Fashion·9 min read

What To Wear on Weekends When You’re Out and About

weekends-out-header
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Reformation, J.Crew, Madewell
September 11, 2026

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So you’re headed out on the town. No matter your plans — a nice dinner, brunch with the girls, or grabbing froyo — we applaud you. Here’s what to wear that’ll make you feel like you put in the effort (even if you didn’t).

For more affordable, stylish outfit ideas, click here.

sheer-shirt

Reformation

Eli Oversized Shirt

A sheer shirt to get in on the trend…

It seems that the sheer trend is here to stay. To give it a try, grab this oversized button-up that shows just enough and pair it with your favorite jeans. If sheer isn’t your thing, they also have solid colors. 

silk-mini

Quince

100% Washable Silk Mini Skirt

A silk mini skirt you can throw in the wash…

It doesn’t get better than a silk mini — especially when you can put it in the washing machine wear after wear. It’s made of 100% mulberry silk and has a hidden waistband that won’t pinch. Dress it up with a blouse or down with a graphic tee. 

denim-dress

Madewell

The Elena Midi Dress in Airy Denim

A chic denim midi dress…

This dress is cut on the bias, so it has a slim fit without being too tight, and the denim is breathable and soft. The dark wash is timeless, and it wears well with ballet flats or heels for a nice dinner. 

slip-dress

J.Crew

Natasha Slip Dress

A slip dress for any occasion…

Sister’s baby shower? This dress. Brunch with the girls? This dress. Romantic date night? Do we even have to say it? Every detail is better than the last, from the tiny bow at the top to the vibrant floral print with ladybugs and honeybees in it. 

maxi-skirt

Abercrombie & Fitch

Drop-Waist Maxi Skirt

A maxi skirt that’s giving Carolyn Bessette Kennedy…

Earlier this year, the CBK craze took the fashion world by storm. Months later, we’re still emulating her style. This skirt is effortless in the best way, with its drop-waist silhouette and silky cotton fabric. 

mesh-top

Old Navy

Long-Sleeve Asymmetrical Unlined Mesh Top

A classic Going Out Top™…

You have a whole outfit when you have this mesh top in your closet. It has sheer sleeves, draping at the waist, and is long enough to keep you covered, even if you’re dancing all night long. 

slim-jacket

Abercrombie & Fitch

Slim Zip Vegan Suede Jacket

A slim suede jacket you can style in so many ways…

This fall, it’s all about the slim jacket. This one is made of soft vegan suede, has a classic fold-down collar, and won’t overwhelm even the petitest of frames. Wear it zipped up as a top or open with a silky tank underneath.

button-up

Petal & Pup

Bronagh Cropped Button Up Shirt

A button-up shirt for every situation…

Pair it with jeans and sneakers for a casual lunch, then a skirt and heels for date night. You can even wear it to the office. The key is that it’s cropped right at your waist, so you don’t have to worry about tucking it in. 

shirtdress

Anthropologie

Eleanora Printed Button-Down Midi Shirtdress

A shirtdress in a dark floral print…

This shirtdress feels like something Nicole Kidman’s character would wear in Practical Magic (or maybe we’re just excited for the sequel). The dark floral print is great for fall, and the cinched waist gives it a nice shape. 

free-people-top

Free People

Fearless Long Sleeve Top

A long-sleeve top to show a little skin…

If you want to lean into the going out vibes, why not throw on this sheer top with a split in the front? It’ll show off your low-rise jeans and comes in pastel and neutral shades. 

ballet-flats

Alohas

Rosalind All Studs Black Leather Ballet Flats

The ballet flats one editor swears by…

One editor was not a ballet flats fan until she tried these, and now she can’t stop wearing them. They are incredibly comfortable right out of the box — no heel blisters, no toes pinching — and they stand out in a sea of flats. Go for the ones with the studs. 

cargo-pants

Gap

Low Rise Twill Baggy Barrel Cargo Pants

A pair of cool girl cargo pants…

Gap really delivered with these. They’re low-rise, made of soft cotton twill, and have a barrel leg that isn’t too baggy. We’re definitely pairing these with a tank and heels, then heading out to drinks. 

high-neck-dress

Quince

Washable Stretch Silk High Neck Midi Dress

A silk dress you can wear to a wedding…

If you have an event to attend, this midi dress is your go-to. The high-neck is chic, while the criss-cross open back is a little sexy. The best part is you can throw it in the wash when you get home, and it’ll come out brand new. 

pumps

Sam Edelman

Bianka Slingback Pump

A trendy pointed-toe pump…

We’re seeing a lot of pointed-toe pumps for fall, and we’re also seeing a lot of animal print, so why not marry them? We love the brown zebra print that’ll take an outfit from average to statement-making. Plus, Sam Edelman makes some of the most comfortable shoes we’ve ever worn. 

boots

Vagabond

Kelsey Western Boots

A pair of cowboy boots you’ll wear more than you think…

The unique color of these cowboy boots makes them more edgy than your typical pairs, so they’re less yee-haw and more high fashion. They’ll pair well with dresses and skirts and are wide enough to tuck your jeans in. 

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