New Year’s Eve might be every fashion-lover’s favorite day of the year. This upcoming holiday encourages everyone to go all out with their outfits to bring in the new year. Statement pieces and sequin dresses are a recurring trend that I predict many of us may be taking on. While we would love to dress head to toe in luxury, it can be hard for college students to find an affordable New Year’s Eve outfit. That’s where I come in.
As we brought in 2021 last year, COVID-19 stopped anyone from leaving their homes and many celebrations were spent in sweatpants on the couch. Since the pandemic is still relevant, many may opt to stay inside again and spend time alone. Others might plan a virtual party with friends. Some small gatherings and parties may pop up around the country. No matter how you are spending the holiday, I think we all need an excuse to finally dress up.
Whether you are looking to stay in this year or dance the night away, here are five New Year’s Eve outfit ideas you can add to your cart that won’t break the bank.
01. For the Casual Evening
If you just don’t feel like dressing up this year, I’ve got you covered. Whether you are sitting at home with some Chinese food or going out to a local restaurant with your hometown friends, a playful sweater with some elevated jeans are a great option.
Lulu's Sweetest Treat Cream Multi Confetti Chenille Knit Sweater
Stay warm and cozy in this colorful knit top ($25) and be ready to celebrate anywhere you go. A long night is best spent in a comfy sweater you never want to take off.
ASOS Violet Romance Jeans With Star Print
This pattern-printed denim ($40) is a great choice to spice up your casual look for the holiday.
L.L. Bean Cozy Slipper Slides
I am obsessed with the sherpa shoe trend right now. These fluffy slip-ons ($59) are perfect for a night in or casual dinner.
Skims Cozy Knit Socks
Slip on these fuzzy socks ($16) under your sherpa slippers for max comfort! Pick from a variety of colors, including camel, onyx, and garnet.
Mejuri Organic Pearl Hoops
According to Pinterest Predicts 2022, pearls are a trend anticipated for the new year. These earrings ($75) will become an accessory in your closet and will compliment the pieces in this outfit curation.
02. For the Small Gathering at Home
New Year’s Eve is a time to spend with those you love most. My favorite yearly tradition is to share a table full of appetizers with my family and watch the Times Square Ball Drop around the T.V. Style an oversized button down over some patterned pants for a comfortable yet dressy look to ring in the new year at home.Â
H&M Wide-Cut Blouse
Stay comfortable and classy with this relaxed-fit button down top ($25). Here’s a style tip: button only a few middle buttons and tuck one side into your pants for a trendy look.
JLUXLABEL Sequin Wide Leg Pants
These high-waisted bottoms ($89) are perfect for slumping on the couch with your family or best friends to watch the ball drop. At the same time, the wide-leg cut and sequin-covered fabric will make you feel like it’s New Year’s.
Steve Madden Charlie Platform Sneaker
There’s no need to stay in painful heels all night when you are relaxing at home. Instead, opt for a pair of clean white tennis shoes that compliment your top. These monochrome sneakers ($75) combine street style and chic style in an elevated platform silhouette.
Anthropologie Embellished Metal Claw Hair Clip
Pull your hair back with this gold-plated, acrylic pearl embellished claw clip ($15) to add a little detail that will pull the entire look together.
Free People Ring On Every Finger Set
That champagne glass will look great in your hand with a ring on every finger. This set of 10 coordinating designs ($38) will make an effortless statement.
03. For Dinner and Drinks
Spend the night at your favorite restaurant with your friends and cheers to the New Year. Here is an outfit guaranteed to show up everyone at the table. A statement top with clean faux leather pieces is the way to go.
Zara Semi-Sheer Sequin Top
The versatility of the color of this shirt ($70) with the boldness of the sequins is unmatched. Plus it will have you standing out from the other guests at the table. Â
Aritzia Ribbed Cropped Racer Tank
This flattering, high crew neckline tank ($25) will look great under the sheer fabric of the sequin top. Pick from 30 different colors and create your ideal New Year’s Eve palette.
Princess Polly Braden Pant
A reliable pair of high-waisted faux leather pants brings any outfit to the next level. These bottoms ($64) from Princess Polly have a stylish flare leg and seam detail.
BP. Loren Pointed Toe Bootie
You will look glamorous in these glossy, high-heeled booties ($60) from Nordstrom. The polished silhouette will become an essential this winter season.
Express Slouched Hobo Handbag
Tie together the fabric of your bottoms and boots with this faux leather purse ($68) that will hold your go-to lipstick all night.
04. For the Virtual Event
With COVID-19 still raging outside, a virtual party might be the best option to keep us all safe in 2022. The most important thing to remember when dressing for the camera is to not be afraid of statement pieces.
H&M Sequined Top
Your screen will be sparkling with this sequined t-shirt ($50). The oversized fit and dropped shoulders will keep you comfortable as you sit at your computer throughout the night.
Nasty Gal Heavy Satin Pintuck Pants
Silk pants ($24) are a great alternative to sweatpants when you want to feel a little dressed up. The breathable, flowy fabric will feel like pajama pants without anyone noticing.
Lulu's Bead the Way Green Beaded Tassel Earrings
The best way to dress up for a virtual party is through a pair of statement earrings. These stunning beaded ones ($18) are perfect to bring attention to your little square on the screen.
Edikted Elisa Oversized Blazer
Throw this matching green blazer ($46) over your short sleeve sequin top for a coordinated look. This is a great statement piece you can rewear throughout 2022.
KCHIES Pearl Hair Clips
Frame your face with these handmade decorated pins ($7) to enhance your look.
05. For the Cocktail Party
New Year’s Eve is an excuse to dress to the nines. It is the one time of year where you can style your outfit for the imaginary red carpet and no one can say anything. Find the loudest dress you can and slip on those heels you have been waiting to wear. 2022 is coming.
Superdown Tiffany Mini Dress
This luxurious, bright green dress ($68) will turn heads as you strut through your end of the year cocktail party.
Zara Faux Leather Blazer
To protect you from the cold, slip this oversized leather blazer ($90) over your sequin dress for a practical and elegant look.
Nasty Gal Patent Faux Leather Strappy Block Heels
Dance until midnight in these strappy heels ($15), great for styling your party outfit.
Free People Lua Mini Clip
This classy mosaic clip ($8) in a coordinated green tone will hold your hair back all night. Part it down the middle and slick it back into a bun in true 2021 style.
INC Silver-Tone Rhinestone Wide Choker Necklace
Decorate your neck in these dramatic jewels ($21) to show up all the guests at the cocktail party. New Year’s Eve is the time to go big or go home.
Set yourself up as a trendsetter for 2022 and bring on the new year in your most fashionable outfit yet. Happy New Year’s!
