5 Cute Tops for Night & How to Wear Them
Cute tops are an essential component of any great wardrobe, as well as a must for back to school. A pretty top can glam up a simple pair of jeans, dress down an otherwise over-the-top miniskirt, or even add sparkle, rendering jewelry unnecessary.
In college, where denim is practically the uniform, cute tops for night are even MORE important to own. That’s why I’ve scoped out five stylish and versatile options for your back to school shopping – from basic to standout and everything in between.
Of course, these tops aren’t strictly for nighttime wear – they can be dressed down for day as well. I’ve also written about other cute daytime outfits for fall ‘09.
As far as prices go, the tops shown are each around $50 or less, but I know even $50 can be a lot when you’re in college. So feel free to substitute your favorite inexpensive basics for the simpler tops – you can always find cheap basic tops at stores like H&M, Target, American Apparel, etc. The ones featured here are just examples.
1. A Racerback Tank
Splendid Racerback Tank – $49 at ShopBop
The racerback tank is a sexy summer staple, but it’s equally wearable year round if you know how to layer. If you don’t own a racerback tank yet, run out and get one ASAP! I think it’s one of those basic pieces every girl should have in her wardrobe.
Outfit Inspiration:
We talked about the visible bra look a while back, and although many of you thought it was hideous, there are cute ways wear it without looking like you’re posing for Playboy. This is one of them.
A lacy bra (please, NO push up bras) layered under a baggy racerback tank will give you the sexy peek-a-boo effect minus the whole “I’m starved for attention” thing. I added ripped jeans here but you could wear basic skinny jeans if you don’t want to show that much skin. For night, heels or boots give this look a badass vibe. Finally, a cobalt blue clutch mirrors the colors in the bra and lets everyone know that your look is on purpose.
Product Information: Jeans – TopShop, Gladiator Heels – Arden B., Bralette – Hanky Panky at Scoop NYC, Bangles – Dorothy Perkins, Clutch – J. Crew
2. A One-Shoulder (Asymmetrical) Top
Basic One Shoulder Tunic – $24.00 at TopShop
One of the top fall 2009 trends, an asymmetrical top is a fun throwback to the 80’s and an easy look for anyone to wear. You can keep it simple and pair your one-shoulder top with jeans or layer it under a high-waisted skirt to mimic the look of a more expensive dress. Depending on the accessories, this top could work for a warm day on campus as well.
Outfit Inspiration:
This look was inspired by an outfit Emma Stone wore a while back (see the look here) – I love how it’s pretty, age-appropriate, and sophisticated at the same time.
You can buy dresses that look like this, but using separates to get the look means more versatility in your closet. For accessories, I added a studded belt for some sparkle, simple silver hoops and classic patent pumps. The addition of a Louis Vuitton-esque graffiti clutch is a fun accent that would be perfect for a party – swap it for a simpler bag if you want a more grown-up look.
Product Information: Tulip Skirt and Belt – Dorothy Perkins, Heels – Steve Madden ‘Trinitie’, Clutch – Wet Seal, Earrings – Forever 21
3. A Neon Pink Top
Asymmetric Zip Frill Vest – $55 at TopShop
As I’m sure you all know, the neon trend is huge for fall, and hot pink was THE neon shade of choice on all the Fall ‘09 Ready-To-Wear runways. A neon pink top like the one above is a fun way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe.
Outfit Inspiration:
One easy way to wear a hot pink top for night is with your hottest pair of dark wash skinny jeans – it’s a look that’s cute, comfortable, and oh-so chic. Stacks of silver bangles add sparkle while a black chain purse holds your belongings in style. Blue suede heels offset the pink in an unexpected way without competing for visual attention.
Product Information: Purse and Skinny Jeans – TopShop, Blue Suede Pumps – Steve Madden at Piperlime, Bangles – Miss Selfridge (top), and Wet Seal (bottom)
4. An Embellished Tank
Racerback Stud Tank – $24.50 at Express
A basic tank embellished with studs, sparkles, or sequins mixes comfort and glamour. I’m a huge fan of embellished tanks because they’re SO easy to wear and work for almost any occasion – dress them up with dark wash jeans and a blazer or down with casual shorts and a cardigan. And embellished tanks make accessorizing a cinch: when your top has this much sparkle there’s no need to worry about jewelry.
Outfit Inspiration:
Anyone could pull off this easy look. When your top is this embellished, there’s no need to go nuts with the rest of your outfit, so keep it simple! Skinny jeans, a boyfriend blazer, and some fabulous shoes are all you need to make a statement.
