PARTY SZN:

How To Not Hate New Year’s Eve

By: Caitlin Madden

A choose-your-own party planning adventure.

Every single year, New Year's Eve sneaks up on me and sends me rushing to make last-minute plans so I’m not left watching the ball drop and ringing in the year with a bad case of FOMO.

Not this year. This year, I’m planning ahead.

Through many a NYE failure, I’ve realized you must pick a vibe for your night and stick to it. If you’re staying in — make it an experience; if you’re going out — do it right.

The way I see it, there are about four no-fail ways to spend your New Year’s Eve night. You can stay in all cozy, party to varying degrees of casual, go out, or have a (literal) ball. Pick your vibe, find your new year outfit, grab your friends, and celebrate the way you want.

My best advice: choose what feels the most you. If you don’t love going out to bars on a typical weekend, you’re not going to love it on the biggest party day of the year. If you aren’t a homebody, you’ll probably be scrolling, wishing you were out.

The key to having a good NYE is to set your expectations early and stick with them. And, of course, to have a really good outfit.

Make It Happen Set

Movie Night Slippers

FP Curated Holiday Sleep Bag

Free People Balsam Fir Candle

LET’S STAY IN

If you’re not into going out on NYE, don’t force it. Instead have yourself the ultimate staying in self-care night and feel totally rested for the first day of 2025. Put on a pair of comfy pajamas, slip on some cozy slippers, do a face mask or a beauty treatment and light some candles. You can invite some friends over or hang out solo, watch your favorite shows and movies, order take out, and stay up to watch the ball drop — or not! This is your night, so do what you want.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE PARTY

Get the party vibe without having to brave the crowds by heading to or hosting a house party. You’ll spend the night with just the people you actually like and you can still wear a fun outfit, but keep it a little more laid-back. I mean what other occasion is appropriate for sparkly jeans? Pair them with a glitzy top and throw on some flats — no heels necessary. Plus, when it hits midnight you can head outside to light some sparklers and celebrate.

We The Free Tennessee Low-Rise Shine Boyfriend Jeans

Heartbreaker Bodysuit

Mesh Mania Bow Flats

FP Exclusive Large Sparkler

Manuka Sequin Mini Dress

Stargazer Fur Jacket

Hidden Gem Clutch

Party Crasher Bow Heels

GOING OUT-OUT

So, you’re a social butterfly? This is your night to shine. Whether you’re going out to dinner and drinks, hanging at a bar or going to a club — a New Year’s Eve night out demands that you pull out all the stops. A sparkly dress, some fun heels, top it off with a bold jacket and a cool clutch. Go all out! Let your outfit be a manifestation of all the fun you’re hoping to have in the new year, and start it off with a bang.

A SPECIAL OCCASION

This is the NYE everyone dreams about — or that movies set you up to believe is the standard. If you’re lucky enough to be invited somewhere swanky on New Year’s Eve — a wedding or a gala, this is your chance to really do it right. Put on a gown, deck yourself in jewels, and strap on some heels — and don’t forget some sparkly makeup to make things really shine. Make it a night you’ll never forget in an outfit everyone will remember.