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Courtesy of BHLDN
Few occasions call for all-out glamour, but the number one on our list is, without a doubt, a New Year's Eve wedding. As a guest, this is your red-carpet moment — an occasion to pull out all the stops. Sure, under normal circumstances, you wouldn't want to steal attention from the couple of honor. But on January 31, it's safe to assume the soon-to-be-wed selected the date for the increased merriment, making a dialed-up dress more than appropriate.
When deciding upon a New Year's Eve wedding guest dress, color, and style are big considerations. Dazzling numbers are indeed encouraged — think metallic hues, sequin-decked designs, and luxe fabrics with sheen. Jewel tones, vibrant colors, playful prints, and muted shades work, too — you'll look party-perfect in a shimmering slate, gleaming indigo, or sparkling sandstone.
Read on for the best New Year's Eve wedding guest dresses to usher in the new year and the newlyweds in style.
For a Black-Tie Wedding
Lulus Evenings of Elegance Sequin Lace-Up Maxi Dress
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Lulus
For the ultimate black-tie wedding look, you can't go wrong with this show-stopping sequin gown. Its floor-length silhouette is perfect for a formal affair while the lace-up back and thigh-high slit add some sexiness to your shimmering look.
Price at time of publish: $109
Size Range: XS–XL | Material: Polyester, spandex | Length: Floor
Best Metallic
Sabina Musayev Ray Dress
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Revolve
This fun fringe dress is exactly what you need to take you from the reception to the dance floor, to the afterparty. Style with black pumps to complement the black shoulder bows.
Price at time of publish: $490
Size Range: XS–XL | Material: Polyester | Length: Ankle
Most Fun
Rixo Lara Velvet-Trimmed Open-Back Sequined Crepe Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
If the dress code calls for festive attire, this sequin mini is a no-brainer. Inspired by '60s styles, this hot pink number is for the bold and daring. Wear your hair up to showcase the open back finished with soft velvet ties.
Price at time of publish: $445
Size Range: XXS–XL | Material: Polyester | Length: Mini
Best Unique Fabric
Retrofête Doss Dress
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Revolve
Metallic fabrics are spot-on for New Year's Eve and more distinctive is a dress crafted from a shimmering fabric like lamé. The pin-thin spaghetti straps will beautifully enhance your neckline with a side split on the skirt for added allure.
Price at time of publish: $595
Size Range: XXS–XL | Material: Polyester, spandex | Length: Floor
Best One-Shoulder
Amsale Draped Bodice Gown
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Courtesy of Amsale
This fluid satin dress is stunning for a black-tie wedding, featuring an off-one-shoulder silhouette and bias column skirt. The pale green sheen is plenty festive with a pared-back design to suit minimalist tastes.
Price at time of publish: $495
Size Range: 00–28 | Material: Satin | Length: Floor
Best Silver Sequin
& Other Stories Fitted Sequin Mini Dress
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Courtesy of & Other Stories
If you're stuck on what to wear to a New Year's Eve wedding, a safe bet will always be a sequin embellished dress. Wear yours with a bright lip and shoulder-grazing earrings.
Price at time of publish: $179
Size Range: XS–L | Material: Polyamide, spandex | Length: Mini
Best Long-Sleeve
Mac Duggal Beaded Long Sleeve Evening Gown
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New Year's Eve is a winter holiday, and if the wedding is held in a colder climate, you might consider wearing a long-sleeve dress. We love this one from Mac Duggal, with its flowy, windswept silhouette and twinkling beaded detailing.
Price at time of publish: $598
Size Range: 4–24 | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor
Best Short-Sleeve
Alex Evenings Embellished Lace A-Line Gown
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If you don't want to go sleeveless but don't want to wear long sleeves, either (or just want to be able to wear a bra), this short-sleeve number from Alex Evenings has your name on it. With a classic cut and scattered sequins among soutache rosettes, this floor-length dress is everything we love about winter formalwear.
Price at time of publish: $269
Size Range: 6–18 | Material: Nylon, rayon, polyester | Length: Floor
Best Halter
Sachin & Babi Kayla Halter Gown
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Want to show off some shoulder? This gown flatters the upper body with a sleek halter-style top while the simple flowy skirt kisses the floor. Available in black, green, cobalt, and rose, the smooth fabric has a subtle sheen, and the satin sash adds a perfect finishing touch.
Price at time of publish: $285
Size Range: 0–22 | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor
Best Statement
Betsy & Adam Jasmine Long Spaghetti Strap Mesh Corset Gown
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If you want to make a statement, this layered mesh gown might be just the thing. Available in hot pink, cherry red, blush, black, and navy, the flirty style and twirl-worthy skirt are sure to turn heads.
Price at time of publish: $309
Size Range: 0–12 | Material: Mesh | Length: Floor
What to Look For in a New Year's Eve Wedding Guest Dress
A New Year's Eve wedding is the perfect occasion to dress up in something fun and statement-making—especially if the invitation calls for festive attire. If you're looking to make a bold entrance, go for a floor-length gown in all-over shimmering sequins (like the Lulus Evenings of Elegance Sequin Lace-Up Maxi Dress) or a sparkling mini dress (like the Rixo Lara Sequin Cocktail Dress) that transitions seamlessly from the ceremony to the after party.
More of a minimalist? You can never go wrong with a simple LBD. Consider something like the Sachin & Babi Kayla Halter Gown that can easily be dressed up with festive accessories like statement-making earrings or dazzling metallic shoes.
It depends on where the wedding is held, but since New Year Eve is a winter holiday, you might look for a long-sleeve dress, such as the Mac Duggal Beaded Long Sleeve Gown. You could also do a mini dress with long sleeves, like the & Other Stories Fitted Sequin Mini Dress.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Laura Lajiness covers fashion, accessories, and fine jewelry. Her work can be seen across various outlets, including ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery 29, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Well+Good, and Barneys New York, among other titles and brands.