The experience of getting ready for a night out is canon event 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.” But a recent viral video of a sea of women at a party all in light-wash jeans and a black bodysuit—while looking amazing, of course—got me thinking: Are there any going-out looks that are just as flattering and comfortable, but a bit more out-of-the-box? As statement pants have entered the scene and the infamous lace-up tee of the 2010s has exited, the going-out uniform of 2024 has become a mystery to many.
If you’re ready to level-up your going-out attire, I’m with you. These are eight looks I’m pining to wear—that aren’t jeans and a black top.
A wrap blazer, flare jeans, and pointed-toe heels
Gone are the days that blazers are exclusively office attire; in 2024, they can be going-out wear, too. Paired with flare jeans and kitten heels, a wrap blazer that ties at the waist is the perfect blend of sexy-meets-sophisticated. The next time you’re headed to a moody dinner-and-cocktails situation with the girls, this look is worth taking for a spin.
A mini skirt and white tee
A mini skirt paired with a white tee has quickly become my go-to uniform when I’m going out. It feels fun and playful, and I love that if it’s chilly, I can easily throw my leather jacket over top. If I want this look to feel a bit more elevated, I opt for knee-high boots as my shoe of choice; but if I’m heading somewhere casual, sneakers are my go-to.
A tube top and trousers
A tube top is always the right call, especially for a night out. 2024’s preferred version has a long-line hem and falls into the office siren trend—a sexier take on workwear—that’s gearing up to take over. After years of wearing bodysuits, there’s something freeing about a longer shirt that doesn’t need to be tucked. The best part? It can seamlessly pair with your favorite relaxed trousers, jeans, or mini skirt.
A strapless 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 are officially back—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 chic.
Hot pants and tights
If you’re on the fence about hopping on the no-pants trend, there’s no better time to test it than on a night out. Recently spotted on 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, opt for 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
There’s no chicer combination than denim-on-denim, and with a denim vest or bustier, you can make it work for a night out, too. Pair the elite combination with your favorite strappy heels, or—if you want everyone to know you’re counting down the days until Cowboy Carter—your cowboy boots.
