Fashion Essentials: Must-Haves for a Night Out
Whether you’re headed to a frat party, a concert, or a gallery hop with your girlfriends, you need a decent amount of going-out clothing in college. I see all kinds of girls walking the streets at night in a generic “party outfit” (think basic tank top and dark jeans). I think this is because a lot of people think you have to give up your personal style when it comes to party-friendly clothing, but that’s definitely not true. Here are some tips for shopping for night-out clothes that fit your personal style:
- Find inspiration. It can be this website, your friends, or a picture in a magazine. I keep an inspiration board in my room full of pictures, fabric swatches, and colors that give me ideas for my wardrobe. My advice is to pick two or three items that you love and try to create an outfit inspired by them. Here are a few items from my inspiration board:
- Take the occasion and weather conditions into account. Are you going to be walking from party to party? If so, you might want to bring a blazer or cardigan. Will you be dancing a lot? You will want comfortable shoes that you can handle wearing all night. Make sure you aware of any themes if you’re going to a party, or any dress code if you are going to a more serious event (you don’t want to insult the hostess).
- Keep your personal style in mind. If you prefer classic looks, don’t feel pressured to head out in a mini dress. The most important thing about dressing up is feeling comfortable and amazing in what you have on.
Out on the Town Essentials
Here are some must have items and outfits for a fashionable night of fun:
1. A Statement-Making Dress
Black metallic print dress – ModCloth, Giraffe print dress – Forever 21, One-sleeve white dress – Anthropologie
Most people recommend a little black dress (which IS always a great choice), but I say any dress that makes you feel confident should be your go-to going out outfit. One completely unique dress that allows you to stand out is a must-have. A statement making dress is perfect for formals, girl’s nights (add flats and a cardigan), and if you’re feeling brave, even a date.
2. A Fun Blouse
Product Information: Outfit #1: Floral sequin blouse – Piperlime, Trousers – Charlotte Russe, Layered necklace – Urban Outfitters, Gold heels – Charlotte Russe, Orange clutch – Endless, Beveled earrings – Forever 21 Outfit #2: Teal tank top – Mod Cloth, Bandage pencil skirt – Wet Seal, Beaded heels – Aldo, Silver clutch – Endless, Colored bangles – Lulus
When you aren’t feeling a dress for your night-time festivities, a blouse with something extra is the way to go. I find myself pulling my black lace top out of my closet again and again because it works with skirts, jeans, trousers, and could even go under a dress with straps. The two tops above are special enough to allow you to stand out, but are also versatile enough to be worn again and again.
Outfit #1 is all about girly fun. A floral top looks night-appropriate with sequins and a delicate necklace. Outfit #2 has just the right amount of sexy. A bandage skirt is super glamourous with a turquoise (the official color of 2010!) blouse tucked in.
3. Sky-High Heels
Shoes can make an outfit, and there is no better way to work a party outfit than with heels. The best advice I can give you about heels is to wear a height that you are comfortable with. To me, “sky high” means the smallest heel I can get that still looks good, but if you feel confident in 2.5 + inches, go for it — Ms. Swift does.
Product Information: Suede studded heels – ModCloth, Floral heels – Forever 21, Grey ruffled t-straps – Target
By the way, do you wear size 10 or larger like I do ( yeah huge, I know)? Here is a whole post about the best places to buy stylish shoes if you have an above-average shoe size.
4. A Holds-it-All Clutch
I prefer clutches to hold my necessities when I go out, but if you are a party person, you might want to try a wristlet. A wristlet is less likely to get lost when you’re, er-forgetful. Either way, you want something to hold your cell phone, lipgloss, and extra bobby pins, but you don’t want to be responsible for lugging around a huge purse. Here are some cute bags for any nighttime activity:
Product Information: Black fringe wristlet – Miss Selfridge, Violet and gold clutch – Accessorize
What do you think?
What items do you repeat for night? Do you wear any of these essentials? What are your favorite ways to work a little black dress? Are you as bad at walking in heels as I am? I’d love to hear from you!
Next week, I’ll have essentials for the big interview.
Posted on on January 20, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Essentials, Going Out, Night, Night Out, Shopping
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Cristina
Great job Audrey!
Meagan
I really do need to find a good clutch. Whenever I go out, I end up just holding everything, which is kind of unbearably awkward. I guess I’m just not used to clutches – the only time I used them in high school was for school dances, and even then they were a hassle.
Nicole
I REALLY like how you emphasized following your own personal style. I hate it when all girls wear the same exact tight dress. And I also think it’s important for girls to try to wear what they like and not what everyone else does. Great post!
Paula
I love the modcloth dress! The only problem with me is that I have flat feet, so heels are out for me. I’d love to see something on dressier flats please! :)
lalalina
I agree with the advice that you gave, but the example pieces you show are not very cute. I got my go to clutch from baghaus.com (a site I found through CF) and I am in love with it! I would love to see hints for going out when you campus is covered in snow.
Christina
I agree with lalalina!
Its cold here and I hate to walk around in heels and a dress when there is snow on the ground. Of course its easy to throw on some tights, but is there any other option?
