What are you wearing for New Year's Eve? That same old dress that hangs forlornly at the back of your wardrobe, waiting to be pulled out each year as party season approaches? Yes, New Year's Eve can be an anti-climax – but your outfit doesn't have to be. 2016 was a pretty crap year for us all so we might as well usher in 2017 in style, which means ditching that boring black dress you always rely on or – even worse – something sparkly bought frantically in the post-Christmas sales.
As the AW16 catwalks celebrated maximalism, with power shoulders, voluminous sleeves, decadent fabrics, striking silhouettes and high-octane 1980s references, it's time to update your evening wear accordingly. Here are our party picks to help you find a show-stopping outfit for NYE.
We've been told enough times that every woman should own a Little Black Dress. Scrap that, we definitely don't. If frocks aren't your thing, try a wide-legged jumpsuit instead.
This navy-blue velvet one-piece elongates the legs and elegantly reveals the tops of the shoulders. Wear with sky-high heels hidden inside the long legs or with loafers for tomboy glamour.
Finery Rosetta velvet off-shoulder jumpsuit, £75, available at Finery
Sequins and glitter are the obvious option for the party season but if that sounds a bit garish, don't worry – they can be done tastefully. This sequin slip dress from Zara can be worn alone or over a polo neck to tone down the sparkle.
Zara Sequin dress, £69.99, available at Zara
Since its launch in 2013, Self-Portrait has swiftly become our go-to for party dressing. And as we mentioned earlier, party dressing doesn't have to involve dresses; this frothy, floral jumpsuit by Han Chong will be a timeless classic to keep in your wardrobe for years to come.
Self-Portrait Hall lace-panel slim-leg jumpsuit, £338, available at Matches Fashion
Earlier this month, relative newcomer Molly Goddard was crowned queen of the emerging designers at the Fashion Awards. The British Emerging Talent winner's designs were also worn by Susie Lau and Adwoa Aboah on the red carpet – more proof that she's fashion's golden girl. We're in love with this gold tulle princess dress, complete with smocked bodice, a square neckline and black velvet shoulder straps.
Molly Goddard Velvet strap tulle dress, £1600, available at Browns Fashion
The Christmas period calls for one thing and one thing only: velvet. This fitted red velvet dress is the answer to your festive fashion prayers.
Zara Burgundy velvet dress, £99.99, available at Zara
Galvan was set up in 2014 by a group of four women united by their desire for a new kind of evening wear that wasn't overly formal or embellished. This floor-skimming gown is perfect for those looking for simple yet sophisticated instant glamour.
Galvan Halterneck jersey-knit gown, £950, available at Matches Fashion
If you missed the Reformation pop-up store that opened in London last month, fear not, you can still get your hands on the American brand in the UK, thanks to a capsule collection available exclusively at Net-A-Porter. This floaty frock will see you into the new year in a cloud of compliments.
Reformation Georgette wrap maxi dress, £280, available exclusively at Net-A-Porter
We'll never tire of the cold-shoulder trend and an off-the-shoulder top is the winning ticket if wearing a dress is not an option. Voluminous sleeves are another big trend, thanks to brands like J.W.Anderson, Ellery and Vetements. Wear this top with patent trousers or high-waisted denim.
Zara Sateen top, £39.99, available at Zara
Sienna Miller is a loyal fan of Galvan, often stepping out at film premieres in their elegant creations.
Galvan Scoop-back velvet gown, £950, available at Galvan
Wearing gold doesn't have to mean looking like a Christmas cracker. This metallic mesh T-shirt dress would work well with killer knee-high boots and a choker for a '90s twist, or with mules and low-key accessories.
River Island Gold metallic mesh T-shirt dress, £35, available at River Island
Alexa Chung and all our favourite fashion bloggers are frequently seen in Danish brand Ganni, whether it's a fruit-printed T-shirt or a brocade blazer. And Ganni is just as good at partywear as it is at effortlessly cool wardrobe staples.
Ganni Quincy embellished tulle midi dress, £370, available at Net-A-Porter
Hang up your drainpipe jeans for now... Wear these wide-legged velvet trousers with loafers, a simple camisole and a structured jacket for a modern take on evening wear.
Whistles Eden wide leg velvet trousers, £90, available at Whistles
After gaining studio experience at Marni, Lanvin and Marc Jacobs, it's no wonder designer Serafina Sama has quickly become a fashion favourite with her own brand Isa Arfen. This exquisite ruffled dress need only be finished off with simple, dainty jewellery and classic black heels.
Isa Arfen Jane ruffled-neck cotton dress, £890, available at Matches Fashion
If you're looking for more subtle ruffles, this vintage-inspired polka-dot dress from Topshop Boutique can be dressed down with flats or elevated with eye-catching heels.
Topshop Boutique Polka mesh ruffle dress, £95, available at Topshop
We harped on about slip dresses throughout spring and summer but before we give up on the trend for 2017, this slinky number from Protagonist will ensure you turn heads during party season.
Protagonist Draped hammered-charmeuse dress, £390, available at Net-A-Porter
This gown from McQueen's Resort 2017 collection would make Jessica Rabbit proud.
Alexander McQueen Off-the-shoulder crepe gown, £2,075, available at Matches Fashion
This blazer is the epitome of elegance. Wear with black cigarette pants, flares or wide-legged trousers; the options are endless.
Zara Blazer with tuxedo lapels, £59.99, available at Zara
Calling all exhibitionists! You might have seen Kim Kardashian and North West in matching versions of this dress. If you too want to be the star of the ball – or rather the glitter ball itself – this shimmering Vetements dress has your name all over it.
Vetements Open-back high-neck sequin dress, £7295, available at Matches Fashion
... thankfully, there's this considerably cheaper and slightly less dazzling version from Warehouse.
Warehouse High-neck sequin dress, £59, available at Warehouse
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