"The experience of getting ready for a night out is the epitome of girlhood. The time comes to being the getting-ready process, and like clockwork, a notification from the group chat pings. “What’s everyone wearing?”
For years, the inescapable answer was “jeans and a cute top,” or more recently, the notorious black bodysuit and baggy jeans combination. But as I’ve entered the above-25 age demographic, I’ve seen the going-out uniform become a little bit more of a mystery. You want to feel sexy, but in a very different way than you did in college (I, for one, would never like to put anything that resembles the lace-up tank of the early 2010s on my body again).
The good news is that having a slew of going-out outfits you can turn to as an adult doesn’t necessarily require reinventing the wheel of what already exists in your closet, and these seven outfits prove it.
A baby tee and mini skirt
A mini skirt paired with a baby tee has quickly become my go-to uniform when I’m going out. It’s a base that feels fun and playful, and I love that I can make it feel completely different each time I style it via jackets, shoes, and accessories. You can rely on it for a casual look by choosing sneakers as your footwear, but if you want bonus styling points, you can pair the combination with socks and kitten heels or loafers.
A tailored tube top
2024’s office siren trend is the perfect match for a night out that includes a cocktail bar or dinner at the trendy new restaurant you’ve been dying to try. After years of wearing bodysuits, there’s something freeing about a longer, tailored tube top that doesn’t need to be tucked in. You can also seamlessly pair the more elevated top with your favorite relaxed trousers, jeans, or mini skirt depending on what you’re in the mood for.
A top with a matching mini scarf
Behold: More evidence that the Y2K fashion resurgence will never end. Our most beloved fashion icons of the 2000s may have done it first, but skinny scarves have been back for a while now—just not in the way you might remember them. This time around, they’re coming attached to tops and dresses for a perfect match that feels surprisingly sexy.
Micro shorts
If you’re on the fence about hopping on micro shorts trend, there’s no better time to test it than on a night out. Spotted on fashion muses like Hailey Bieber and Olivia Rodrigo, “no pants, no problem” has taken on a whole new meaning this year. If you want look but with a little more coverage, layer a pair of semi-opaque tights underneath, and grab your favorite heels for a legs-for-days effect you’ll reach for again and again.
A sheer top and skirt
Sheer dressing might sound intimidating, but in reality, it’s the stuff of Saturday night out dreams. Pair a sheer, long-sleeve top with your favorite bralette or bodysuit (depending on how much coverage you want), and add some texture with your favorite silky skirt in a similar color on bottom.
A white tank and relaxed trousers
If you love the confidence that jeans and a black top give you, this is a similar swap you can dip your toes into before diving in to something completely new. A white tank with wide-leg, relaxed trousers is a chic, elevated combination that can be completely customized with your shoes and accessories for a new going-out uniform you can wear on repeat.
A denim-on-denim moment
Denim-on-denim has proven to be the effortlessly chic combination of the year, and by opting for a denim vest or corset as your top, you can make it work for a night out, too. Pair the elite combo with your favorite strappy heels or a pair of heeled boots for a sexy, flirty look.
Maddie Galassi, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
Madeline Galassi is the Fashion & Beauty Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the fashion and beauty categories of the site. She brainstorms, writes, and edits stories across a broad range of topics including trend reports, product reviews, celebrity style, and more. She’s always keeping a pulse on the latest trends to create timely, exciting content for our readers.