New Year's Eve is the one night most people make an effort, so aim one step smarter than you would for a normal night out. Check the invite or the venue: some parties are black tie, most are smart. Think darker colours, richer fabrics and shoes you can still stand in after midnight. And bring a proper coat: you may well be outside at midnight.
What to wear, piece by piece
- Jacket
- A dark suit or blazer, or a velvet dinner jacket if you want to make the most of the night. Black tie if the invite says so.
- Top
- A crisp shirt, with or without a tie, or a fine black or navy roll neck under the jacket.
- Trousers
- Dark wool trousers, matching the jacket if it is a suit. Keep the hem neat so it sits cleanly on the shoe.
- Shoes
- Black polished shoes or boots you can dance in: Oxfords, Derbies, Chelsea boots or velvet loafers.
- Coat
- A warm overcoat that fits over your jacket. Midnight outside in December is cold, and a good coat finishes the look.
What to avoid
- Daytime casual pieces like hoodies and trainers.
- Sequins or shine, unless you are sure you can carry them off.
- Brand-new shoes for a long night on your feet.
- Leaving the coat at home.
Two ways to wear it
Charcoal suit, white shirt, no tie, black polished Oxfords and a navy wool overcoat. Smart enough for anywhere you end up.
Midnight navy velvet dinner jacket over a black roll neck, black wool trousers and black patent shoes. Party-ready without a bow tie.
Quick questions
Do I need black tie?
Only if the invite says so. Otherwise a dark suit or blazer is right for most parties, bars and restaurants.
Is velvet too much?
Not on New Year's Eve. A velvet jacket in navy, green or burgundy is one of the few nights it looks completely natural.