24 Going-Out-Outfit Formulas That It Girls Always Rely On

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Have you ever made plans and then found yourself wondering, What do I wear? we can't tell you how often we've thought about canceling plans because we had no idea what to wear to go out. And if you clicked into this story, we're guessing you struggle with this too. There's no shame in it, either. After a prolonged period of social distancing, it's only rational we'd collectively forget how to dress up for a night out. 

So in that vein, we've scoured through Instagram to find the best going-out-outfit ideas to replicate. Ahead, you'll find the formulas the style set relies on for creating effortlessly cool party outfits and the key pieces you'll need to create the looks yourself. Whether your big plans include a date night, a night on the dance floor, or a special event, there's something in here for wherever the night takes you.

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Corset Top + Cargo Pants + Sandals
(Image credit: @indyabrown)

Ah, you made plans but have no idea what to wear. Enter: the ensemble above. Pairing a corset top with cargo pants is the easiest way to look cool on the fly. 

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Metallic Minidress + Tights + Heels + Chain-Strap Shoulder Bag
(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Holiday party? Drinks? Dancing? When styled with a chain bag and tights, a metallic minidress will work no matter the occasion. 

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Blazer + Bodysuit + Jeans + Sparkly Bag
(Image credit: @ninasandbech; Pictured: Mugler jeans; Prada bag)

A night out dancing doesn't require a ball gown or a fairy godmother in order for you to feel like the belle of the ball. Simply opt for a bodysuit with a blazer, jeans, and a sparkly bag. 

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Tweed Minidress + Mules + Handbag
(Image credit: @fisayolonge)

Who said dressing "formal" couldn't be fun? Simply wear a tweed dress (mini or longer), heels, and a fun bag for a look that will work for fancier plans. 

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Silk Cami Tank + Baggy Jeans + Shoulder Bag + Heels
(Image credit: @alllisonho)

Let's be honest. We've all had those moments when we're running late for our plans. When you're short on time but still want to look stylish, pair a silk tank top with baggy jeans, heels, and a shoulder bag for the perfect late-night look.

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Feather Dress + Heels + Handbag
(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

For the maximalists reading this story, consider this your green light to do the most. You are going out, after all, so why not go all out with your look and opt for a dress adorned with feathers and heels? 

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Bomber Jacket + T-Shirt + Maxi Skirt + Heels
(Image credit: @anna__laplaca; Pictured: Daily Paper jacket)

Want to turn just as many heads without overdressing? Simply swap feathered pieces for leather. You'll be surprised how many people stare when you style an oversize bomber jacket with a T-shirt, a maxi skirt, and heels. 

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Corset Top + Satin Skirt + Sandals
(Image credit: @nitsanraiter; Pictured: Rezek Studio set)

Special evenings out require an elegant ensemble—ahem, see above. Pair a corset with a matching silk skirt and sandals for a simple yet chic look. 

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Second-Skin Dress + Leather Trench Coat + Boots + Handbag
(Image credit: @laurennicolefk)

On those nights when you want to look cool but don't want to actually be cold, you'll want to re-create the look above. Pair a second-skin dress with a leather trench coat and handbag for a hot outfit.

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Leather Jacket + Baby T-Shirt + Slip Skirt + Ballet Flats
(Image credit: @emmaleger)

Whether your plans for the evening involve bar hopping or going on a first date, chances are you'll want to be comfortable. The easiest way to look and feel your best is to pair ballet flats with a slip skirt, T-shirt, and moto jacket. 

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Choker + Off-the-Shoulder Top + Trousers + Heels
(Image credit: @oumaymaboumeshouli)

If you're not heading to a dive bar and are planning to see a show or meet someone important, you might want to dress up a bit. We recommend taking your favorite trousers and spicing them up with an off-the-shoulder top, slingback heels, and a choker necklace for a look that balances formal and fun fabulously. 

