As the final night of the year approaches, concerns are many: where to celebrate, and with whom, are the questions on all our minds. But another thing to ponder as the snow falls is the age-old question of what to wear. Whether you will opt for an all-out sparkly number or to take a different route and pick a sleek jumpsuit, deciding the design is only the beginning of the complicated choosing process when it comes to party dresses. Once you venture to have a look at the options available, you’re bound to be overwhelmed by the abundance of choice – from dramatic maxi dresses to flirty minis and elegant velvet shifts, the final night of the year has never looked this…diverse. So to help you look and feel your best this New Year’s Eve, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite party dresses – all of them guaranteed to be cruelty-free.

This attention-grabbing number is bound to turn heads. Swap the sparkle for a femme fatale allure and clean structures that enhance the dramatic lines of this Nasty Gal maxi.

This, on the other hand, is pure sequin heaven. A bodycon shape with shoulder-baring cutout details, this slip-meets-shift silhouette will be the centerpiece of your look, so keep your accessories pared down.

Helen Fringe Dress, Amour Vert

For an ethical celebration, look no further than this fringed dress in 100% organic cotton. The quirky netted detailing will make your look stand out from the glitter-infused crowd. Wear with sky-high heels and a velvet clutch.

Bellbloom Velvet Shift, Anthropologie

To stay demure with a hint of luxe, choose this new take on a classic velvet shift dress in a rich blue hue. This dress from Anthropologie is guaranteed to be a returning favourite in your wardrobe – thanks to its easy-to-wear appeal, it’s as far from a one-hit-wonder as you can get.

Sarah Dress, Stella McCartney

If you’re serious about turning heads this New Year’s Eve, this is the dress for you. Don’t be fooled by its delicate embroidery – this maxi design from Stella McCartney is a grown-up way to subtly whisper, “look at me”.

Structured Jumpsuit with Off-the-Shoulder Detail, ASOS

For those who will not conform to the rule that says that you simply must ring in the new year wearing a dress, ASOS comes to the rescue with what certainly must be the most party-friendly jumpsuit of the year. Look sleek in this structured style paired with simple black heels.

Persephone Dress, Bead & Reel

With an old Hollywood feel, this showstopper dress represents the new face of ethical fashion – unexpected and cool, yet supremely elegant. This design is created and assembled locally in the US by the brand La Fille Colette, which makes it a priority to pay ethical wages and make their designs in small batches to minimise waste.

Della Fringed Dress, Rachel Zoe at NET-A-PORTER

Bringing to mind the Roaring Twenties, this sparkling fringed style is the perfect look for partying in the new year. If you 31st December plans include dancing, look no further than this up-all-night soirée dress.

For more party designs and other vegan fashion, visit our online shop

Header photo by Vero Photoart via Unsplash

Sascha Camilli

Founder and Editor

A passionate changemaker, Sascha Camilli is the founder and editor-in-chief of Vilda Magazine. Born in Moscow and raised in Stockholm, she has also lived in Los Angeles, London, Milan and Florence, before landing in her current hometown of Brighton, UK. She was selected as one of GLAMOUR UK's Most Empowering Nu-Gen Activists and is a frequent public speaker on the topic of vegan fashion and material innovation. Her book Vegan Style is out now on Murdoch Books.