How to Wear White on New Year’s Eve

New Year's Eve is right around the corner. Do you know what you plan on wearing? For most, it's a night for sparkle and shine, and a chance to wear something more over the top. As women, especially grown-ass women, we often resort to wearing black as it's easy, subtle, and likely is already in our closet. And that's ‘s great, but if you're buying a look or making one from your existing closet, I'd encourage you to try white and whitish colors like ivory and cream. Let me explain…

It's evening, the sky is dark, the lights are low, and it's a perfect time to stand out by wearing white. White and colors like ivory and cream are elegant and elevated and can be paired together, so there is no need to match exactly, and it's a perfect backdrop for sequins and sparkly baubles. And forget that archaic style rule about white making you look bigger… it doesn't, especially if you style it well. And that's why I am here today!

How to Wear White on New Year's Eve

Wearing white on New Year's Eve is very stylish. It's on trend, it fits the quiet luxury trend, it's a way to be cozy and warm while still looking dressy, and it's both unexpected and a classic. Below I'll assist you with styling tips and suggestions to stylishly wear white on New Year's Eve and other non-wedding dressy occasions.

Can You Wear White on New Year's Eve?

You will look chic and seasonally appropriate in white when the ball drops. When choosing wintry fabrics and garments with a bit of texture or shine, white will look more elegant than any other color (including black).

It is appropriate to close out one year and start another while wearing white because the color symbolizes peace, purity, and new beginnings. White is often worn in the summer because it reflects light, but that is exactly why it's also perfect for evening occasions like New Year's Eve.

Black is a given. Colors are memorable and harder to re-wear again and again. But white, cream, ivory… they are classic and elegant, wearable on the holiday and beyond, appropriate all seasons of the year, they play well with other colors, highlight metallics and shine, and give an elevated, luxurious vibe not found with any other color.

How To Style White Outfits For New Years Eve

If I'm raving about this color for New Year's Eve fashion, you know I'll back it up with sample outfits! I hope the looks below show you how great white can be for a winter holiday and inspire you when crafting your New Year's Eve ensemble!

Pair Refined yet Stretchy Fabrics for Elevated Comfort

I am all about comfy holiday outfits, and white is a way to elevate cozy fabrics and relaxed silhouettes. Cashmere, fleece, ponte knit… even sweats look elegant when in a shade of winter white or ivory.

This is a look from Chico's, a favorite retailer for festive yet comfortable holiday clothing. The winter white-on-white look is chic, timeless, and dressy thanks to the pearl-embellished mock-neck sweater, long strand of pearls, and a soft metallic flat loafer. The ponte knit pants are refined enough to wear to the office with a blazer, but comfy enough for lounging by the fire to ring in the new year.

Focus on Silhouette and Keep Accessories Simple

Ivory and winter make quite a statement; if you're not big on the bling, focus on silhouette and architecture for a look that will be elegant, timeless, and perfect for that New Year's party.

This look from Ann Taylor is a great example of focusing on silhouette. A long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder sweater is elegant with cool but classic architecture. Pairing it with wide-leg trousers, or a matching skirt as seen in this photo, you create a column of color that creates interest without having your figure the focus. A pair of delicate pearl earrings and dressy flats will complete the look without turning you into a disco ball.

Take a Note from the Boys with a Cocktail Pantsuit

Y'all know I love a cocktail pantsuit for us grown-ass women. It's such a chic look, and a way to wear comfy shoes and keep your legs warm on a cold winter's night. A winter white cocktail pantsuit will make a statement without you having to say a word (and will even look cute with sneakers!).

This pantsuit from ELOQUII (link to the blazer, link to the pants) is so elegant. Consider a base layer also in winter white: you can go from a sexy bustier as seen on the model above to a trim turtleneck for coverage and sophistication. Also a camisole, silk button-front shirt, and even a seuin tee would all be great base layers.

Again, no need for a lot of accessories; a lip gloss, bit of highlighter, and maybe a metallic shoe will be plenty to make this suit party ready. Then after the holiday, enjoy the suit as separates to get even more wear out of this classic ensemble.

One and Done with a White Dress

When you choose a black dress for a festive event like New Year's Eve, you need to think about how to accessorize to not look like you're instead attending a funeral. But a white dress? Not only is your look complete, accessorizing is way easier! Black shoes and bag? Metallics? Statement color? Leopard print? All of the above and more works with a winter white dress.

I adore this dress from Tuckernuck; in a poly crepe with feather trim, it's not season specific. Wear it in the early summer with metallic heeled sandals and on New Year's Eve with black tights and shoes, sparkly hose and Mary Janes, or even your favorite pair of trendy sneakers. And with such a neckline and silhouette, there's no need for complicated underpinnings.

Make Super Casual Super Special

How can sweatpants and a sweatshirt look festive? Choose a matching set in a wintry shade of white! Soft as a cloud in a cloud-like color, the effect is snow bunny chic.

The Spanx AirEssentials collection is so comfortable, so well made, and comes in a great size range. “Powder” is a beautiful white shade and by pairing two pieces in the same color, the effect is quite elegant for comfy sweats. And it's easy to switch up the look depending on your situation and personal style:

• Style with black shoes and a fitted black turtleneck, similar to the photo above, for a modern Après-ski effect.
• Pair with sparkly earrings and shearling boots for a super cozy luxe casual look
• Add smoking slippers and gold jewelry to be casual and cozy with elevated glam