Product Information: Blazer – Dorothy Perkins, Heels – Steve Madden at Piperlime, Clutch – Miss Selfridge, Skinny Jeans – American Eagle
5. A Loose, Oversized Tee
Oversized Heather Tee – $7.49 at Charlotte Russe
A baggy tee is another great piece that can be worn a million different ways for day or night. It looks great tucked into a high waisted skirt, layered under a well-cut jacket, or simply worn alone with skinny jeans for a look that’s so Alexander Wang.
Outfit Inspiration:
For a fun take on this basic, take a risk and wear your oversized tee with a pair of liquid leggings (yes, they’re still in – at least for right now). You could wear the tee by itself, but a blazer adds warmth for a cool fall night and creates a longer visual line. Funky gold jewelry and standout heels bring this look beyond basic, although a brighter colored tee shirt would warrant fewer accessories.
Product Information: Necklace – Forever 21, Liquid Leggings – Charlotte Russe, Boyfriend Blazer and Bracelets – TopShop, Heels – Wild Diva at FlyJane.net
What do you think?
You’ve seen a few of my nighttime outfit ideas, now I’d like to hear yours.
Do you own any of the 5 tops featured here in your own closet? If so, how do you wear them? Which outfit is your favorite? Let’s hear it in the comments!
Posted on on August 6, 2009 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: 2009, Back to School Shopping, Bras, Color, Fall 2009, Gladiator Heels, Heels, Inspiration, Liquid Leggings, One-Shoulder, Outfits, Shopping, Skinny Jeans, Studs, Tops, Trends
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Jackie
Again, awesome awesome post. Love the outfits – can’t wait for the next “installment” for back fall fashion! I’m clipping these outfit ideas. :D
OMG
I would think a lacy bra showing through a semi-sheer tank would be *more* “hideous”/trashy than just a regular bra underneath. Ah well, to each his/her own. I love that ruffly-zipper-neon tank-vest!
johnieemma
Again- I love LOVE LOVEEE these outfit ideas! It can be hard to think of new ways to wear your pieces…this is so helpful!
Katie
I love doing the visible bra thing with bandeaus, as opposed to bralettes, since I find that they provide the support you need if you’re a C or up. Anthro has some cute cute CUTE lacy bandeaus right now that are so gorgeous that you HAVE to show them off under your clothes.
Lena Michelle
May I ask why you said “NO push-up bras” underneath tanktops? I don’t know why…haha.
Anyways, love the post! I love the one-shoulder one, it looks so chic and simple! And the purple is really stand out too :)
Hannah
i’m all about layering when fall comes! & i love racerback tanks. they make outfits seem cuter.
Zephyr
OMG – Sorry if it wasn’t clear! In that outfit, the bra isn’t supposed to show through a sheer tank, the tank arm holes are supposed to be low and the bra is supposed to show through the sides and peek out the neck hole, but not show through because the top is sheer! It’s hard to illustrate that stuff sometimes with the pictures I have – probably would have made more sense with a black or grey tank.
Katie – I like bandeaus too, they’re fab as well for fall!
Lena – I meant that just for the specific outfit – when you WANT your bra to show, a typical padded solid push up bra doesn’t look right peeking out of a tank – it looks unintentional and sloppy. The look works best with a thin lacy bralette that’s more pretty than functional – that’s why you want it to show. Does that make sense? Sorry if my wording was confusing!
Joanne
I love wearing longer tops with liquid leggings, however I haven’t matched my blazer with an oversized tee to do so yet. Smart idea! I would be the sort of person to let my bra show on the side (only!) but I’m still looking for the perfect tank – you wouldn’t think they’d be so hard to come by!
Khadie
thanks so much for these posts zephyr! i know you must be working like nonstop but you’ve helped me tremendously–all these outfits are going in my evernotes for future reference!
Lena Michelle
Zephyr:
Okay gotcha ;) that totally makes sense haha we def have to becareful of that :P
Jess
I love the idea of your bra just showing a bit, without looking trashy.
I also own a few over size tees and I thought your outfit is super cute. I just have a question about Liquid Leggings. I heard that only super thin girls can wear them. I have athletic legs, so they are not stick thin, and I don’t know if I can pull it off. Can I?
Tricia
Wow, I already have the neon pink zipper top from Topshop.
I usually pair it with a white denim miniskirt and white low heels, or
with black skinny jeans, black heels and purple clutch. It’s gorgeous! However, I find that the outfit can easily become trashy/ too colorful if paired with other things (i.e. with other bright colors, as it is neon), so one must be careful.
