Have you ever made plans and then found yourself wondering, What do I wear? we can’t tell you how often we’ve thought about canceling plans because we had no idea what to wear to go out. And if you clicked into this story, we’re guessing you struggle with this too. There’s no shame in it, either. After a prolonged period of social distancing, it’s only rational we’d collectively forget how to dress up for a night out. So in that vein, we’ve scoured through Instagram to find the best going-out-outfit ideas to replicate. Ahead, you’ll find the formulas the style set relies on for creating effortlessly cool party outfits and the key pieces you’ll need to create the looks yourself. Whether your big plans include a date night, a night on the dance floor, or a special event, there’s something in here for wherever the night takes you.
Ah, you made plans but have no idea what to wear. Enter: the ensemble above. Pairing a corset top with cargo pants is the easiest way to look cool on the fly.
As you can tell, they also look great with sneakers in case you want to wear more comfortable shoes for the evening.
Holiday party? Drinks? Dancing? When styled with a chain bag and tights, a metallic minidress will work no matter the occasion.
Disco ready.
A night out dancing doesn’t require a ball gown or a fairy godmother in order for you to feel like the belle of the ball. Simply opt for a bodysuit with a blazer, jeans, and a sparkly bag.
Just the right amount of sparkle for a night out.
Who said dressing “formal” couldn’t be fun? Simply wear a tweed dress (mini or longer), heels, and a fun bag for a look that will work for fancier plans.
Pro tip: add a matching tweed blazer or long trench to keep warm.
Let’s be honest. We’ve all had those moments when we’re running late for our plans. When you’re short on time but still want to look stylish, pair a silk tank top with baggy jeans, heels, and a shoulder bag for the perfect late-night look.
The fold-over flap on these jeans is everything.
For the maximalists reading this story, consider this your green light to do the most. You are going out, after all, so why not go all out with your look and opt for a dress adorned with feathers and heels?
Ideal for that upcoming cocktail party.
Want to turn just as many heads without overdressing? Simply swap feathered pieces for leather. You’ll be surprised how many people stare when you style an oversize bomber jacket with a T-shirt, a maxi skirt, and heels.
This also would go well with your favorite pair of jeans.
Special evenings out require an elegant ensemble—ahem, see above. Pair a corset with a matching silk skirt and sandals for a simple yet chic look.
Shop the matching Mint Shimmy Skirt ($175).
On those nights when you want to look cool but don’t want to actually be cold, you’ll want to re-create the look above. Pair a second-skin dress with a leather trench coat and handbag for a hot outfit.
The best thing about this trench (besides its metallic-blue hue) is that it’s available in sizes XS to 3X.
Whether your plans for the evening involve bar hopping or going on a first date, chances are you’ll want to be comfortable. The easiest way to look and feel your best is to pair ballet flats with a slip skirt, T-shirt, and moto jacket.
These shoes will transition well from work to happy hour.
If you’re not heading to a dive bar and are planning to see a show or meet someone important, you might want to dress up a bit. We recommend taking your favorite trousers and spicing them up with an off-the-shoulder top, slingback heels, and a choker necklace for a look that balances formal and fun fabulously.
Now here’s a necklace that will go well with that top you already own.
Maybe you’re on vacation, or it’s warm out. Whatever the case, we know it can be hard to decide what to wear for the evening. Enter: the mesh second-skin dress. Opt for a colorful version paired with wedges and a shoulder bag for the perfect going-out outfit.
For colder temperatures, pair this with a puffer coat and boots.
For those who can’t handle spending the entire night in heels, allow us to introduce you to the look above. Pairing lug-sole knee-high boots with a second-skin top layered under a minidress is a pain-free way to look cool and still be comfortable all evening.
They’ll go well with your winter outfits too.
You can’t go wrong with a blazer, even for an evening out. Simply opt for an iteration with fun details (e.g., crystals, a cropped hemline, cutouts, or even a dress form) to make this daytime staple feel ready for a night out.
Please stop scrolling for one second to admire the back of this blazer.
Looking for a way to wear that sequin miniskirt or dress in the back of your closet again? Look no further than the outfit above. Make that piece feel sparkly and new again by styling it with trendy pieces like a leather jacket and a chain-link bag.
This bag is made from recycled bottle lids, so it’s sure to make your going-out look even more special.
Cold weather cramping your style? Don’t fret. The easiest way to make any of your going-out ensembles warmer is by investing in a cool puffer coat.
The best investment you can make, hands down.
If you’re not into puffer coats, try throwing a fur coat over a fitted dress instead. If you find the outfit still feels a little too vanilla for a night out, add in sparky or metallic boots to make it more festive.
Disco-ball vibes.
Not one for matching sets? How about sparkly pants, then? Simply pair them with a black T-shirt and blazer, boots, and a matching bag to have just the right amount of shine for the night.
So fun.
Another way you can inject a little sparkle into your evening is by opting for a crystal bra top styled with leather pants, a shoulder bag, and sandals.
Styling hack: layer this over a tank or under a blazer for more coverage.
In the spirit of showing sparkly undergarments, may we also suggest re-creating the look above? Pair a cropped sweater with low-rise pants and a sequin g-string for a going-out look that will make you giddy.
In case you’re anti-thong, try a sparkly hat instead to spice up an all-black look.
Can you tell we love sequins? Jokes aside, they’re never a bad call, especially if they come in a matching set (see above). But if you want to make this look shine even more, add platform ankle boots. You’ll be soaring above like a disco ball all night.
These are such comfortable boots.
For a more casual going-out look sans sparkly things, pair your beloved slip dress with boots and a shoulder bag.
Add a leather jacket for a brisk evening.
Okay, this is the third outfit idea in this roundup that includes a corset top, but can you blame us? It’s one of the best going-out staples you can invest in, as you can style it with a skirt and boots, cargo pants or jeans, and even over a dress.
You’ll get your money’s worth with how much you wear this top.
Not to sound like a broken record, but considering you’ve made it to the end of this story, we’d be remiss if we didn’t remind you of the power of sparkly pieces. Come nighttime, there’s truly no better staple to turn to than a sparkly dress paired with equally shiny shoes. Wear this for your next night out, and you’ll look stylish long past midnight.
Sheer sequins were a major trend on the fall/winter 2022 runways.
Next: The It Girl’s Guide to Dressing Chic at the Club (Yes, It Can Be Done)
