Fashion Clothing The 15 Best New Years Eve Dresses To Shimmy Your Way Into 2023 A stellar year deserves the stellar Aliyah Dress from Rendoll By Bianca Kratky Bianca Kratky Bianca Kratky is a fashion & beauty commerce writer at InStyle. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on February 17, 2023 @ 09:53AM Pin Share Tweet Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews What to Keep In Mind Your Questions, Answered Why Shop With Us We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Lulus / Rendoll I don’t know about you, but this year has been action packed. However, through all of the highs and lows, there is one thing I can say for certain: I wore some great outfits. Whether your year resembled mine or not, everyone is welcomed to give themselves a big pat on their back at the end of 2022. Put all your accomplishments and missed opportunities into a box, place it on a shelf, and come grab a drink. It’s time to celebrate in the biggest possible way, and such an event calls for an extraordinary outfit. A New Years Eve dress is not your run-of-the-mill dress; it should be loud, celebratory, and fun — we’re talking sequins, frills, and feathers. Then throw over a faux fur coat, statement jewelry, and you’re ready to party. The Aliyah dress from Rendoll takes the crown for its eye-catching color, flirty hemline, and overall ready-to-party appeal. Whether you’re going for a night out at the best bars or keeping it intimate with hors d’oeuvre, we’ve got a drool-worthy dress for you. The 11 Best Black Tights of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Our Top Picks Best Overall: Rendoll Aliyah Dress at Rendoll.com Jump to Review Best Splurge: Laws of Motion The Moment Dress at Lawsofmotion.com Jump to Review Best Budget: Lulus Champagne Sequin Fringe Dress at Lawsofmotion.com Jump to Review Best Plus Size : Avenue Chloe Dress at Avenue.com Jump to Review Best Short: Anthropologie Sequin Mini Dress at Anthropologie Jump to Review Best Long: DISSH Gold Satin Dress at Dissh.com Jump to Review Best Midi: Remi x Revolve Lori Midi Dress at Revolve Jump to Review Best Long Sleeve: Bec and Bridge Long Sleeve Dress at Becandbridge.com Jump to Review Best Knit: Hanifa Contour Knit Dress at Hanifa.co Jump to Review Best Sequins: Michael Kors Sequin Slip Dress at Saks Fifth Avenue Jump to Review Best Overall Rendoll Aliyah Dress Rendoll View On Rendoll.com What we love: It’s extremely unique and guarantees you a spotlight effect.What we don’t love: The short hem and spaghetti straps might be a little cold, depending on where on the map you are. This dress comes highly recommended by celebrity stylist Kelly Augustine’s, who has dressed everyone from Gabby Sidibe to Danielle Brooks. While there are many dresses in the market, we had yet to see something this unique, without going overboard on frills and feathers (although that’s definitely an acceptable look for NYE). The chances that you will run into someone at the party with the same dress is very unlikely. The bright purple color stands out, and while the back isn’t technically considered “open back”, it does scoop a little lower than usual – achieving a seductive appeal. The waist is mildly snatched in, and extends to a statement ruffle around the hem. For a winter NYE dress, the short hem and spaghetti straps might be a little cold. But slip into some nude tights and throw over a long coat, and it’s time to celebrate. Price at time of publish: $165 Material: Polyester | Size: UK6 - UK24 | Color: 1 Best Splurge Laws of Motion The Moment Dress Laws of Motion View On Lawsofmotion.com What we love: The brand scans your body, allowing them to use exact measurements to custom make the piece to fit your size. What we don’t love: As the piece is made to order, it will take at least two weeks to ship. “Feathers are really in this season,” says Augustine. This shift dress is decked out in ostrich feathers for an all over glam and captivating appeal, while the sheer sleeves add an extra bit of texture to the dress. But don’t worry, the silk lining keeps you safe from any feathers poking at your skin. Laws of Motion custom makes all their pieces to fit your body. From the safety of your home, you answer a few short questions while their technology scans your body. As a result, they gather exact measurements and custom create the dress for you. Naturally, this means it will take a little longer to deliver. So if this is your look for the new year, we recommend ordering ASAP to ensure it will get there just in time because let’s be real, dancing around while decked in feathers is a whole other level of fun. Price at time of publish: $695 Material: Polyester, ostrich feathers, silk, lycra | Size: Custom | Color: White Best Budget Lulus Champagne Sequin Fringe Dress Lulus View On Lawsofmotion.com What we love: It’s the ideal dress to wear to the dance floor.What we don’t love: Some people complain of the sequins falling off. Champagne, gold, and silver hold the crown in terms of NYE colors. But add some sequins and frills, and you’ve got this party appropriate dress by Lulus. This is the ideal dress for anyone hoping to dance the night away. Each twist and turn will shake the frills to the side and give the viewers a peak at the sequin finish underneath. While the spaghetti straps dip into a mild v-neck, the cinched waist and mini skirt flatters your silhouette and gives your legs a moment. Some people do complain that the sequins begin to fall out after too much