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It’s almost 2023 and about time we stopped depending on “The Little Black Dress” to get us out of our fashion dilemmas. We’ve compiled a carefully curated and colorful list of looks you can turn to instead, whether you feel like making pink your new favorite color, or taking a note from a disco ball.
Pretty in Pink
Winter is for jewel tones, which is why dressing in pink will make you stand out as you count down to the new year. Some would say pink, as opposed to white, is the antithesis of black in the fashion world. Why not wear it as your element of surprise this New Year’s Eve?
Anthropologie Atsu Bow Dress, $248
This Anthropologie Bow Dress might be just the thing you need if you’re in one of those “my presence is your present” moods, just to make it that much more clear to your fellow party-goers. A floor-length skirt also lends this look a bit of extra dramatic flair.
Farfetch Loulou x RUE RA Feather-trimmed Mini Dress, $295
If you’re more of an above-the-knee, mini-dress lover but like the idea of a feathery touch, this Farfetch feather-trimmed mini dress is a flirtier look, and its silky fabric adds a classy touch.
& Other Stories Multi-Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress, $499
Probably the most dramatic look in our pink category, this floor-length & Other Stories Ruffle Maxi Dress might remind some of a layered cake, others of the icing on that layered cake, but what’s certain is that you’ll finally be able to have (or dress in) your cake, and eat it too.
Anthropologie Square-Neck Jacquard Dress, $170
This very sweet dress from Anthropologie, which falls below the knee and has both a square- and heart-shaped neckline, is slightly evocative of the 1800s. It’s festive enough to wear through midnight but elegant enough for any New Year’s Eve activities you may have earlier on in the evening. And who knows? You might even get away with wearing it throughout the rest of the year, though it might be too memorable for that.
Glitter Like a Disco Ball
Surely whatever room you plan to be in for your New Year’s Eve celebrations can handle a second disco ball. Add some extra sparkle to your evening with one of these sequined looks.
Free People Zizi Indigo Blazer Mini, $680
We love how rebellious and risqué this blazer mini dress is, and how it guarantees you’ll upstage the disco ball at your New Year’s Eve party. If it’s too cold to venture out in it with tights, a pair of dark, skinny jeans would look just as sharp.
Reformation Alisha Dress, $218
The spaghetti-strap and square neckline on the Reformation Alisha Dress are a bit reminiscent of the 90s, perhaps something someone in “Clueless” would’ve worn. This glittering mini dress is an easy way to look effortlessly put together and stay comfortable just in case the night gets away from you.
Allsaints Hadley Sequin Dress, $329
We love how glamorous the Allsaints Hadley Sequin Dress is, probably because of its draping neckline, length, and the side slit running up to the knee. Pair it with a black blazer and rest easy knowing that you can adjust the straps if necessary.
Urban Outfitters Glamorous Metallic Sequin Mini Dress, $125
If you happen to be going to a New Year’s Eve party that is also 1920s-themed and you’re in dire need of a flapper dress, this mini from Urban Outfitters will let you comfortably Foxtrot the night away and is probably the only dress on this list whose sequins make it look as if it’s moving on its own.
Urban Outfitters Glamorous Sequin Fringe Midi Dress, $119
Who doesn’t love fringe? Another option from Urban Outfitters, this sequined dress fits a bit more snuggly than the other sparkly outfits here and if you happen to end up in a speakeasy bar with a grand piano and a spotlight, know you’ll be dressed perfectly for the occasion.
Mini or Ruffled
Will you be spending your New Year’s Eve in Miami, or somewhere else lucky enough to have warm weather year-round? We’ve wrangled a selection of mini dresses to help you stay cool and glamorous throughout your evening.
Karen Millen Ivory Structured Crepe Feather Bardot Mini Dress, $214
Though this feathery dress is also available in white, we love how tropical it looks in orange. Pair it with a dramatic pair of earrings and don’t be mad if someone mistakes you for a bird.
Urban Outfitters Glamorous Ruched Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress, $125
If you’ve ever wanted to wear one of your scrunchies, you’ll finally be able to do so before the year is over with this body-hugging, ruched dress from Urban Outfitters. Its off-the-shoulder sleeves lend it some flirtiness and leave you enough room to accessorize with a statement necklace or pair of earrings.
ASTR Golda One Shoulder Bodycon Mini Dress, $138
This shiny, gold bodycon look from ASTR is an asymmetrical dress that could either throw you back to the disco 70s or launch you into a Star Wars future. Either way, once the clock strikes twelve, it’ll definitely only be the first day of 2023.
Long and Jewel-toned
If you’re still feeling in a Christmas-y mood by the evening of December 31st and you’re one of those people who leaves their Christmas tree up well into spring, these emerald and ruby dresses will help you ring in the new year without having to totally let go of your favorite holiday.
Reformation Argentia Knit Dress, $198
Everything about this Reformation dress is so luxurious: its length, its high neckline, its mid-thigh side slit, and its subtly sparkly, deep green color.
Reformation Isabella Silk Two Piece, $328
The best part of the Isabella Silk dress from Reformation is that you can make two other outfits from it, by pairing the satin red top with high-waisted pants, or the floor-length mermaid-like skirt with your choice of top. The dress’s silky texture feels classic and who says you can’t also wear this look on Christmas?
Lulus Promise of Forever Emerald Velvet Column Maxi Dress, $84
We couldn’t leave velvet off this list, so here you go. And dare we mention this dress also comes in pink?
