Make your New Year look unforgettable - Trends guide from stylist

What to wear for 2026: a complete guide to New Year’s trends from a stylist

Red: a holiday classic

Red symbolizes celebration and vivid emotions. An all-red outfit, whether a dress or a suit, or accents like a jacket, trousers, or accessories, will make you look rich and festive. Matching lipstick will add harmony and complete the look.

New Year’s look (stylist collage)

Shine: sequins and rhinestones

To sparkle, choose items with a shimmer. Gold or silver finishes always convey luxury, but any color can work. You do not need a fully glittery dress, just one standout piece combined with a neutral base. For example, a sequin skirt paired with a wool sweater in a soft shade or a rhinestone clutch with trousers will instantly elevate your look.

Transparency: delicacy and grace

Sheer elements add lightness and elegance, best balanced with structured fabrics and clean cuts. A sheer blouse with a pencil skirt or suit is classic, while an additional inner top lets you control the level of reveal. Modern touches like transparent accessories, bags, or shoes, add sophistication and a fashionable flair.

Fitted blazer with accent shoulder line
This feminine trend stays relevant across seasons. A tailored blazer highlights the silhouette, adds elegance, and the structured shoulder creates clear lines and subtle sharpness. It can be worn on its own or as part of a suit. For a festive touch, pair with bold accessories, makeup, hairstyle, or a standout color.

New Year outfit (stylist collage)

Cape: elegance and movement

A cape can instantly transform an everyday outfit into a festive look. It pairs beautifully with a dress or a trousers-and-top combination, adding elegant flair. A bright red or sequined cape will make you the center of attention, while a classic black one remains a versatile wardrobe staple for many occasions.

Asymmetry and deconstructivism

Asymmetry adds dynamism and subtly corrects the silhouette. Without a clear horizontal line, it visually elongates the figure and creates balanced, refined proportions. Any element can be asymmetrical, from tops like sweaters, blouses, or shirts to bottoms like skirts or trousers, or even a full dress. Choose the option that best fits your style.

Draping: softness and effortless chic

Draping adds movement, softness, and sophistication. Properly executed folds work with the silhouette, gently highlighting the figure and creating a polished style without stiffness. You can choose a dress with built-in draping or create an accent yourself by draping a sweater with a brooch or accessory.

Accessories: small details, big impact

Accessories are essential for a festive outfit. They add completeness and elegance: bold earrings, stylish bracelets, delicate belts, or decorative gloves emphasize your style and create a wow effect. Bags and shoes with original details, transparent or metallic elements, can refresh even a basic outfit and turn it into a true holiday look.

Additional style tips

To make your look as stylish and contemporary as possible:

• Consider your features when choosing a festive outfit: body type, skin undertone, contrast, and height;

• Play with textures: combine bold and subtle textures;

• Balance volumes: pair more voluminous pieces with slimmer ones;

• Don’t be afraid of unusual color combinations: red with pink, warm shades with cool ones;

• Match makeup and hairstyle with your outfit, focusing on one accent like bold lips or eyes while keeping the rest softer;

• Think about whether the outfit is for a single occasion or if you want to wear the piece later. This helps decide between one standout item or a fully bright ensemble.

Earlier, we wrote how to wear a fur stole in style this winter.