If your idea of a New Year’s Eve party outfit includes a rotating bowtie, a “Jingle my balls” sweater, or anything with lights in it, you may want to pick up a few style tips before December 31.
Or maybe not. You do you.
But if you're going to start the new year looking and feeling your best, read on, my sartorially-conscious friend. Our NYE party style guide will have you looking sharp when the clock strikes midnight and starting 2026 with your best foot forward.
Let’s get started with some style tips to help you stand out from the crowd — in a good way.
New Year’s Eve style tips for guys
New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to dress up. You want to turn heads, feel great, and step into the new year ready for anything. It all starts with confidence and know-how. Here are some pointers on how to make it happen.
Keep it classic
True confidence comes from wearing clothes that feel like a natural extension of yourself. Choose classic essentials that are comfortable, fit perfectly, and complement your physique.
Stand out with a statement piece
A statement piece is the one chosen detail that sets your look apart from the rest. It doesn’t have to be bold. A vintage watch, silk scarf, colorful pocket square, or whimsical cuff links can make your outfit memorable.
Understand the dress code
Know the dress code so you show up in the right clothes. Most of the time, the dress code will be on the invite. If it’s not, ask the host.
When in doubt, wear black
If you’re unsure of the dress code or just don’t know what to wear, go with black. A black suit — or a navy or gray blazer over a black shirt and gray slacks or black jeans — makes a versatile monotone look that you can dress up or down for any occasion.
Go festive with traditional NYE colors
Add meaning and a festive touch by incorporating traditional New Year’s Eve colors into your outfit. Red or gold symbolize prosperity and good fortune, while white represents a wish for peace in the upcoming year. This can be a bold statement, like a white jacket or red tie, or a subtle touch like a gold bracelet or cufflinks.
Layer for party-hopping
Versatility is the key to looking good if your NYE plans include several parties. Start with dark trousers and a dress shirt. Then add layers like a simple crewneck sweater or a light blazer, and a nice jacket if the weather is cold. That way, you can remove a layer for casual events or keep it on for formal occasions.
Learn the words to Auld Lang Syne
Lip-syncing was okay when you were 21. This year, be the one who leads the room at midnight..
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?
Chorus
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
Alright. Now that you’ve got the style pointers, let’s dig into what you should wear for different NYE party scenarios.
The swanky black tie affair
You’ll know when the dress code is black tie because 99% of the time it's written right on the invitation. This is the most formal NYE dress code, reserved for galas, formal dinners, and charity balls.
Style icon: Dick Clark
The black tie outfit
The bottom line is you need to wear a tuxedo. But you don’t need to look like a penguin.
The classic tuxedo is a dinner jacket, usually black with satin lapels, matching tuxedo trousers, an immaculate white shirt with a hidden placket and French cuffs, and shiny black patent leather shoes. And to be perfectly honest, you could stop there and be perfectly fine. It’s a timeless look.
How to own the black tie look
Black tie is all about formality and respect, so there isn’t much wiggle room for clothing choices. That said, you can add some personal touches by playing with the classic pieces. Instead of a black dinner jacket, opt for a more festive burgundy or dark green. You could also add distinctive accessories like a red pocket square, gold cuff links, or embrace your inner Dick Clark and throw on a white scarf.
Just keep in mind that formal means formal. If you’re going to a soiree at the Officers’ Club, stay on the conservative side. If it’s cocktails at Ryan Reynolds’ house, you probably have more leeway.
The dance or cocktail party
NYE dances and cocktail parties mean the sometimes intimidating-and confusing cocktail dress code (aka “dressy casual”) will be in effect. But you won’t be confused or intimidated. You’ll be Mr. Confident and Sexy, because you’re going to learn how to master the cocktail look.
Style icon: Anderson Cooper
The NYE cocktail party outfit
Think of the basic cocktail style as dressed-down black tie. It’s still kinda formal, so you’ll need to wear a dark(ish) jacket and pants, and probably a tie and nice shoes. However, you’ve also got a lot more flexibility in what you put on. The classic cocktail look includes a perfectly fitted black, dark gray, or dark blue suit, a white or subtly-colored dress shirt, a stylish tie, and nice dress shoes.