wear, especially if you really let loose on the dance floor, so just be mindful as you slip it on for the night. Price at time of publish: $88 Material: Polyester | Size: XS-XL | Color: 3 Best Plus Size Avenue Chloe Dress Avenue View On Avenue.com What we love: The buttoned cuffs give this option a more formal appeal.What we don’t love: We fear that the fabric might be itchy due to the glittery material. Button down shirt dresses really had a moment this year. As we will be in the dead of winter, it only makes sense to opt for a long-sleeved dress (we even recommend pairing this with a cute pair of black tights, too). This option has sparkles woven into the material to give you all over shimmer in either bronze or black colors. The soft, stretchy material that features ruching down the front allows you to comfortably move around the room. The sleeves end with a buttoned cuff, giving this a more formal look. It is quite short, however, with a mini hemline. If that doesn’t bother you, you could easily wear it to your company’s holiday party, especially with a pair of tights. Price at time of publish: $75 Material: Nylon, metallic, elastane, polyester | Size: 12-24 | Color: 2 Best Short Anthropologie Textured Sequin Mini Dress Anthropologie View On Anthropologie What we love: It’s a great alternative to feathered options.What we don’t love: It runs quite large, despite being a short dress, so finding your true size may be slightly difficult. This dress, which comes in standard, petite, and plus size options, has a trendy golden age appeal to it with textured sequins, instead of feathers. The short hem falls just around your thighs, so expect a very flirty fit. That being said, it does look to run large so feel free to opt for a size smaller than usual. Stylist Liv Schreiber considers Anthroplogie as one of the best places to shop for holiday dresses, so make sure to browse through their festive dresses. We found this sequin mini dress to be the perfect opportunity to grab your grandmother's pearls, slip into some kitten heels, and shimmy into the new year. Price at time of publish: $230 Material: Polyester, viscose | Size: XXS Petite - 3XL Plus | Color: 1 Best Long DISSH Charli Gold Satin Dress DISSH View On Dissh.com What we love: The double straps add a visual appeal that’s not easily found on other slip dresses.What we don’t love: This dress is prone to wrinkling, so make sure to hang in a garment bag after each wear. Satin dresses, which also had a major moment this year, can be worn on multiple occasions in the upcoming year as well, and a golden option such as this feels particularly celebratory. Double straps frame your collarbones elegantly, while a cowl neckline dips around your chest. Turn around and you’ll be met with criss cross straps adorning your back, tied cutely together into a bow. The dress, which features a single diagonal stitch on the front, falls smoothly down the length of your body. The Viscose material guarantees you a lightweight, lustrous feeling experience. It does, however, also mean it’s prone to wrinkling. Make sure to take good care of it after each use, by hanging it in a garment bag and avoiding folding it. Dissh products also run quite large — sizing down is an absolute must. Price at time of publish: $160 Material: Viscose, rayon | Size: 2-12 | Color: 1 Best Midi Remi x Revolve Lori Midi Dress Remi x Revolve View On Revolve What we love: It’s appropriate for a company holiday party but sexy enough for a party afterwards.What we don’t love: The bodycon will make it difficult to engage in any dancing. This dress can be worn over and over to just about any winter soirée. The short turtleneck, long sleeves, and knee-length hem add a little extra warmth, making up for the cut-out around the neck. That being said, it will also restrict you from giving it your all on the dance floor. It’s more modest compared to the other options on this list, so if you want to spruce it up a little for the festivities, we recommend opting for large statement earrings, a sparkly clutch purse, and your highest heels. A statement lip can go a long way as well. Think about what function you will be attending and shop accordingly. Price at time of publish: $135 Material: Rayon, spandex | Size: XXS - 4XL | Color: 1 Best Long Sleeve Bec and Bridge Ren Long Sleeve Dress Bec and Bridge View On Becandbridge.com What we love: It marries a modest and seductive appeal to give you a sophisticated look.What we don’t love: It comes with complicated wash instructions. Australian label Bec and Bridge creates dresses for women who hold an undeniable force. Already loved by celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Kelsey Merrit, Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski, we had to spotlight one of their sophisticated designs here as well. While the front is sleek and seamless, the flip side features a bare back with strings coming together in a gentle bow, perfecting the balance between alluring and modest. There is some subtle tailoring around your bust and hips, but the skirt falls naturally, cutting off just above your ankles. Its convenient length spares you the worry of any fabric dragging across the floor. “Maxi dresses are back in a big way, and if there was ever a night to go dressy, it’s NYE”, says founder of The Nines, Lisa Sanchez. It’s made of 100 percent viscose, which will feel luxurious on the body, but comes with complicated wash instructions. The label advises against spot cleaning and