20 WAYS TO BE THE BEST-DRESSED GUEST ON NEW YEAR'S EVE

Everyone needs an LBD in their arsenal – and a black NYE dress is a failsafe choice. If you’ve already got one, no doubt it’s the go-to for every special occasion. And if you don’t have one, you probably wish you did. New Year's Eve is the perfect excuse to roll out a new black number – not least because they go with everything and thus lend themselves to the last-minute nature of the holiday. Low effort, high reward is the name of the game, and there's added satisfaction in knowing that these stunning dresses have a long future ahead of them. From short silhouettes perfect for dancing to sweeping statements made for formal events, each of these dresses will work year-round.

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ASOS DESIGN mesh scarf detail bandeau maxi dress in black, £36
Aria Cove satin seam detail structured bandeau mini dress in black, £58
Jarlo asymmetric bardot velvet mini dress in black, £130
ARRANGE high neck cape sleeve mini dress with asymmetric hem in black, £120

Another timeless option, satin has a seasonal versatility thanks to its lightweight finish and luxe connotations. Sailing down the body like expensive liquid, satin dresses give off old-school glamour and comfort – making them a kind of fashion unicorn. The simplicity of the fabric also makes room for festive details like lace, sequins and other rich textures. Whether you opt for floor-sweeping, plunging or backless, these pieces serve all manner of plans. Plus, they’re perfect for sun-drenched evenings come summer.

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Bardot Yve sequin satin halter maxi dress in khaki, £165
Topshop satin asymmetric lace trim midi slip dress in black, £48
Mango satin open back long sleeve mini dress in green, £89.99
OMNES Amdra Dress in Blue, £89

No matter how averse you are to sparkly clothing, New Year's Eve is an excuse to broaden those horizons. It’s perhaps the one occasion where a sequin gown won’t turn heads, which is great news for understated dressers, and poses a fun challenge for maximalists. A short silver number is ideal for celebrations on the town, while velvet and sparkle are a match made in festive heaven – perfect for wowing guests if you’re looking to host with the most.

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ASOS DESIGN oversized floral embellished sequin maxi dress, £175
ASOS DESIGN embellished eyelash lace maxi dress with split in dark floral print, £145
ARRANGE draped bardot embellished spot midi dress in black, £220
ARRANGE textural embellished scoop neck loose fit mini dress in silver, £160

Fringing was everywhere this year, adorning everything from draped summer gowns to cosy accessories. Much like its cousin, the sequin, tassels are a sure-fire way to add some vim to a dress. They also provide plenty of movement for late nights on the dance floor. No matter length or layers, these swishy frocks are your perfect New Year’s companion – and will inject some welcome playfulness into the evening no matter where it takes you.

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ARRANGE fringe texture halter neck scoop back maxi dress in blue, £180
ARRANGE beaded fringe plunge cowl maxi dress in olive, £250
Pull&Bear Short halter dress with fringes in silver, £39.99
Collective The Label Spaghetti strap mini dress in pink tinsel, £80

Black may be timeless when it comes to colour, but red wins on the festive front. And frankly, we’d argue this spirited shade is just as classic as noir. Opt for sleek and simple silhouettes or play with textures like velvet and jacquard to stir things up. Given it’s rather bold to begin with, we’re pairing red with mini dress styles this December. Trotting through the city, spicing up the party or hoovering the hors d'oeuvres by the buffet table  – these New Year's Eve looks will see you through the lot.

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The Frolic exclusive velvet ruched bardot mini dress in burgundy, £68
Vesper bengaline square neck bodycon midi dress in red, £54
French Connection drop waist structured jacquard mini dress in red, £120
ARRANGE square cut bandeau mini dress in red, £140