly earrings for a night out.

If you love the look and fit of that dress, but prefer no sparkle, the Black Taffeta Simmons Column Dress is for you – truly gorgeous, timeless, and perfect.

It’s elegant enough for a work party but still feels celebratory. Here are more festive and professional holiday work party outfits.

How Much I Care Black Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress

It’s hard to beat a traditional off-the-shoulder midi dress, especially in black. While this How Much I Care Black Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress does lean a little more dressy than some shorter options, it would be great for a formal work dinner or nicer NYE party because of the length. I love the ruffled hemline and sweetheart neckline.

You could go black or metallic for shoes, but I think strappy with a narrow heel is definitely the way to go.

Cult Gaia Black Blaise Mini Dress

The Cult Gaia Black Blaise Dress is one of those fun little minis that still feels totally timeless. The drop waist silhouette is flattering, the front bow adds a sweet detail, and the bubble hem gives it that playful edge that makes it feel party-ready. How cute would this be styled with tights, heels, and a chic fur coat like this for a New Year’s Eve party – but it’s just as perfect for date night or any holiday celebration where you want to feel cute, confident, and a little festive.

Red Cocktail Dresses

I find the best holiday cocktail attire dresses are red. Don’t get me wrong, I also love a green or black dress, but something about red during the holidays feels extra festive. If you’re still shopping for Christmas cocktail dresses, look no further than this section.

Always For You Wine Red Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

The Always For You Wine Red Puff Sleeve Mini Dress is a tried-and-true holiday cocktail dress. I ordered it two years ago, and it was one of the most flattering options I discovered that year. The fit is true-to-size, and the texture of the dress adds some interest. I especially love that this dress has a conservative neckline, but it’s not boring.

I styled this dress with black heels, fun gold earrings, and a glittery clutch. This might be my favorite petite holiday dress (I’m 5’1″, so I’m always on the hunt for petite options).

Cocktail Dresses & Accessories

Lulu’s has a great selection of affordable cocktail and holiday dresses. Have a little fun and get something a bit bolder this year; maybe try some embellishments. A seasonal party is the perfect excuse.

For accessories, Baublebar has a great selection of affordable statement jewelry, and in my experience, fast shipping.

A couple of years ago, I tried on many dresses in this Holiday Cocktail YouTube video (many aren’t available anymore, but there are a few remaining stragglers) so you can see how they fit and move.

What is cocktail attire for a Christmas Party?

Typically, cocktail attire means a balance between formal and casual. It’s not quite as formal as a black tie event or a gala where you’d wear a gown, but it’s dressier than dinner with your girlfriends. Most retailers will categorize their dresses as “cocktail dresses” so just look for that.

For a cocktail party, men usually wear a suit and tie, and women wear a dress with heels. However, you can easily get away with wearing dressier boots with heels.

Happy holidays and have fun celebrating!

If you’re looking for Thanksgiving outfit ideas, read this post, and I’ve also got you covered with the most affordable fall dresses.

If you’re in the mood to make your home feel festive too, here’s how to decorate your porch for the holidays!

SHOP HOLIDAY DRESSES