Is it just me, or did this year go incredibly quickly? I'm known among my friends and family for being the first person to buy and wrap Christmas presents, but as the last 12 months flew by I didn't even have the time to make my usual October deadline and this year I've been guilty of a lot of last minute purchases. Given that I've only just finished my shopping with a matter of days to go until they're unwrapped again, I also haven't had the opportunity to think about the event that some people will have been counting down to for the last 364 days–New Year's Eve, but more specifically, what I'm even going to wear.
There is the same pressure every NYE to not only find the most exciting party, but also to wear the perfect outfit, and if like me your mind is still focused on Turkey timings and perfecting the roast potato technique, I doubt you'll have had the time to give either much thought. Allow me to reassure you then, this is not your last minute warning to frantically search the high street to find the outfit–in fact, I've already done that for you. Given the number of new pieces that I look through every day in my role as Who What Wear's shopping editor, I come across a wealth of otherwise hidden gems that I store in my mind for exact moments like these, and when you need to put together the best outfit in an instant, three shops instantly spring to mind–River Island, Zara and yes, Marks & Spencer.
You might already think of River Island as the bold, colourful and vibrant store on the high street, known for it's trend-led focus and statement pieces (in fact, I would also say the same of Zara) but after M&S's seriously impressive run of bestselling boots and viral handbags, it turns out it also does editor-approved partywear too, so where better places to start when looking for affordable New Years outfits?
Whether you're planning to party or have a wholesome night at home, sit back, relax, and keep scrolling to shop the 29 pieces I've found in Marks & Spencer, River Island and Zara that'll make the perfect New Year's Eve outfits. And all without having to to leave the comfort of your sofa.
1. ZARA
Outfit Idea: Got party plans? Channel Studio 54 styling with a tailored wide leg trouser and a platform heel.
Outfit Idea: Sorry LBDs, but we're all about hot red now. Just add a strappy sandal and wear for New Years Eve, date night, dinner plans and beyond.
Outfit Idea: A silky camisole is the perfect accompaniment to an oversized, slouchy fit suit and easy flats.
Outfit Idea: Dress up a simple jersey dress with big statement earrings and a gold heel, or keep it casual and cold-weather ready with a knee high boot and cosy coat.
Outfit Idea: Yes, you can still wear minis in winter, all you need is a turtleneck and a pair of tights. For lunch with friends I keep it simple with loafers, but this look easily goes from day to night with a heeled boot.
Outfit Idea: Add a pop of colour to an understated all-black outfit with a vibrant party bag.
Outfit Idea: Nothing says "party" quite like tailoring and crystals, so all this playsuit really needs is a minimal shoe and a clutch bag and you've got a celebration outfit.
Outfit Idea: If you've got plans to stay in this NYE, cosy up in a wide leg trouser and a fluffy knit, and should you change your mind at the last minute, just a pointy shoe.
Outfit Idea: Sequins never go out of style, so invest in a playsuit you'll wear time and again with sandals in summer and pumps and boots in winter.
Outfit Idea: Staying in doesn't have to be boring, try a luxurious, silky co-ord to toast to midnight without having to venture out into the cold.
2. MARKS AND SPENCER
Outfit Idea: Heading out to watch the fireworks? How about a warm cardigan with enough sparkle to still feel festive, even when paired with leggings and chunky boots.
Outfit Idea: The perfect dress for hosting courtesy of Hobbs. The vintage detailing and silhouette would work particularly well with a Mary Jane shoe for evening styling with a French twist.
Outfit Idea: This is selling out fast online ahead of Christmas, so you might be better off checking in store. It's the perfect buy for the classic "jeans and a nice top" formula.
Outfit Idea: These might be my favourite NYE outfit accessory. Whether you wear a simple black mini dress or a chunky knit, short skirt and boots, the diamanté fishnet makes any outfit feel immediately party ready.
Outfit Idea: You can't beat the slip dress for versatile styling. All dressier events need is a drop earring and platform shoe, and at the end of the evening you can switch to flats and a shearling coat.
Outfit Idea: This is quite literally NYE in a dress, just add a red lip and a velvet bag.
Outfit Idea: Those heading to the countryside for a staycation break should add these their suitcase. You'l wear them throughout winter with cardigans and jumpers, and they feel smarter for evening events than jeans.
Outfit Idea: You'd be forgiven for thinking that this evening bag was designer as everything from the colour to the fabric and finish will elevate even the most simple outfit.
Outfit Idea: Take tips from runway styling and wear this high neck blouse tucked into high waisted flares.
Outfit Idea: Minimalists who prefer to stick to pared back looks, try a statement boot to add a point of interest. My go-to would be a black suit with silver boots.
3. RIVER ISLAND
Outfit Idea: From Taller Marmo to Alaïa fringing is everywhere for party season, and this expensive looking maxi is best worn stripped back to let the dress do all of the talking.
Outfit Idea: If you're going away, celebrating a birthday or just determined to make the most of the New Year, you need to see this embellished dress. Add a clear mule or low heel so as not to distract from the intricate beadwork and sparkling finish.
Outfit Idea: Love cropped knits but don't know how to wear them? The answer is almost always a high waisted trouser and a pointy flat.
Outfit Idea: At what other time of year would a velvet suit make more sense than a winter party? Wear with Zara's guipure cami and some seriously statement earrings.
Outfit Idea: Go all out in 24 carat glamour by wearing with a longline coat and gold heels.
Outfit Idea: Now these are boots that deserve to be seen, so make the most of their thigh high rise by wearing with a mini hemline and oversized, boxy blazer.
Outfit Idea: The obvious way to wear this tuxe would be with a black heel, but I think it would feel a lot cooler sized up and with an unexpected white trainer. Goodbye, party feet.
Outfit Idea: When the sheer trend took over the runways, we immediate looked for practical ways to wear the look that didn't mean baring all, and I think I just found it.
Outfit Idea: Sure, we love puffer coats, but it's just as easy to keep warm and add polish with a fur detail coat. Wear with head-to-toe cream for an editor approved trick to master luxe styling.
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