liquids all together. You would have to bring this to a trusted dry cleaner to maintain the quality. Price at time of publish: $330 Material: Viscose | Size: 2-14 | Color: 3 Best Knit Hanifa Lorin Contour Knit Dress Hanifa View On Hanifa.co What we love: It can be repetitively worn for many occasions to come.What we don’t love: This isn’t the option for the bar or club, as your dance moves will be restricted by the tight knit. Another favorite from stylist Augustine, this floor length gown is about to become the center of attention. Reaching all the way to the ground, the knit fabric hugs your body while contour lines define your shape even further. You’ll find a peek-a-boo cutout around your left thigh (more evident in this picture), followed immediately by a slit down the rest of the dress. There are size options up to 3XL, with a detailed chart on measurements in the description. For reference, the pictured model is wearing a size small. Join celebrities like Keke Palmer, Gabrielle Union, and Megan Thee Stallion, who have all been seen dressed in one of Hanifa’s iconic looks. Price at time of publish: $399 Material: Viscose, nylon | Size: XS-3XL | Color: 1 Best Sequins Michael Kors Metallic Sequin Slip Dress Saks Fifth Avenue View On Saks Fifth Avenue What we love: There is a concealed zipper in the back.What we don’t love: It is very short, so you will have to be conscious of your movements a little. Wearing sequins to celebrate the new year is an obvious choice, and this dress will have you looking like the glass of bubbly in your hand. The sparkly gold details on the straight cut dress come together to give you a celebration-worthy look. The mini tank dress has a slight v-cut neckline, and two non-adjustable straps holding everything together. On the back, underneath all the sequins, is a concealed zip that will allow for easier dressing. It is quite a short dress, falling just around your thighs. You may need to be conscious of your movements throughout the night so not to have any accidental wardrobe malfunctions. Price at time of publish: $275 Material: Recycled Polyester | Size: XS-XL | Color: 2 Best Velvet Showpo Loving Blind Dress Showpo View On Showpo.com What we love: It’s a seductive option if you’re looking to impress some people. What we don’t love: There are no fastenings or adjustable straps. We see a lot of people turning to velvet during the winter, mostly for its luxurious feel and added layer of warmth. This piece has a faux wrap coming in at your right waist, a deep V cut, and midi length hem. There is also a slit going all the way up your thigh, which gives you a little Angelina Jolie moment. Just know that there are no fastenings or adjustable straps on this dress, which will have you shimmying your way into the bodycon dress with a bit of an effort. While this might tempt you to size up, the brand does mention that it runs a little large, so either go with your usual size or opt for one smaller. Either way, with how sultry the dress looks, you’re definitely going to have some heads turning your way. Price at time of publish: $70 Material: Polyester, spandex | Size: 0-16 | Color: 2 Best Red Marcella Manhattan One Shoulder Gown Marcella View On Marcellanyc.com What we love: It’s extremely unique and rare to find a single sleeved maxi dress like this.What we don’t love: It might be difficult to find the right bra to wear underneath it. The body-hugging fabric on this dress from fair trade brand Marcella goes all the way down to the floor, finishing in a mild flare. But the real appeal is in the single sleeve and cut out chest. If you click onto the black version, you’ll see how the sleeve wraps around on the other side, leaving half of your back bare. The single sleeve extends past your palm and almost covers your hand entirely, which I personally adore. But with any dress that comes with an interesting cut out or open back, the question of what bra to wear pops to mind. We love these back and strapless reusable bras for such occasions. Price at time of publish: $116 Material: Viscose, polyamide, lycra | Size: XS-3XL | Color: 2 Best Slit Abercrombie & Fitch Asymmetrical Strappy Ruched Midi Dress Abercrombie & Fitch View On Abercrombie.com What we love: There are length options for the petite, the regular, and the tall.What we don’t love: You’d have to wear boob tape for support, which not everyone will like. Sleek, seductive, and strappy, the Abercrombie dress is good for NYE parties, dinners with a loved one, or even alone at home for self-appreciation purposes. Asymmetric straps (very Jacquemus) hold the dress up, while a form-fitting dress hugs the body tight and a slight thigh slit adds a bit of sex appeal. The dress itself is not too long, not too short, but right in that sweet spot in between. You can even choose between a petite, regular, and tall cut, although they don’t specify the exact measurements for it. Much like the Manhattan dress, this dress is also a bit tricky to wear a bra underneath because of the low sides on the front panel. We recommend using boob tape if you’re not comfortable with going completely braless. Price at time of publish: $80 Material: Polyester, elastane | Size: XXS-XL, Petite, Regular, Tall | Color: 1 Best Faux Leather Good American Faux Leather Vacay Dress Good American View On Goodamerican.com What we love: It’s versatile and can be worn to just about any event.What we don’t love: You might need a friend to help you tie it. If you ask me, I would wear this to a