I Know My Way Around a Great Night-Out Look—These 5 Outfit Formulas Never Fail

It’s a new year, and you know what that means: new outfits. This year, I’m planning on turning up the heat when putting together my looks, especially for parties and events. I always look at a night out as the perfect opportunity to wear something fun and really break out your best pieces. What I love about dressing for a night out is that you have a little more wiggle room when it comes to playing with fabrics, colors, and silhouettes.

Maybe a sequin miniskirt isn’t the most appropriate choice for your Monday meeting, but it is going to look great when you’re grabbing drinks and going dancing with your friends in downtown Manhattan. Or maybe you have a bold statement minidress in your closet that doesn’t exactly work for your best friend’s wedding but would be perfect for girl’s night. With that being said, I have been searching high and low for outfit inspiration for all of the fun nights out ahead and found five looks that I am absolutely obsessed with.

Keep scrolling to see the outfits that made the cut.

Mini Party Dress + Sheer Tights + Sparkly Heels

This outfit formula has been my go-to for the colder months, and with the rest of January ahead of us as well as a cold February in NYC, I have a feeling I’ll be continuing to wear this look. It’s a no-brainer, as a minidress is always an option for a night-out look, no matter the season. Just add tights, and voilà! I’m loving how Cass styled this little black dress from Mango above. I’m definitely adding it to my cart.

Statement Dress

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely adore a showstopping statement dress. I’m talking about a dress that is undeniably attention-grabbing—something with sparkles and sequins, luxe fabrics, bright colors, or interesting cutouts. This sparkly blue dress on Emili above is a perfect example of a statement dress. Any dress that commands the eyes of everyone in the room… Where do I sign up?

Black Mesh Top + Low-Rise Baggy Jeans

This is a look that I love for a more casual vibe. Don’t get me wrong. You can totally dress up a great pair of jeans, but wearing denim always has a more laid-back, daytime feel to me. Styling the jeans with a sexier black top in an interesting fabric like mesh takes this to the next level for me. If I’m grabbing drinks with my friends at bars in the West Village, this is what I’m reaching for first.

Sequin Miniskirt

Lately, I’ve been all about sequin miniskirts. I know at first you may hear the words "sequin” and "miniskirt” strung together and want to run for the hills, but trust me. It’s surprisingly very chic and fun, especially for a party or a night out with your friends. Since these skirts are the star of the outfit, the rest of the look can be simple. Just throw on your favorite white tank or bodysuit and you’re good to go.

Corset Top + Loose-Fitting Pants

This is another go-to for me when I want to look put-together and cool but also be a little more on the casual side. I love how the bagginess of the pants contrasts the structure and formality of a corset. It’s perfect for low-key drinks with friends or a chill apartment party. I’m wearing this to happy hour next week for sure. Jourdan is wearing a House of CB corset I have been trying to get my hands on for months that’s always sold out. That’s how great it is. 

Next up, NYC Girls Wear These 7 Dressy Outfits When They Want to Party