What to Wear on New Year's Eve in Dubai: Rooftops, Beach, Desert

New Year's Eve in Dubai can mean a rooftop with a view of the fireworks, a beach club, a desert camp or a party at home. Each place calls for a different dress, and the same cool late-December evening affects all of them. Plan your look a few days ahead and you will have time to choose without rushing.

The weather in late December

Days are mild and pleasant, but evenings are cool, especially by the sea, on rooftops and in the desert. Indoors, air-conditioning is still strong. The reliable answer is a dress for the party and one light layer: a blazer, a faux-fur wrap, a jacket or a pashmina. Fabrics with some weight, such as velvet and satin, feel comfortable at this time of year.

Fabrics that work for the night

• Sparkle. Sequin and shimmer fabrics catch the light at midnight. Keep everything else simple: one statement element is enough.
• Velvet. Rich in colour and warm in the cooler evening, velvet suits indoor parties and rooftops.
• Satin. Satin is elegant and photographs well. It can crease and mark, so check the dress at try-on and sit down in it.
• Lace and corsetry. A good choice for a more romantic or fitted look.

Rooftops

Rooftops are the classic New Year's Eve venue, and the dress code is usually smart and glamorous. A short sparkle, satin or cutout dress with heels is the usual choice, with a wrap for the wind. You may stand for hours, so choose comfortable heels you can manage, and keep a light jacket close by.

Looks that work: Daring Midnight Cutout Minidress, Merlot Muse Mini Corset Dress, Celeste Satin Mini Dress. More in New Year's Eve dresses.

Beach clubs

A beach club on New Year's Eve is usually relaxed but dressy, with smarter dress than on a normal day. A lighter mini with some shine and flat sandals or low heels works, because sand and decking are hard on stilettos. Bring a layer for once the sun goes.

Looks that work: Lightweight Shine, Mini Subtle Shimmer.

Desert camps

Desert evenings in winter are properly cold, and there is sand underfoot. Choose a velvet midi or maxi, closed shoes or flat sandals, and a warm jacket or shawl. Skirts that are comfortable for sitting on cushions are better than a short, tight dress.

Looks that work: Velvet Evening Dress, Desert Mirage. More in velvet and satin dresses.

Home parties

At home you can be more playful and comfortable, and the outfit can still be dressy. A two-piece set, a velvet romper or a corset top with a skirt looks festive and is easy to move in, which matters if you will dance or host.

Looks that work: Moonlight Shine Set, Velvet Romper, Exclusive Corset.

Choose colours that photograph well

Black, burgundy, red, champagne and white all work for New Year's Eve. Black is safe; deep red and burgundy feel rich and warm in winter; white and ivory stand out under rooftop lighting. Pick the colour that you feel best in, then add jewellery in one metal only.

Quick answers

Is it cold in Dubai on New Year's Eve?

Evenings are cool, especially by the sea and in the desert. Bring a light jacket or wrap.

Is a short dress fine for a rooftop?

Yes. Rooftops are smart and glamorous, and short dresses are common. Add a layer for the wind.

What should I wear to a desert New Year's Eve?

A velvet midi or maxi with a warm layer and flat or closed shoes.

When should I decide on my outfit?

A few days ahead is comfortable, and leaves time to try two or three options.

About DOUBLE's home try-on

DOUBLE is an online-only boutique with no shop. Instead, a female fitting assistant brings the pieces you choose to your home, hotel or office anywhere in Dubai and waits while you try them on. Read how it works on our try-on at home page, or send the pieces and sizes you like on WhatsApp.