NYE party, then pack it in my suitcase and bring it to a tropical vacation. While the front boasts an endearing straight-line cut, the star of the show lies in the criss cross straps of the back, as the most eye-catching portion of the dress. There is also a slit going down the back of the dress, which is equally as cute as it is functional as it gives your strides a little more room to roam. This is a dress you’re going to get a lot of wear out of, as the mid-length hem and neutral tone make it appropriate for just about any event. It’s made of faux leather (polyurethane, to be specific), which gives it a smooth and luxe appeal. It is quite lightweight and breathable, which is perfect for the summer, but less so for December. Just make sure to layer something fluffy on top (we recommend a faux fur coat) to complete the look. Price at time of publish: $165 Material: Polyurethane | Size: XS - 3XL| Color: 3 Best Strapless 16 Arlington Feather Trimmed Corset Dress 16 Arlington View On Co.uk What we love: It’s a timeless and elegant piece you can revisit for many years.What we don’t love: There is no free shipping. I’ve had this saved in my wishlist for a while, and I’m finally deciding to share it with you all. Where do we begin with this beauty — perhaps our eyes naturally fall to the feathery hem, so let’s start from the bottom and go up. Each step will feel soft ostrich feathers brushing up against your calves. The skirt portion, without being too tight, wraps around your legs in a straight cut. It has an interior corset that gives you a bustier look, and is finished with a strapless top. On the back you will find a small slit, giving your movements a little more wiggle room. There is also a concealed zip, which will make it easier to slip in and out of this piece. Price at time of publish: $1,099 Material: Polyester crepe, ostrich feather | Size: 4-16 | Color: 1 What to Keep In Mind Finish NYE is your chance to come out of your comfort zone and try different looks. While anything with a smooth finish (think Good American Vacay Dress or Marcella NYC Manhattan One Shoulder Gown) allows you to revisit the dress for many occasions to come, don’t be afraid to try a little sparkle — it’s a celebration after all. Schreiber recommends “trying sequins, velvet, and fun materials.” Lulus Champagne Sequin Fringe Dress is simply begging to be taken to the dance floor. The Showpo Loving Blind Dress will keep you looking festive and warm. If you want to shimmy in some feathers, the Laws of Motion The Moment Dress is ready to accompany your festivities. But if frills and feathers are too much, having some shimmer woven into the fabric, like in the Avenue Chloe Dress, is a fantastic alternative as well. Shipping Deadlines Unfortunately, you’re working with a limited time to shop for NYE dresses. Even if you don’t like the fit, you’re not awarded the same time to return and reorder like on any other occasion. We highly recommend checking the shipping and return policies before making your purchase. Many brands will list their shipping deadlines before the end of the year. If you are unsure, you can directly inquire through their contact page. Read through the reviews and descriptions to make sure you are getting the correct size and fit, and if you are still unsure, best practice is to order two different sizes and send one back. Your Questions, Answered How would you style a new years eve dress? “More is more on NYE,” exclaims Augustine. You want to leave this year with a bang, so go ahead and go all out in your NYE outfits. If you opted for frills, sequins, and feathers, like the Laws of Motion The Moment Dress or J.Crew Gwyneth Ombre Sequin Slip Dress, take it up a notch with dangly diamond (real or fake) earrings, statement necklaces, and strappy high heels. That being said, we’re fully aware that it’s probably going to be below freezing outside. Make sure to “layer, layer layer,” says Schreiber. “In addition to outerwear, add on a leather or velvet blazer to add dimension and warmth to your outfit. Sheer tights and tall boots are the perfect additions.” Nothing is too much during NYE, so bring out your favorite fur coats and clutch purses and take up some space. How can I get more usage out of my NYE dress? Here’s the thing: the more trendy the piece, or the more exaggerated it looks, the harder it will be to wear it on multiple occasions. For such pieces, opt for budget friendly options. The Lulus Champagne Sequin Fringe Dress, or the Showpo Loving Blind Dress are great examples of festive dresses that don’t break the bank. Although you can probably still wear the first to any dance party, and the latter to a nice dinner. If you’re looking for a more versatile piece, options like the 16 Arlington Feather Trimmed Corset Dress or Hanifa Lorin Contour Knit Dress might cost your wallet a little more, but will last you a lifetime. Whatever your motive is, there are new years eve dress options for everyone on this list. Why Shop With Us Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer for InStyle with two years of experience covering fashion and lifestyle products. She never passes up on an occasion to go full glam, and therefore already had a good number of these selects stored in her shopping cart. In order to write this article, she consulted stylists and fashion consultants (Kelly Augustine, Liv Schreiber, Lisa Sanchez) to get an insider scoop on what to consider, where to shop, and how to style different New Years Eve dresses.