On a Saturday night out, what are you most likely to wear? A skin-tight dress and sky-high heels, or something that is cozy, stylish and pairs well with your favorite pair of jeans? For many women, the answer is the latter. Why? Because we all know that if we’re absolutely uncomfortable in what we’re wearing, we’re going to be thinking about that all night instead of catching up with our besties over cosmopolitans.
“The phrase ‘going out top’ is rarely used nowadays, but for millennial women, it was a term frequently used during our high school/college years,” explains Jo Hayes, lifestyle and fashion consultant. “The going out top and a pair of ‘status jeans’ (jeans with a highly sought after label emblazoned on the back pocket) was the uniform for any fashion-forward gal,” she adds.
But just because the term might not be in regular circulation anymore doesn’t mean the concept doesn’t show up at happy hours all over the country.
So what exactly is a going out top, and how can you rock the concept today in a modern way? We tapped stylists and fashion experts who shared everything you need to know so you can feel cute, and most importantly comfortable, on your next night out.
Expert-approved sleeveless$undefined$26.99
Editor-approved corset$undefined$45.00
What is a going out top?
“A going out top is an essentially glamorous version of your everyday shirt or blouse,” explains Tami Harrigan, style coach at Exclusively Styled. "These tops add a touch of sophistication with features like exposed shoulders, necklines and backs, and can include stylish elements like mesh, lace, sequins, ruching, or even some jewels.”
Your personal style can still be showcased in your going-out top, and shouldn’t be a complete deviation from your regular style. After all, the key is to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing.
What going out tops are in style currently?
Harrigan breaks down a few of the most popular going out top designs:
- Off-the-shoulder long-sleeve tops: These are perfect for a chic, effortless vibe.
- Draped cowl-back tops: Cowl-back tops are great for adding some drama to your outfit.
- One-shoulder draped bodysuits: These are ideal for a sleek, modern look.
- Lace tops: Lace tops are timeless and elegant.
- Draped-mesh tops: These can add a touch of edginess to your outfit.
- Strapless vest tops: Strapless vest tops are great for making a bold statement.
- Bubble-hem tops and peplum-hem tops: These are fun and playful.
- Tops with interesting details: With these, think unique embellishments or cuts.
Best going out tops, according to experts
Chic and unique: Avanova Women Fitted Sleeveless Ruched Tank
- Affordable- under $20
- Reviewers note it runs small
Sizes available: XS-3XL | Colors available: 13
Brown leather, brown pants, and brown tops will be trending this season, according to Dianne Boyer, certified personal stylist and founder of Dianne In Style. This ruched tank from Amazon is at the top of her recommendations list. It’s available in extended sizes and in a variety of colors, so you can pick up a few or try swapping out brown for your typical black choice.
Mesh animal print: Abercrombie Long Sleeve Mock Neck Top
- On sale
- True to size
- Limited plus size options
Sizes available: XXS-L | Colors available: 1
Animal print will continue to trend this year, and you can keep the print looking modern based on the silhouette of the top you choose.
This high-neck version from Abercrombie is affordable and fitted, so it feels like you’re wearing a tailored piece. The mesh fabric gives it a bit of an edge, so it doesn’t feel like something you’d pair with slacks and wear to the office. Harrigan also loves this piece because you can add layers underneath it (a fun bra or full-length camisole) as you see fit.
Asymmetrical: AQUA Asymmetrical Neck Tank Top
- Has stretch
- Muted color options
Sizes available: XS-XXL | Colors available: 2
This top “has a lot of style, but you can still wear a regular bra with it and be comfortable all night long,” says Boyer. The cut is unique, but isn’t too revealing, which means you won’t be fussing with it throughout the night.
Draped metallic: By Anthropologie Silky Shimmer Tee
- Affordable
- Versatile
- No extended sizes
Sizes available: XXS-XL | Colors available: 3
Boyer says metallic shades are always in style and make for a great going out top. “What I like about metallics is that you can keep the top simple and let the fabric speak for itself.” This Anthropologie tee might seem like a basic pick if it was made with another fabric, but the “shimmer turns it into a going out top,” says Boyer. “You can pair a metallic tee with a more casual sandal or even a sneaker,” she adds.
"Versatile" one-shoulder: Marcella Manhattan One Shoulder Top
- Affordable
- Mid-stretch
- Might be confusing to put on
Sizes available: XXS-3XL | Colors available: 4
“A one-shoulder top is [...] very versatile and you can wear it more casual with wide-legged jeans or dress it up with black trousers,” says Harrigan. This top is also made in a mid-stretch fabric which will provide a custom fit that won’t feel constricting.
Best going out tops, according to editors
Square-neck bodysuit: QINSEN Black Bodysuit
- Supportive and body-sculpting
- Not sheer
- Snaps aren't high quality
Sizes available: XS-XL | Colors available: 20
Kelly Vaughan, an editor at Shop TODAY, says this is her "go-to going out top." She goes on, "It's super flattering, comes in a ton of colors and is inexpensive. The material is thick and supportive, hugging me in all of the right places. In the colder months, I pair it with a pair of wide-leg jeans and boots for a casual, but stylish look."
