What To Wear For A Casual New Year’s Eve

It’s so fun to get all dressed up and celebrate the season, but if you’re like me, you’re finding more and more celebrations are casual. Holiday parties at friends’ or neighbors’ homes seem to be the order of the day for many of us, so I’m sharing some casual New Year’s Eve outfits with flat shoes.

I’m joining some stylish blog friends, Tania from 50 Is Not Old, Jo-Lynne from Jo-Lynne Shane, and Deborah from Fabulous After 40, to share some NYE outfit inspiration. My looks are on the casual side, and if I want to be comfy, I’m usually in flat shoes…especially if I’m at someone’s home.

This necklace has quickly become a favorite because I can adjust the length. I love wearing it long over sweaters, and I can slide the chain through the loop twice to shorten it when I want it to fill a neckline. The earrings are Dean Davidson’s new pave hoops in silver. They have a tiny bit of sparkling pave on the back of the hoop, so they’re great for every day or dressing up.

Metallic top

Soft shades of ivory and gray are a great alternative to black and dark colors this time of year. Most faux leather is black or brown, so I was happy to run across this graphite pair. They have a straight leg that doesn’t look spray painted on, which I appreciate because of the shine. If gray isn’t your thing, they do come in brown or black, too.

I paired them with a pale gray and ivory v-neck top with silver swipes. The sleeves are softly gathered and semi-sheer, but the bodice is fully lined, so I didn’t need a camisole. I love the subtle sheen from the silver in this print which is festive but not over-the-top glitz. 

Ballet flats

These Margaux Demi ballet flats are simple and easy on the feet. They come in sixteen colors, in narrow, medium, and wide sizes 5-14. I’m wearing Dove in wide. I discovered this brand several years ago when Travel and Leisure rounded up the most comfortable flats on the market, and this “demi” took first place in the ballet flats category.

If you prefer to dress up your outfit and need comfortable silver or gold shoes, I’ve rounded up the most stylish ones in this blog post.

I topped the outfit off with a lightweight cardigan in grey heather. I’ve got this cardigan in too many colors to count and wear it year-round. It’s a soft merino/acrylic blend that is easy to toss over so many things and doesn’t feel too warm to wear inside. It currently comes in eight colors, and they come out with new shades each season.

Sequin top

Here’s another casual outfit I may pull out of the closet if we get a more festive invitation for either Christmas or NYE. Black jeans, a stretchy sequin top, and super comfy velvet flats. The top also comes in ivory white, which would be fun with a pair of white jeans and these flats.

To be honest, I’d feel overdressed in a heel if we’re at someone’s home for a party, so comfy flats are my favorite way to dress…plus my feet are much happier at the end of the night.

Black jeans

My black jeans are new, so they’re very dark, but if jeans aren’t your thing, you could always substitute ponte pants or something else with stretch. The holidays are when I pull out my grandmother’s earrings which are just enough sparkle with this top. 

Velvet Birdies

These velvet Birdies feel like slippers. They’re my go-to flat for everything this time of year. They run wide, so they may not work for women with narrow feet. They have plenty of room in the toe box and never pinch my bunions!

A festive top is often all you need to create a casual New Year’s Eve outfit. I’ve rounded up a few more that caught my eye below.

Shop more festive tops!

Other Ideas on What to Wear for New Year’s Eve

Head over to see what Tania from 50 Is Not Old, Jo-Lynne from Jo-Lynne Shane, and Deborah from Fabulous After 40 and see what they’re wearing for NYE.

Are you awake at midnight? We usually celebrate the ball dropping in NYC at midnight east coast time, which is 9 pm our time :).

Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.