Looking for a new years wedding guest dress with a little something extra? Think burgundy gowns, silver sparkle or a black mini with matching heels.
There’s plenty to choose from here, plus a few skirt and trouser outfits if you’d rather skip a dress.
You can keep things simple or go all out with shiny details. Let the invitation’s dress code guide your choice, especially with shorter hems, sheer looks and pale shades.
Add outerwear for any time you’ll spend outside in the cold.
Wedding guest looks for a New Year's celebration
black sparkle and pointed heels
We’re starting off strong with this cute black mini. I love the sparkling pattern against the plain straps and sweetheart neckline.
Pair yours with black tights and pointed heels to follow this look. The tiny black bag is a lovely finishing touch without adding another color.
silver dress and purple platforms
How pretty is this silver dress? The high neckline and long sleeves keep the shape simple while the whole dress shines.
Those purple platform sandals are my favorite part. Try a bright shoe like this if you want something a little different from matching silver heels.
gold gown with sparkling flowers
I am obsessed with the little sparkling flower shapes on this gold gown. They run from the high neckline right down the long skirt.
The rectangular cream clutch gives you a little break from all that shine, while the gold-tone strappy shoes match the gown. I’d leave the neckline without a necklace, just like this.
deep green and pink accessories
This green and pink pairing may just be one of my favorites here. The deep green dress has a crossover neckline, elbow-length sleeves and a pleated skirt.
Pick a pink clutch and matching ankle-strap heels if you want to try the same combination. You don’t need sparkle all over to make an outfit feel festive.
sparkling diamonds and feathery trim
If you love lots of little details, then this one is for you. There’s a glittering diamond pattern, sheer sleeves and fluffy tan trim around the cuffs and short hem.
Read also: 20 Bride Winter Outfits With Pretty Capes, Coats and Bridal Layers
This is one of the bolder party looks here. For a wedding, I’d take these details as inspiration for a darker, more covered version.
navy separates and brown boots
Don’t want to wear a dress? No problem!
This navy top and matching midi skirt give you a simpler alternative for a more relaxed celebration.
I love the brown boots with the brown clutch. Add a small gold-tone pendant like the one here to finish the outfit.
one-shoulder burgundy gown
This is such a pretty choice if you love burgundy. The one-shoulder neckline and gathers across the waist give the long dress plenty of detail without any sparkle.
Read also: 20 Cold Weather Wedding Guest Outfits and Layering Ideas
The gold-tone bangles look lovely beside that deep wine color. I’d choose one small brown clutch to go with it.
black blazer and sheer florals
I love this oversized black blazer with the sheer floral skirt showing underneath. The long sparkling earrings and rounded gold-tone clutch make it feel extra dressed up.
If you want more coverage for the ceremony, try a longer opaque underlayer beneath the skirt. Keep the pointed slingbacks to follow the outfit.
plum sparkle and a matching scarf
How gorgeous is this plum color? The strapless shape has a flared detail at the hips with a long sheer skirt below it.
Fine sparkling lines run all the way down.
That matching neck scarf is worth saving as an accessory idea too. Try it with an opaque plum gown if you prefer less sheerness.
bright red and bold gold
Calling all red lovers, this is such a pretty way to wear a bright dress. The sleeveless dress has a rounded neckline with a chunky gold-tone necklace above it.
I especially love the little reflective discs covering the clutch. Choose that bag or a stack of bangles if you want just one bold accessory.
silver stripes and a wrap front
This is another silver look, but it’s a little different from the one above. I love the rows of sparkle running across the wrap-style bodice and down the skirt.
The short sleeves and overlapping hem are pretty details on their own. Long dangling earrings add even more shine if that’s your thing.
gray feathery top and black shine
How cute is that heart-shaped clutch? It sits beside a shiny black skirt and a pale gray feathery cropped top.
This is a separates idea rather than a dress. For a more covered version, try a longer top with the same feathery detail and keep the sparkling bracelet.
gold mini with flared cuffs
If you’re looking for a short dress with plenty of shine, save this gold look. The rounded neckline is simple, but those wide flared cuffs make it a little more playful.
I’d pair a dress like this with a plain dark clutch and small earrings.
navy gown and matching accessories
Want your whole outfit planned around one color? This collage gives you a sparkling navy gown, decorated block-heel sandals and a matching rectangular bag.
I love the blue teardrop shapes in the earrings and necklace. You can choose just the earrings if you’d rather let the detailed neckline stand on its own.
dark strapless dress and fluffy wrap
Don’t want sparkle all over your dress? No problem there!
This dark strapless look gets its extra detail from a fluffy white wrap, gold-tone earrings and a small white bag.
Read also: 19 Neutral Wedding Guest Outfits With Pretty Dresses and Dressy Separates
Try a wrap in gray or deep brown instead if you’d rather keep the accessories away from bridal white.
black tiers and a silver bag
I am obsessed with the full tiered skirt on this black outfit. The patterned sheer sleeves and small silver-colored bag are such a pretty combination.
Read also: 20 Sister of the Bride Dress Ideas From Pretty Pastels to Deep Red
The top and skirt both have see-through sections. A full-length black slip is an option if you want to borrow the look with more coverage.
brown sparkle and gathered shoulders
This may just be my favorite quieter take on sparkle. The brown dress has tiny shining dots, a high neckline and gathers across the shoulders and waist.
Read also: 20 Brown Wedding Guest Dress Ideas With Ruffles, Florals and Shine
Keep the little black bag and dark pointed shoes if you want to follow this outfit. There’s no need for a big necklace here.
bronze shine and narrow pleats
I love this bronze-colored dress with its narrow pleated skirt. The thin straps and softly draped neckline keep the top nice and simple.
To turn this hanging dress into a full outfit, I’d add black ankle-strap heels and a small black clutch. A dark jacket would be another option for layering.
belted blazer over sheer florals
Here’s another way to wear black floral sheerness with a blazer. This time, a slim belt with a gold-tone clasp pulls the jacket in at the waist.
The long patterned sleeves peek out below the rolled blazer sleeves. Try an opaque black slip underneath if you want to keep the floral detail without as much transparency.
berry blouse and wide-leg trousers
Last but definitely not least, we have this gorgeous berry-colored trouser outfit. I love the gathered neckline on the long-sleeve blouse and those wide legs!
This is another alternative if a dress isn’t for you. The silver-colored ball-detail bag adds a little party touch without changing the whole outfit.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Alessandra