Cozy corset: Banana Republic Factory Soft Touch Scuba Corset Top
- True to size
- Modern silhouette
- Good to layer with
- Wear strapless bra underneath
Sizes available: XXS-XXL | Colors available: 4
Senior editor Jess Bender says, "I have the bodysuit version of this corset top and I can't say enough good things about it." She continues, "While it's quite form-fitting with the corset boning (a rarity in my closet, which is stuffed with more oversized items), the scuba-knit material is extremely comfortable and prevents me from feeling super self-conscious. It's a perfect top for going to concerts; it can withstand a lot of sweat and body heat from dancing and moshing."
"Secure and chic" top: Reformation Dusk Knit Top
- Solids and patterns available
- Straps aren't adjustable
Sizes available: XS-XL, 1X-3X | Colors available: 9
Annie Shigo, an editorial assistant at Shop TODAY, says, "I find it really hard to find cute tops when your boobs are bigger. This one is very flattering and goes with just about anything. You feel secure and chic!"
Mesh moment: Marcella New York Milo Top
- Comfortable
- Easy to pair
- Wear with strapless bra
Sizes available: XS-3XL | Colors available: 1
Jannely Espinal, a writer at Shop TODAY, recommends this top from Marcella New York. She says, "I've had this top for a year and is my favorite go-to piece to match with slacks, jeans, skirts or maxi skirts. It's super elegant and adds a sensual appeal to your look without looking too provocative."
Wavy off-the-shoulder: Marcella New York Sylvan Top
- Fitted to the body
- Comfortable
- Strapless bra needed
- Flat-lay to dry
Sizes available: XS-3XL | Colors available: 1
Espinal also recommends this off-the-shoulder top and says, "I've worn this top twice already and I love the elegant wavy lines on the neckline. It's ideal for those who want to showcase their shoulder and add a bit of flair to their outfits. I pair it with maxi skirts, jeans or slacks for a nine-to-five look or wear it with shorts and boots when I want to be more playful."
Comfortable coverage: Campbell & Kramer Thalia Baby Tee in White Polka Dot
- Soft and comfortable
- Can wear with a bra
- On the thin side
Sizes available: XS-XL | Colors available: 1
Audrey Ekman, a production associate at Shop TODAY, says she's "obsessed with this polka dot top from small brand Campbell & Kramer" that's "flattering and on trend." She continues, "A baby tee makes a great going out top, in my opinion, because it's super comfortable and has good coverage while still being just form fitting enough. I like to style it with a pair of jeans, a little black skirt or the matching bottoms for a full set!"
More going out tops to shop
Peplum-hems are back: GRACE KARIN Peplum Top
Sizes available: S-XXL Plus | Colors available: 11
According to Harrigan, peplum-hem tops are in. This square-neck top from Amazon features a classic peplum hem, and it's made with a soft, stretchy fabric blend of viscose, polyamide and elastane.
Seen on TODAY: LilyCoco 3/4 Sleeve Striped Shirt
Sizes available: S-3XL | Colors available: 24
This boat-neck top, which was recently featured on TODAY, is a spring staple — but it's also ideal for casual outings such as brunch or happy hour. It's breathable, yet stretchy (thanks to its cotton and elastane build), and it's offered in 24 striped designs.
Off-the-shoulder: WDIRARA Women's Plus Size Off The Shoulder Long Sleeve Bodysuit
Sizes available: Large Plus-4X Large Plus | Colors available: 11
Harrigan also notes that off-the-shoulder long-sleeve tops are in, making this an ideal option. This ruched bodysuit is simple to pair with your go-to jeans, and it's available in three shades: black, brown and khaki.
On trend: Abercrombie & Fitch Draped Cowl Hardware Back Top
Sizes available: XXS-XL | Colors available: 4
The draped cowl-back top is also a style Harrigan says is in, and this sleeveless options from Abercrombie is perfect for spring and summer. It's designed with a draping back that's secured with a subtle strap, making it trendy and comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Styling a going out top is all about remembering that your top is the main character of the outfit, says Harrigan.
“You want your bottom half to complement it without stealing the show,” she says. “To ensure you achieve a balanced look, pair a fitted top with wide-legged jeans, cargo pants, leather joggers or shorts. If your top is looser or features draped or puff sleeves, try pairing it with a short skirt or straight leather pants or jeans. This will create a nice contrast and keep your outfit looking stylish and well put-together.”
Christina Stein, a personal stylist, previously talked to Shop TODAY about how to style a going out top. She told us, “Usually one of my rules for my clients who are just getting started in building their wardrobe and are afraid to go out of their box, is to pick one thing, which would be the going out top [in this case], to make the centerpiece of your look.”
How we chose
We interviewed two stylists, a fashion consultant and a style coach to learn more about going out tops (and which ones are currently in style). We then included their go-to picks as well as editor-favorite tops and highly rated options inspired by stylist feedback. While choosing, we kept style and size options in mind.
Meet the experts
- Jo Hayes is a lifestyle and fashion consultant and founder of Etiquette Expert.
- Tami Harrigan is a style coach at Exclusively Styled.
- Dianne Boyer is a certified personal stylist and founder of Dianne In Style.
- Christina Stein is a personal stylist and image consultant based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
