Shopping for "going-out" clothes tends to feel more like a curse than a blessing. As soon as you filter the options on any shopping site down to those meant for nighttime, you immediately find yourself in a black hole of all things cropped and skin-tight.So, we totally understood Alexa Chung's qualm with "going-out tops," which she shared with Leandra Medine on The Man Repeller's Oh Boy podcast this week. But interestingly enough, what frustrates the style icon isn't so much the options (or lack thereof) available (she even admits to having a thing for spaghetti straps lately). Rather, her frustration lies in the predictability of it all — and her desire to go beyond the same old jeans-and-a-top for a night out.
"There's something about a going-out top that really upsets me… I don't know, I just don't like it," she says. "It seems really like — I went into Isabel Marant yesterday, and she has some beautiful things. I saw this red blouse, and I was like, 'That's so nice!' But then, ugh, it's so like, 'You wear that with jeans'... I want to make things look interesting together. I don't want it to be so spelled out already."
If you're wondering, she did end up buying the Marant top. And she also got us thinking about finding going-out shirts that don't fall flat — and can be worn with way more than a pair of jeans. The 10 picks (and styling tips) ahead do just that. Plus, we could see Chung hitting the town in any of these — withanytype of bottoms she pleases.
Just because the holiday season is over doesn't mean it's time to pack up the red velvet entirely. This spaghetti-strapped tank is super simple, meaning its versatility is off the charts. How good would this look under a borrowed-from-the-boys blazer? Or a leopard faux-fur jacket?
Talula Arcade Camisole, $60 $19.99, available at Artizia.
Bring those Caribbean dreams one step closer by looking to a bold, candy-striped top. Between the bright hues, off-the-shoulder silhouette, and three-quarter bell sleeves, this summery style will suit you way beyond the beach.
Zara Striped Top, $35.90, available at Zara.
White feathers are a total go. Give the illusion of a jumpsuit (but way easier to go to the bathroom in), by wearing this tank with matching culottes.
Tibi Stretch Faille Feather Detail Camim $425, available at Tibi.
Grab a softer, less clubby black crop top to wear with skirts of all kinds. This one's sweetheart neckline and contrasting straps make it party-ready without even trying.
Museum of Feelings Felt Strings Wool Top, $156 $47, available at Opening Ceremony.
A major detail, like these oversized grommets, makes a sleeveless top primed for layering. Wear it over a lurex turtleneck or printed blouse to let the fun peek-a-boo through.
Topshop Suede Eyelet Shell Top, $105 $40, available at Topshop.
Your "going-out" wardrobe doesn't need to be all-black. In fact, unexpected spring-y pastels can work just as well. Even in the dead of winter, a breezy top (and bright-white bottoms) become seasonally appropriate when worn underneath a thick moto jacket.
Mango Tie-neck Blouse, $59.99 $29.99, available at Mango.
For those struggling to move beyond body-con, try switching things up with a super-tight crop top with some interest at the shoulder. To show skin (but not too much), balance things out by wearing a high-waisted skirt or culottes on the bottom.
Tibi Crepe One-shoulder Crop Top, $275, available at Tibi.
The sheerer, the better. Take your underwear outside by rocking a lacy lingerie top (way cooler than the one you wore in 2004) with an on-trend choker.
Reformation Marseille Top, $98, available at Reformation.
Two words: Balloon. Sleeves. Make a statement with a majorly oversized off-the-shoulder top, keeping the rest of the outfit simple by opting for cropped black trousers and strappy heels.
Johanna Ortiz Cotton Silk Striped Frida Top, $990, available at Moda Operandi.
Play up the texture on top by wearing this metallic stunner with jacquard trousers or a pleated skirt.
Front Row Shop Crushed Velour V-neck Top, $43 $36.55, available at Front Row Shop.
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