Shopping·9 min read

What to Wear When You’re Going “Out” Out

out-out-header
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Revolve, Eloquii, With Jean
September 9, 2022

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So you’re going “out” out. Brave of you. You’ll need an outfit that potentially goes into the wee hours. Something you’ll feel comfortable in while you dance, navigate crowds, and maybe chat with attractive strangers (here’s hoping?).

We’ve found everything from one-and-done outfits to pull on and out the door (even if you were wearing a robe 15 minutes ago) to versatile bodysuits that you can wear to brunch as well. Hold for applause.

Psst…this is part of our Relatable Fashion Week series. For more recs on what to wear when you want to go out but your closet says, ‘let’s stay in,’ click here.

bodysuit
Free People

A bodysuit that works for all bust sizes…

The V-neck on this bodysuit is flattering yet not so low that you’ll worry about a wardrobe malfunction all night. Let a lace bralette peek out for a flirty touch, or try going braless if that’s your thing. It comes in five colors and is stretchy and soft with a thong bottom that will never give you a visible panty line. Phew. ($58, Free People)

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turtleneck-dress
Good American

A body-skimming turtleneck dress…

There’s something so elegant about a high-neck dress. This one is made of stretchy fabric that hugs your curves with subtle ruching on the sides but won’t make you overheat. The midi length is perfect for going from the office to out when it’s time for happy hour. It comes in four neutral colors and sizes XS–5XL. ($120, Good American)

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mini-dress
Revolve

A bright mini dress with a party-ready detail in the back…

If you’re attending a party or have a girls night of dancing ahead of you, may we suggest this candy-apple green number? The high cowl neck beautifully offsets the low back with chain detailing. Plus, the silky fabric is overlaid with a retro, wavy print. So fun. ($216, Revolve)

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slip-dress
Urban Outfitters

A slip dress with almost 3,000 positive reviews…

Slip dresses are always a good idea. With satin fabric, a cowl neck, and mini length, this one is classic in all the best ways. When you feel like you have nothing to wear, reach for this beauty that’ll never let you down. It comes in 13 colors and sizes XXS–XXL. ($49, Urban Outfitters)

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pointed-toe-booties
QVC

A pointed-toe bootie that’ll look great with dresses and jeans alike…

This eye-catching Vince Camuto pair is available in six colors (we love the striking blue colorway, but they also come in neutral shades), in either suede or leather. With a 3.7-inch heel, they’ve got some height to ’em, and they’re designed with a side-zip closure to make pulling them on and off a breeze. These boots? They’re made for partying. ($169, QVC)

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corset-dress
With Jéan

A strapless corset dress that’ll quickly become your favorite thing to wear…

From an Instagram-darling brand, this dress is *chef’s kiss* for a night out. It’s a strapless mini that has boning for added shape. It comes in three solid colors and three patterns, but we’re partial to the brown plaid for Cher Horowitz vibes. You already know. ($239, With Jéan)

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corset-top
Amazon

A strapless corset top that goes with any pants…

Denim, leather, cargos, you name it, this top looks good with it. Though it has boning on the sides, this corset top is comfortable and breathable, even for those with larger chests. It has spandex, so it’s not completely rigid and a zipper at the back for easy in and out. It comes in several colors and sizes 00–14. ($19.99+, Amazon)

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cami-bodysuit
Nordstrom

A cami bodysuit that’s buttery soft…

For a laidback, casual ‘fit, pair this bodysuit with your favorite jeans and heels. The fabric is slightly sculpting but not restricting or uncomfortable. It’s completely seamless, comes in several neutral shades to fit your skin tone, and has a thong back that remains invisible under pants. Sold. ($58, Nordstrom)

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bodycon-dress
Lulus

A black one-shoulder bodycon dress…

The details of this dress really make it a stunner, from the one-shoulder neckline to the midi length to the asymmetrical hem. It’s fitted, but not going-to-the-club fitted, and works well for a cocktail hour or even a special dinner date. It comes in sizes XS–XL. ($62, Lulus)

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wrap-dress
Eloquii

A wrap dress that easily goes from the office to the bar…

The wide collar, the side tie, the shoulder pads. We can’t get over the perfection that is this dress. It’s silky and sexy in powder blue or classic black and comes in sizes 14–28. Wear it with ballet flats to the office then swap to heels for girls night after. The best. ($119.95+, Eloquii)

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ruched-dress
Torrid

A bodycon mini dress with ruching…

With a ruched seam down the middle, this dress will flatter your figure from top to bottom and hits just above the knee. The vibrant blue is well suited for a night on the town and the straps are substantial enough to keep you covered and comfortable. It comes in sizes M–6X, and customers love that it can be dressed up or down with heels or sandals. ($10.49+, Torrid)

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shapewear-cami
Honeylove

A cami that supports and lifts at the same time…

Comfortable shapewear? We’re in. This cami is underwire-free but still smooths and lifts with bonded support. It tucks easily into jeans or a skirt, comes in adjustable or wide-strap versions, and sizes XS–4X plus nine colors. Customers say they end up wearing it every day since they don’t have to wear a bra with it. ($84, Honeylove)

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midi-dress
Abercrombie & Fitch

A midi dress with a twist…

This midi dress may look ordinary, but thanks to the trendy corset, your waist will be  slightly accentuated. The cotton-poplin material, delicate straps, and breezy skirt are sure to keep you cool as you dance the night away or stand in a crowded bar (you do you). It comes in a bright orange color and sizes XXS–XL. ($82.50+, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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long-sleeve-crop
Target

A long-sleeve crop top that has a matching skirt…

This top is great on its own with wide sleeves, a modest V-neck, and gathered elastic at the waist. But may we suggest pairing with the matching skirt? Then, you have an outfit. The top comes in blue and rust and sizes XS–4X, as does the skirt. Done and done. ($25, Target)

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jumpsuit
Nordstrom

A sophisticated jumpsuit for a one-and-done outfit…

This shoulder-baring jumpsuit has a high neck with a twist that flows elegantly into wide-leg pants. It’s not too tight at the waist, and the fabric is thick enough to not be see-through but still hangs nicely. It comes in black and deep red and sizes 14–24. Just be aware, it runs large so order one size down. Night out, here you come. ($169, Nordstrom)

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