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When it comes to New Year's Eve, I think it's safe to say it's a rather polarizing holiday. On one hand, I can see how many folks might resent, dread, detest (or any combination there of), the holiday itself -- there's a lot of hype, far too many expectations, the hassle of reservations seemingly NEVER being available no matter how early in the year you may start booking and inevitably, there's always someone in tears at midnight for some reason of heartache or self-loathing or both. On the other hand, it can be joyous, celebratory and a good excuse to shake off the previous year, flip it the middle finger (or hug it!) and toast the new one just arriving.

Admittedly, I've been on both sides of the fence when it comes to New Year's Eve -- I'm both a cynic and a believer, but I like to think my inner optimist prevails once the countdown starts and it more often than not, has a lot to do with what I'm wearing for the evening. If I can start the night off in something I feel absolutely fabulous in, even if all hell breaks loose, at least I've got one thing covered.

Since we're just a few days out now from ringing in 2018 (and I've now extended my stay here in Australia while my guy sorts out his pending visa situation) I'm currently hunting for a few good dress options for New Year's in Melbourne (regrettably, I didn't bring any good frocks for the occasion).

Of course, this begs the question: how to stand out amongst the crowd of sequins, black, glitter, metallic, velvet and any of the above combinations. If these photos are any indication (or this post and this video), I'll take every opportunity to be extra AF and run with it -- usually in the name of an editorial shoot (we shot these back in July actually while working with the Sarah Seven team in LA), but particularly in the name of New Year's Eve. Why? It's the perfect holiday to justify a dress splurge -- one that you've been eyeing for most of the season and one that, with any luck, is now on sale thanks to the post-Christmas sale gods. That way, it's not just one dress that you've delegated to the likes of an evening out for champagne but one that brings joy well past a midnight countdown.

In that spirit, I've rounded up a few perfect dresses for New Year's Eve that you'll love well into 2018. Because 2018 is all about things on YOUR terms, am I right?

What are you guys doing for New Year's Eve? And, moreover, what are you wearing?

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[prodl brand="Sarah Seven" product="Saint Dress" description="Not for the faint of heart when it comes to a New Year's Eve party dress. This gorgeous Sarah Seven gown is screaming to be worn to a midnight masquerade ball -- bonus points if there happens to be a dramatic staircase for your perfect entrance (and mysterious exit)." link="http://www.sarahseven.com/bride-by-sarah-seven/"][/prodl]

[prodr brand="Rebecca Vallance" product="Guipure Lace Midi Dress" description="If one thing is for sure, you'll be hard pressed to find someone else at the party in another yellow dress. What I love about this one by Rebecca Vallance, is that it's from her Resort collection -- making the overall vibe appropriately vacation inspired (perfect come February when we're all fed up with New York winters and need a warm getaway, but the lace gives it bit of a evening nod." link="http://shopstyle.it/l/r7Hg"][/prodr]

[prodl brand="Rebecca Taylor" product="Patchwork Dress" description="This Rebecca Taylor dress combines some of my favorite elements into one piece of clothing: velvet, ruffles and peek-a-boo lace. While this dress would be perfect with a pair of classic black heels, I'd be even more interested in seeing it paired with knee high black boots." link="http://shopstyle.it/l/r7KZ"][/prodl]

[prodr brand="Zimmermann" product="Rife Dally Midi Dress" description="I've yet to meet a polka dot I didn't like. And this dress by Zimmermann has my name all over it. Asymmetrical? Check. Lace? Check. Cut out shoulders? Check! Plus, it's currently on sale!" link="http://shopstyle.it/l/r7Oo"][/prodr]

[prodl brand="Self Portrait" product="Sweetheart Crochet Midi Dress" description="I love how unexpected a pleated dress might be for evening festivities, but imagine the dancing you could do in this little number! The twirls! The dips!" link="http://shopstyle.it/l/r7SS"][/prodl]

[prodr brand="Alice McCall" product="Sweet Emotion Dress" description="Confession: I actually tried on this very dress here in Australia (Alice McCall is probably my newest Australia crush but shhh...don't tell my boyfriend that). And another confession: I'm pretty tempted to head back to their boutique to scoop it up. Oddly enough, I don't have many blush colored dresses but amongst a sea of black frocks, you'd certainly stick out. In the best way possible." link="http://shopstyle.it/l/r7VJ"][/prodr]

OUTFIT DETAILS: Sarah Seven gown (borrowed) // Sergio Rossi heels

Photos by Lydia Hudgens