Norlyn
Meagan, if you don’t like clutches because you have to hold them, try a wristlet. They’re similar to clutches, but have a little strap to loop around your wrist when you’re dancing or moving around. I love them, especially for clubs.
Also, heels are sooo essential to me when I’m out. I love a short skirt with heels – makes my legs look long. If I know I’m going to be dancing alot, I look for heels that are high, but thick. No skinny stilletto type heels, they’re harder to walk in.
wazy
Yes! Thank you for this post! It’s frustrating to see girls go out in a tank top, jeans, flats, a long necklace and try to pass it off as going out attire. It some cases it’s appropriate if you’re going to a pub, but it’s just so much fun getting dressed up and decked out! One of my staples is a highwaisted mini skirt because you can pair them up with a number of blouses! Also you can get them pretty cheap and in different colors, and you can dress them down with tights and a cardigan/long jacket and boots for school!
But I understand that’s not everyone’s style and sometimes I do feel like a jeans night so in that case I just wear platform heels just to stand out a bit. You could also try throwing a nice leather jacket on. I would say that black platform heels and a collection of metallic jewellery is a good way to turn a casual outfit into a going out outfit.
And I think one of the best ways to play around with the LBD or even just any outfit is to change up the jewellery!
Again, great article!
Rachel
I think that the best type of bag to wear to go out is a clutch with a long cross body strap. similar to this one: http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc_handbags_shoulder&product_id=1070890541&Page=1
theyre small, cute, dressy, and dont get lost.
JG
I wear a lot of dresses so I’m not really into repeating (unless I’m with a different crowd…ya gotta keep track of these things!) but I do repeat accessories like shoes, clutches and jewelry. I’ve been into skirts and separates lately so that’s definitely a way to make my wardrobe more versatile. The most versatile thing in any woman’s closet is the LBD and it’s the perfect opportunity for lots of accessories. Some amazing earrings and a cocktail ring or some great bangles and a cute headband? The possibilities are endless. And don’t even get me started with the shoes…metallics, bold color? Anything goes.
Great post!
ps. obsessed with the beaded aldo shoes in outfit #2!
la petite fashionista
my only condition to the sky high heels is– COMFY sky high heels! once i find a pair I can last the whole night in– my outfit is complete:) i prefer wedges because they’re easier to dance in :)
aish
hey great work(love this series)
love the ideas
Iris
A good alternative to wristlets is small crossbody bag, because while dancing, you don’t even having to worry where your bag and hands are – they’ll always be close to you, and you won’t have something awkward dangling off your wrist.
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc_handbags&product_id=1068786422&Page=all
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc_handbags&product_id=1060783649&Page=all
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc_handbags&product_id=1069360730&Page=all
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc_handbags&product_id=1070950526&Page=all
Think a clutch with a really comfy, long strap.
Lisa
I love the purple clutch, it reminds me of a butterfly in a nice subtle way. Love the colour. I like something I can hang over my shoulder or else I’m afraid I’ll put it down and leave it.
Adam Grossman
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Christi
Great post! I was wondering if you might be able to do a post on where we can find fabulous low-heeled and REASONABLY priced shoes. I like to stay in the 1-2 inch range; I love kitten heels. I have some problems with my feet so it can be excruciating to wear very high heels :( I thought since you said you like to wear lower heels you might have some great advice~
Madeleine
Pieces I often repeat are my leather jacket, my leopard print dress, my black leather studded ankle boots, and my black knit hat. I wear pretty much all these basics except for clutches, I’m not really a fan. I pair a LBD with bad girl pieces with lots of leather and studs because that’s the look I like the most right now. I’m atrocious at walking in heels and I’m a pretty clumsy person even in flats but I’m actually pretty proud of myself because I’ve mastered walking in my high heeled ankle boots!!
Charlotte
although i alreadu have a ridiculous amount of dresses and heels i really liked this post!! especially as i’m going on a year abroad on august and i’m only allowed to bring two cases- this will certainly help me decide what to bring!!
i lovelovelove high heels though, in fact, shoes in general- i have over 50 pairs!!
i prefer a great big bag for a night out though- always end up with my feet hurting so a huge bag means i nearly always have a pair of flats to swap into!!
Charlotte
xxx
Audrey - Ohio State University
@ Christina – I know what you mean about the snow, we still have tons on the ground here. As some others have mentioned, a great alternative to heels is a great boot or bootie with tights. However, I like a clean black skinny pant as well. Much more dressy than jeans, but still comfortable. I’d try them with heels, an embellished tank and a boyfriend blazer (longer, but still fitted properly in the shoulder) over the top.
@ Christi – I do actually have some good resources for low-heeled shoes. Look for a few of them in the next post about interview/job wear ( I think lower heels are more appropriate for most interviews/workplaces).
Christina
Thanks Audrey that’s super helpful! Guess its time to go shopping!
Nicole
Okay I know this just a little bit late to be posting…hehe. But I love that you put a link for ladies with bigger feet. Shopping for shoes is my hell on earth. And kudos for the amazing outfits.