How to own the cocktail party look
With the cocktail dress code, color and texture are your friends. You’ve got lots of great choices. A subtly textured black blazer, matched with a burgundy shirt and dressy black pants (like our Slim Fit Jetsetter Tech Pants in True Black), and a sexy pair of black wingtips, makes for a sleek and flattering look. Or bring in some seasonal color by opting for a tan unstructured sports jacket over a red or burgundy sweater paired with dark jeans and dressy boots.
The NYE house party
You don’t have to sweat the dress code for house parties because they (usually) don’t have one. But you’ll still need to dress well, because you always dress well.
Style icon: You
The NYE house party outfit
Casual layered looks work best for house parties. They’re comfortable and effortlessly stylish. Layer a green or burgundy cardigan or crew-neck sweater over a crisp white shirt (our Legacy Button Down is ideal), then pair it with classic trousers like our Straight Fit Jettsetters in Charcoal Gray. Finish the look with a black leather jacket or a navy bomber jacket and a pair of dressy sneakers.
How to own the house party look
While casual parties give you lots of flexibility with your outfit, you still want to make a style statement. Throw on a pair of attention-getting socks or classic Chuck Taylors, or swap the crewneck sweater for a fine-knit turtleneck. Or wear a basic black T-shirt under a tweed sport coat — paired with dark jeans and black boots — for a sexy urban look.
The hot NYE date
Maybe you want to spend NYE with a special someone rather than a roomful of people. You already know you need to look your best for a date, but New Year’s gives you the chance to do something special — and increase your chance of a midnight kiss.
Style icon: Idris Elba
The NYE date night outfit
Smart casual is the way to go for date night. You want to look your best, feel confident, and (let’s be honest), impress the pants off your date. Whatever else you wear, make your foundation a pair of Jetsetter Tech Pants, either in flattering Slim Fit or, if you haven’t been ignoring Leg Day, our tailored Athletic Fit for more powerful builds. Made with Japanese “Rebound” microfiber fabric, they mold your butt so you (and your booty) look amazing all night long.
Go with layers up top. They’ll let you dress up or down, and if the night includes dancing, you can remove your jacket to keep cool (or bust out your John Travolta Saturday Night Fever moves). A light sweater and shirt combo works great, like our Sandwash Quarter-Zip in black over our Anytime Tee in white. Or go with a patterned button-down shirt and a simple navy blazer.
How to own the date night look
NYE dates all have one thing in common — they last until (at least) midnight. That means your clothes need to look good all night long if you want to impress your date with more than your rendition of Auld Lang Syne (see above). Jack Archer bottoms and tops will go the distance. Made from wrinkle-free and stain-resistant tech fabrics, they’ll stay fresh and wrinkle-free in the restaurant, on the dance floor, or when you’re running to Times Square to see the ball drop.
The comfy NYE at home
You gotta admit, NYE at home has some appeal — no traffic, no post-midnight awkwardness, and no crowds. You can just wear your cozies, curl up with someone special (or your cat, you do you), binge on snacks, and do the countdown with Ryan Seacrest. Or maybe Anderson Cooper if you maxed out on RS during the American Idol days.
Style Icon: IDK. Probably your Dad.
The comfy NYE at home
You probably don’t need a style guide for this one. It ain’t rocket science. Wear something comfortable that looks good on you. Throw on a pair of good, clean undies, like our comfy Jetsetter Boxer Briefs (Made with MicroModal® fabric and designed with a supportive Zero-G pouch, so the only balls that drop will be on TV), your favorite sweatpants and sweater, and the socks your aunt gave you for Christmas.
How to own the stay-at-home look
Make sure everything is clean. Set an alarm for 11:55 so you don’t sleep through the countdown.
New year, new pants: Turn a great NYE into a great (and stylish) year with JA
This year, rather than swearing once again that you’ll go to the gym, call your mom more often, or stop flipping off drivers who cut you off, why not make a resolution you’ll actually keep? The pieces you chose and the outfit you created for New Year’s Eve aren’t just for one magical night. They also lay the foundations for a new wardrobe of style essentials that'll be your superpower for the new year. You’ll be able to put together a stylish, head-turning outfit in minutes, no matter what the occasion.
Keep the magic going by adding classic, high-quality pieces to your closet. Start today by checking out the complete Jack Archer collection.
