Going Out Tops for Grown-Ass Women

When I started this blog in 2005, I made a capsule wardrobe of staples for every woman's wardrobe and in it, I had a Going Out Top. That was a top that was shiny, sparkly, beaded, and not too risque. For example, I had a blush sequined top back in the late '00s; I could wear it with bootcut jeans to the bar with friends but also styled it with ivory trousers for an afternoon wedding. I wore it under a black suit to glam it up for a company cocktail party, and with white jeans for one night on a cruise.

I truly felt that such a top was timeless and would work for any woman, regardless of size and age. And I still think that was great advice… in 2005. But my friend, we are no longer the people we were in 2005. We don't live in the same world, and it's expected that over the past two decades trends would change enough that what seemed timeless in 2005 is passe in 2023.

For a while, it seemed the Going Out Top was a thing only for those under 30 who still staggered home in discount heels after Dollar Draft Night. As a Grown Woman, it was hard to know what to wear out. While we may not want to head to the dive bar for rail shots and shimmying until dawn, we still love to have a good time and look good doing it. I spent many years in silky camisoles with blazers and jeans and dresses.

But times have changed and the Going Out Top is back for all of us. The Going Out Top is a top that isn't for work, it isn't for Sunday morning brunch, it isn't for a networking event.

What is a Going Out Top?

The Going Out Top is for a night out on the town. Your anniversary dinner at a Michelin-rated restaurant. A weekend with the girls in Vegas. That night at the beach when you all head to the karaoke bar. Celebrating your bestie's birthday at the chic nightclub in the city. Your neighbor's Saturday night get-together when t-shirts seem too little and dresses seem too much.

A Going Out Top is not made of t-shirt fabric. Sure, dressy tees and fun tops in knit jersey have their place, but their place isn’t a fancier restaurant, bar, or club. Think less the pub down the street and more a Las Vegas weekend. Less neighborhood Italian restaurant and more anniversary dinner at that buzzy restaurant in the city.

While my original advice in 2005 had a Going Out Top that could go from a company holiday party to the theater to a nightclub to a dive bar, fashion isn't quite the same anymore. Going Out Tops are FUN. They should not feel that with a pair of velvet palazzo pants, you could wear it to your niece's Bat Mitzvah or that it would look at home under a business suit.

Can your Going Out Top look good with white jeans? Rinse jeans? Black ankle pants? Winter white menswear-inspired trousers? A black midi skirt? Black leather jeans? Under a Le Smoking? That's as far as your Going Out Top should go in regard to versatility.

Going Out Tops for Grown-Ass Women

But what kind of Going Out Top is great for grown-ass women? I'm glad you asked. I've been analyzing my wardrobe, the wardrobe of celebs and influencers, perusing the New Arrivals at apparel retailers, and share below the most popular and most universally stylish and flattering kinds of Going Out Tops for us grown women.

Does Every Woman Need a Going Out Top?

Heck no! I cannot think of a single garment that every grown-ass woman needs in her wardrobe. We don't all have lifestyles where such a top is necessary and you don't need to have one in your closet “just in case.” As my 2005 capsule wardrobe proves, trends change and that “just in case” item may be out of fashion by time you have a chance to wear it.

Stylish Types of Going Out Tops for Grown Women

Statement Sleeves

Especially if you desire a little coverage, look for a going out top with statement sleeves. Add a bit of shine or sheer to have it read evening but look for puffed sleeves, elaborate cuffs, and ruffles.

pink | black with feathers | blue open shoulder | sheer white | teal | black print | maroon | pink with feathers | white

One Shoulder Style

A quick way to look festive is to show a little shoulder and this season, you will find one-shoulder tops with sleeves and no sleeves, in a range of fabrics and bodices that float from the body or skim the curves.

purple | metallic | red | mauve | navy | cream | orange | taupe | black

Skin Prints are In

Leopard, cheetah, zebra, tiger, snake, crocodile… the patterns of these skins come in and out of fashion and right now they are back in a big way. Especially with leopard print, a silky blouse or camisole in a skin print with jeans, black, or suiting trousers will look festive and chic.

leopard halter | button-front blouse | off the shoulder | loose halter | square neck | sheer blouse | wrap front | ruffled blouse | cross halter neck

Dramatic Draping

Pleats, gathers, wraps, and ruffles create drama and are in style without being a flash in the pan trend. The architecture of the draped fabric gives a festive evening feel, especially in fabrics with shine or a metallic finish.

orange | yellow | white bow | stone with back bow | navy | maroon | white | metallic | lemon-lime

Not-so Basic Black

You can't go wrong with a black going out top. The key to having it feel festive is dressy fabric and interesting details. Crepe, satin, silk, lurex, chiffon with halter necks, pleating, and architectural details always looks chic with jeans, black or ivory pants, and on-trend trousers and skirts.

feather cuffs | halter | twist halter | shoulder cutout | v-neck | off the shoulder | sleeveless | camisole | wrap blouse