I’m thinking in fall it might be cold, so I might pair it with a black blazer (still looking for the perfect one), and also black leggings+boots if wearing with a denim miniskirt (blue). Another casual-chic outfit idea is the top+ standard dark bootcut denim+ black heels.
One thing I’m thinking about, though, how can we wear this to class without being “too much”? After all it does look more like a nighttime/ party outfit. Ideas would be great! :)
Great article, can’t wait for the next post.
Ranjana
i really like all of your selection but the most cute things are already sold out like as Asymmetric Zip Frill Vest and Boyfriend Blazer at topshop -_-
Wish you post articles a bit earlier than now …
thora
Love this ideas. But they are some kind of..just not dressy enough. i mean they are nice but for night out to get a drink. but if there’s disco or some kind of party I would be looking for something more sexy. shorter skirts tinier tops :D
Melani
Now I have a whole new way to wear my white racerback tank!
And I think the outfits were perfect for night! Im tired of seeing girls out wearing too short minis, and skimpy tops. These are sexy enough with leaving a little bit of mystery.
Sydnie
You. Are. My. Fashion. IDOL
XD
But seriously, I love looking at the stuff you put up here – it gets the creative juices flowing. =]
rachelle
i have to announce that i found the PERFECT boyfriend blazer today and i cant wait to wear it like the ones in your outfit ideas! (black blazer with roll up sleeves is under 30 dollars at charlotte russe)
im loving these outfits ou have been posting. i think that a piece of every single one has me rethinking my style and adding new things
Deanne
Aside from the first one (I have issues with visible bras), I love all the outfits! Escpecially the last one, since the top and bottom have such a great contrast! :)
Luinae
I don’t really like asymetrical tops- they are way too 80’s for my taste!
The neon and embellished tank outfit ideas are awesome- totally my favourite because they’re not super trendy like some of the other outfits, which were o.k, just not my style.
My fave nightime look in bootcut jeans, high heels, a grey tank with cool detailing with a bright cardigan (Colbolt blue or red) and a fun clutch. I’ll add jewelry depending on my mood!
Lyndsay
You have such an amazing since of style =) I love these outfits. I’m still not crazy about the visable bra thing, but that’s definately the classiest way I’ve seen to wear it. Love your blog!
Jessica
you cant go wrong with a basic racerback tank, i just love it. :D
Your blogs are the best.
Rose
I noticed a lot of your outfits have gorgeous high heels. It’s kind of hard to know how to wear them without looking like you’re trying too hard, though, or when to wear them (only at night?) It’d be great if you could do an entry about that.
Rebecca
I love the outfits you put together. Unfortunatly I live in Germany and we don´t have topshop, forever 21….. here.
I´m not going to college, but I love your blog and the outfits you post. I hope this blog will still exist when I enter university next year.
Mani
Really cute post…I would totally wear all of these outfits. The bra underneath the shirt gives me the Carrie Bradshaw vibe, but less NY and toned down for college :)
It depends where I’m going – if it’s more casual, I’ll pair up a cute top with some jeans (I still need a pair of destroyed denim jeans!!) Now that i think of it, I DO need some more party clothes…I don’t have enough! I just have a lot of class-wearing outfits :P
If it’s fancier, I have a ton of cute little dresses to sport around town. I’m more of a dress than top + jeans girl anyway. My favorite is my black batwing tunic which fits snuggly, and I like to layer on a lot of long gold chain necklaces and finish off the look with some killer black heels.
I also have this american apparel skirt/dress in black, and I can pair that a million different ways for new and inventive looks!
Brooke
Agree with Rose! I love wearing high heels but I always feel like I’m too dressed up or something with them on. How do you make them work with day or more casual events?
bre
I love all of these shirts and i think all the outfits are cute, of course there are pieces of each outfit i would change to match my personal taste but over all i loved this blog.
Reneé
I love the neon pink top it so verstile !
myvogue
I really liked the outfits you’ve combined. Especially the fact that you paired an oversized tee with leggings – I think loose tops should never be combined with baggy pants, coz it looks……too trashy…
HAWT-CHICKA
WOW. This is a great site. I had never even seen it before until I was having trouble deciding what to wear to school 2morrow. Amazing outfit ideas. Thanks for helping!
xoxo
- Gossip Girl
aish
hey these are great ideas
i have a neon green lacy bra, maybe i should try this look with it!