Hate Dresses? These Blake Lively-Inspired Pants Are Perfect For New Year’s Eve

What's the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions a New Year's Eve outfit? More likely than not, you probably conjured up thoughts of a sparkly, sequin-adorned dress, and while that's certainly a great, festive staple, it's not the only thing one can wear to ring in the New Year. Pants are just as much a party staple — they're practical, comfortable, versatile, and, most importantly dancing-friendly. If you want to break away from traditional party attire (read: you just aren't a dress person), look toward Blake Lively's style for some guidance in terms of party-ready pant ensembles that are sure to impress.

While the actor certainly isn't one to stray away from trend-forward tuxedo dresses and statement-making red carpet gowns, she's no stranger to a great pair of pants, either. Just take Lively's suit parade as a prime example. During the month of Aug., the actor almost exclusively wore trouser-and-blazer combos, dishing out what may be some of her most copy-worthy looks to date and proving that pants can look just as elegant as a dress or a skirt.

Ahead, three of Lively's very best pants outfits, along with The Zoe Report's favorite bottoms with which to recreate each look yourself. Warning: Even if you are a dress person, one look at the below looks will have you rethinking that classic LBD you reach for every New Year's Eve.

The Palazzo Pants

Are they pants? Is it a maxi skirt? While walking the red (well, pink) carpet during the MTV Music Awards on Aug. 20, Lively donned a pair of super-wide-leg white trousers that undoubtedly caused the fashion-obsessed to do a double take. If you're not ready to fully commit to pants for your New Year's Eve celebration, make like Lively and pick a pair that combines the gracefulness of a skirt with the practicality of pants. What's more, it's almost impossible to not want to hit the dance floor in bottoms as flowy as these.

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The Luxe Velvet Pants

Lively kicked off her suit parade on a high note. On Aug. 17, the actor was photographed out and about in New York City, donning a pair of wide-leg, liquid velvet pants that hailed from Italian fashion brand, Brunello Cucinelli. She styled the bottoms with a coordinating velvet vest, topping off the outfit with a luxe oxblood blazer.

Velvet pants are elegant, warm, and so cozy, deeming them the perfect party bottoms. This New Year's Eve, take note from Lively and swap your skirt for pants, preferably a pair rendered in the glistening fabric. If Lively's triple-velvet look feels like a bit too much for you, stick with a basic top and a few glitzy accessories.

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The Sleek Black Trousers

Black trousers are the ultimate wardrobe staple — they're incredibly versatile and can be styled in a myriad of ways. This New Year's Eve, copy Lively's perfect pants outfit and pair sleek bottoms with a sheer, statement-making top. Add in glitzy accessories and fun heels for the ultimate party-ready look that's equal parts stylish and practical.