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Six Chic and Unexpected Celebrity-Inspired New Year's Eve Looks

Inspired by JLo, '90s Gwyneth, and more.

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From Jennifer Aniston in the early aughts to front-row fixtures like Rihanna, some of your favorite celebs are churning out looks with, admittedly, none of the glitz but all of the glam needed to watch the ball drop. If you're planning a low-key celebration, you'll want an outfit that's cool but cozy; perhaps one like Kendall Jenner's sleek leather Bottega Veneta turtleneck and elevated flared leggings ensemble. However, if you want to go the minidress route, you can't go wrong with a chain-mail piece that's reminiscent of J.Lo's iconic Versace look from the Notorious Magazine launch party in 1999.

Regardless of how you plan to celebrate the end of 2020, there's no denying you need a solid ensemble to mark the occasion. For those who aren't sure where to start, continue on ahead for a roundup of the six celebrity-inspired outfits that are perfect for NYE, and the key pieces you need to mimic the look.

1

Jennifer Aniston, 2000

elton john named the 2000 musicares person of the year by the grammy awards
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

Jennifer Aniston's trench-coat look from 2000 may appear basic at first glance, but it's the luxe accessories that make the outfit worthy for ringing in the New Year. Opt for a shearling handbag, knee-high boots, and dapper date to bring the look together.

2

Alberta Ferretti Leather Double-Breasted Trench Coat

Leather Double-Breasted Trench Coat

The logo-embellished hardware at the cuffs make Alberta Ferretti's trench stand out from more traditional styles.

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3

Dear Frances Elle Knee Boots

Elle Knee Boots
Credit: Dear Frances

Dear Frances's knee boots are set on a manageable block heel that gives you a leg-lengthening look. 

4

Fendi Mini Mon Tresor Bucket Bag

Mini Mon Tresor Bucket Bag
Credit: farfetch.com

Fendi's furry bag is a statement accessory on par with the one Jennifer Aniston wore 20 years ago. 

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5

Rihanna, 2019

rihanna attends photocall for “fenty beauty”
Han Myung-Gu//Getty Images

While tailoring for New Year's Eve isn't a novel idea, there's something about an oversized all-white suit that's so undeniably chic. Mimic Rihanna's effortless style and accessorize with only oversized diamond studs and a watch cuff.

6

Off-White Piped Printed Cady Blazer

Piped Printed Cady Blazer
Credit: net-a-porter.com

Off-White's blazer offers a well-tailored but oversized fit that gives the look a borrowed-from-the-boys feel.

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7

Cartier Tank Américaine Watch

Tank Américaine Watch

Your festive tailoring look isn't complete without a sleek watch cuff design—stacked with tennis bracelets, of course.

8

Jennifer Lopez, 1999

41599jennife2000052804146jpg
Robin Platzer/Twin Images//Getty Images

If you want to stand out this New Year's Eve without going the traditional sequin route, try a '60s-inspired chain-mail ensemble like Jennifer Lopez's minidress instead. A diamond tennis bracelet (on each wrist) and barely-there strappy sandals are all you need to complete the look.

9

Poster Girl Chain-Mail Minidress

Chain-Mail Minidress
Credit: farfetch.com

Between the subtle citrus color and the draped silhouette, Poster Girl's chain-mail minidress is the embodiment of NYE style. 

10

ForeverMark Center of My Universe® Floral Halo Line Bracelet

Center of My Universe® Floral Halo Line Bracelet

A diamond tennis bracelet will complement the chain-mail look in a subtle yet eye-catching light.

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11

Paco Rabanne mirror-discs midi skirt

mirror-discs midi skirt

Try the idea in a sleek skirt. 

12

Paloma Elsesser, 2020

rihanna's savage x fenty show vol 2 presented by amazon prime vide – step and repeat
Jerritt Clark//Getty Images

If dresses aren't your style, Paloma Elsesser's look from the Savage x Fenty show is a great alternative that's just as chic. The off-the-shoulder bustier top provides an ultra-feminine shape, which pairs perfectly with wide-leg pants to create an hourglass shape. An ornate crystal choker makes the look party ready.

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13

Area Twist Crystal Choker

Twist Crystal Choker

Designed to sit above the collarbone, Area's crystal choker looks great with off-the-shoulder tops.  

14

Vivienne Westwood SS'98 Green & Red Silk Taffeta Corset

SS'98 Green & Red Silk Taffeta Corset
Credit: ebay.com

Vivienne Westwood has mastered the draped corset silhouette, so it makes sense to invest in an original vintage piece for the archives.  

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15

Max Mara Samba Pinstripe Pants

Samba Pinstripe Pants

Pinstriped pants work as a polished accompaniment for fitted tops and create aesthetically pleasing proportions.

16

Gwyneth Paltrow, 1996

new york film premiere of catwalk
Evan Agostini//Getty Images

Gwyneth Paltrow is a '90s style muse. That's a fact. So when it comes to a festive but ultimately chic look, you can't go wrong with a plush leopard-print jacket. A simple LBD underneath with denier tights is an easy choice.

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17

Saint Laurent Leopard Wool Blend Jacket

Leopard Wool Blend Jacket

Every well-dressed woman needs a leopard-print coat in her closet, and Saint Laurent's single-breasted style is just as much a statement piece as it is a wardrobe classic. 

18

Brandon Blackwood Kendrick Trunk

Kendrick Trunk

Brandon Blackwood went viral for his cult "ESR" bags, and his Kendrick trunk design is just as good. 

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19

Kendall Jenner, 2019

celebrity sightings february 21st   milan fashion week fallwinter 2020 2021
Arnold Jerocki//Getty Images

For those who want to ring in the New Year in an outfit that's as comfortable as it is fashion forward, you can't go wrong with model Kendall Jenner's elevated leggings look. Trade in your everyday turtleneck top for one made from a luxe material—think leather or velvet.

20

Bottega Veneta Leather Mockneck Top

Leather Mockneck Top

For Kendall Jenner's exact look, invest in Bottega Veneta's leather mock turtleneck top.

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