Top: J.Crew (on sale, available in multiple colors and polka dot!) Jeans: Loft Shoes: Vince Camuto Earrings: BaubleBar Sunglasses: Gucci via my sister 😉 (similar here, here) Lips: Laura Mercier in Sensual (my new, go-to peachy nude)
When I was in college my closet was split between going out tops and the more classic pieces I would wear to class each day. It just wasn’t likely that I would wear one of my trusty Polo button up shirts or J.Crew cableknit sweaters out to a party on Saturday night (I had a bit of an addiction to both in college). Enter the going out top and your party outfit crisis is solved! During those college years, I wore some going out tops that were really different from my every day style. Looking back on it some of my “going out” outfit choices made no sense- but hey, that’s what college is for, right?
I know I’ve written before about how much I love purchasing items that can do double duty- from work to play (so much so that you guys are probably sick of it). While I do love those desk-to-dinner pieces, I think having a few good going out tops in your closet is essential! From all my prior experience and some seriously horrible outfits, I’ve learned a few things about what works for me when buying a going out top. First, while it may show a bit more skin than your day time look, the perfect going out top doesn’t stray too far from your style. If you dress in feminine looks most of the time, you won’t feel comfortable with an edgy look. Second, choose a style that flatters your body- you want something you feel your best in. Third, pick a going out piece that can be paired with multiple accessories or bottoms. This way you’ll be able to re-wear your going out top without feeling like it is the same outfit every time.
To me, this cold shoulder, off the shoulder ruffle top from J.Crew is the PERFECT going out top. It’s a bit classic while showing off your collar bone (who doesn’t like to show that off) and has the feminine ruffle details that I love. While it comes in green and a pretty red hue, I choose black because it is a color I feel confident in and that I can wear with pretty much any pair of earrings I own. I also love that you can actually wear a regular bra with this top- it snaps in to the straps-Â making for another night out win! So far I’ve worn this shirt for a girls’ night out, but I know it will be super pretty for a date night with MJD too.
What does your perfect going out top look like? How would you spend your ideal night out wearing it?
xoxo, Jenna
I totally get the struggle! Now that I’m in my 30s, a lot of my 20s going out tops were too ‘much’ (and out of style….) so I had to retire them. Since I also dress with a lot of double duty in mind, I feel like sometimes I don’t have anything that feels special for a night out! This style is one I love as well– I will pass on a strapless bra wherever possible haha