How to Nail Your New Year’s Eve Look

December 31 is the one night where dressing to the nines is practically a requirement. But planning the perfect New Year’s Eve look takes more than just throwing on a sparkly dress and calling it a day. Every detail, from your hair to your heels, has to be festive. 

No matter what your NYE plans entail, your whole vibe should have a heavy dose of glam, a sprinkle of playfulness, and just the right amount of edge. Here are tips for creating a head-turning ensemble and looking your best for the countdown.

Is it even a New Year’s Eve look without something shiny? Don’t shy away from sequins, rhinestones, or metallic colors if you want to stand out. But at the same time, make sure to not overdo it.

If your top is heavy on shimmering paillettes, pair it with plain black lace pants. On the flip side, wear a crystal-embellished bag or beaded tights as a statement piece to zhuzh up your LBD. Stick to one showstopping accessory and build around it or make a regular party outfit instantly festive with a statement piece.

Opt for fabrics that feel good against your skin, like velvet, satin, or silk-lined sequins. Also, look for silhouettes that allow for movement – think A-line mini dress, a flowy maxi, or a relaxed jumpsuit. As for footwear, stilettos are not your only option. Pointed-toe kitten heels and sparkly loafers are just as dressy and more comfortable to dance in.

Now that you’ve picked what to wear, give your skin some well-deserved attention before the NYE party. If an area feels dry and rough, use Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash to slough away dead skin cells. The formula is gentle, and the NutriumMoisture™ restores skin's natural nutrients that are lost during cleansing, giving you softer, smoother skin after just one shower.

Got a last-minute invite to a party? The right accessories can turn even the most basic New Year’s Eve look into a showstopper and help your personality shine through. Try pairing pieces in ways you wouldn’t usually do. For example, lean into the mismatched earring trend by pairing a golden hoop with a dangly drop earring.

You can also experiment with layering necklaces of different lengths and styles. Mixing a dainty chain with several chunky pendants gives some contrast. If you want a bit more drama, add a statement belt or metallic hair clips to your evening party look.

The last thing you want on NYE is to worry about greasy, tangled hair mid-party. Showing up with a low-maintenance hairstyle is the smart move here. A sleek ponytail, undone beach waves, or a classic braided bun are great options that offer a chic, put-together finish with minimal effort.

To ensure your hair doesn’t fall apart or become frizzy from dancing all night, prep with a lightweight serum and oil. Both products also add extra shine to your strands. Use bobby pins if you need help keeping the hairstyle in place. Lastly, set everything with a few spritzes of hairspray.

Party makeup looks are typically about glittery eye shadows and bold lips. However, incorporating both can overwhelm your features and appear too heavy. So, the trick is to pick one key area to be the focal point of your makeup.

When you’re doing a smoky eye look, apply just a clear or nude pink gloss on your lips. Well-placed blush and highlighter can give your skin that luminous glow without taking away from the focal point. Similarly, pair your red lips with a wash of champagne eye shadow and a cat-eye liner.

Shimmering body oil can be that one extra wow factor to pull your New Year’s Eve look together. Apply it along your décolletage, across your arms, down the front of your shins, and on other areas where the light naturally hits. But before you go ham with the body shimmer, give your skin some TLC. Start by showering with Dove Radiant + Care Serum Bars. They're unlike regular soaps. Infused with 50x niacinamide and other skin-transforming ingredients, they help brighten and soften the skin while keeping it moisturized.

The best New Year’s Eve look is one that reflects your charming personality and makes you feel unstoppable. So, pull out all the stops, embrace the glitz, and have fun. It’s your moment to shine.