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Second-Skin Dress + Wedges + Shoulder Bag
(Image credit: @slipintostyle; Pictured: Miaou dress; Versace wedges)

Maybe you're on vacation, or it's warm out. Whatever the case, we know it can be hard to decide what to wear for the evening. Enter: the mesh second-skin dress. Opt for a colorful version paired with wedges and a shoulder bag for the perfect going-out outfit. 

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Second-Skin Top + Minidress + Lug-Sole Boots
(Image credit: @kellychristinereed)

For those who can't handle spending the entire night in heels, allow us to introduce you to the look above. Pairing lug-sole knee-high boots with a second-skin top layered under a minidress is a pain-free way to look cool and still be comfortable all evening. 

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Crystal Blazer + Shorts + Platform Heels
(Image credit: @handinfire; Pictured: Area Nameplate Crystal Trim Open Back Crop Blazer ($1995))

You can't go wrong with a blazer, even for an evening out. Simply opt for an iteration with fun details (e.g., crystals, a cropped hemline, cutouts, or even a dress form) to make this daytime staple feel ready for a night out. 

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Leather Moto Jacket + Sequin Miniskirt + Chain-Mail Bag + Ankle Boots
(Image credit: @iziangus)

Looking for a way to wear that sequin miniskirt or dress in the back of your closet again? Look no further than the outfit above. Make that piece feel sparkly and new again by styling it with trendy pieces like a leather jacket and a chain-link bag. 

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Mesh Shirt + Matching Miniskirt + Puffer Coat + Gloves + Boots
(Image credit: @anaasaber)

Cold weather cramping your style? Don't fret. The easiest way to make any of your going-out ensembles warmer is by investing in a cool puffer coat. 

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Faux-Fur Coat + Fitted Dress + Sparkly Boots
(Image credit: @fashionwithjazz)

If you're not into puffer coats, try throwing a fur coat over a fitted dress instead. If you find the outfit still feels a little too vanilla for a night out, add in sparky or metallic boots to make it more festive. 

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Blazer + Cropped T-Shirt + Sparkly Pants + Sparkly Bag
(Image credit: @sofiamcoelho)

Not one for matching sets? How about sparkly pants, then? Simply pair them with a black T-shirt and blazer, boots, and a matching bag to have just the right amount of shine for the night. 

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Crystal Bra Top + Leather Pants + Heels
(Image credit: @jeannine.roxas)

Another way you can inject a little sparkle into your evening is by opting for a crystal bra top styled with leather pants, a shoulder bag, and sandals. 

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Sparkly Hat + Cropped Sweater + Low-Rise Pants + Pointy Heels
(Image credit: @emnitta)

In the spirit of showing sparkly undergarments, may we also suggest re-creating the look above? Pair a cropped sweater with low-rise pants and a sequin g-string for a going-out look that will make you giddy.

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Sequin Skirt Set + Platform Boots
(Image credit: @noore)

Can you tell we love sequins? Jokes aside, they're never a bad call, especially if they come in a matching set (see above). But if you want to make this look shine even more, add platform ankle boots. You'll be soaring above like a disco ball all night. 

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Slip Dress + Shoulder Bag + Knee-High Boots
(Image credit: @shhtephs)

For a more casual going-out look sans sparkly things, pair your beloved slip dress with boots and a shoulder bag. 

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Corset Top + Miniskirt + Knee-High Boots
(Image credit: @meccajw)

Okay, this is the third outfit idea in this roundup that includes a corset top, but can you blame us? It's one of the best going-out staples you can invest in, as you can style it with a skirt and boots, cargo pants or jeans, and even over a dress. 

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Sheer Sparkly Dress + Sparkly Heels
(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Not to sound like a broken record, but considering you've made it to the end of this story, we'd be remiss if we didn't remind you of the power of sparkly pieces. Come nighttime, there's truly no better staple to turn to than a sparkly dress paired with equally shiny shoes. Wear this for your next night out, and you'll look stylish long past midnight. 

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Next: The It Girl's Guide to Dressing Chic at the Club (Yes, It Can Be Done)

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.