Every Fashion Person Has a Version of These 6 Night-Out Looks

Getting a "What are you wearing tonight?" text used to raise my blood pressure. Every Friday night was the same scene: I slammed my laptop shut at 5 p.m., and by 5:06, my entire closet was strewn across my bedroom. After college, I spent way too much time trying to figure out my personal style, only to keep reverting to the same baggy jeans and tiny tops that carried me through my early 20s. A few years later—with more wisdom—I finally cracked the code on what works for me in every aspect of my wardrobe, including the always-looming going-out looks.

These six combinations almost gamify getting ready for a night out. When the clock is ticking and you need to get out the door, you can always fall back on these six classics.

SHEER TOP

There's something so sexy about a sheer top, especially one with movement that catches the light just right. I love how this poncho and beaded bag add a flirty element of surprise. Pair this top with your favorite black work pants and pumps and you're golden.

Buci

Ibis Poncho in Black

Araks

Gita Underwire Bra in Black

Rebecca Taylor

Stevie Pant in Black

Giarite

Prismelle in Black

Schutz

Lexi Sling Patent Pump in Black Patent

TONAL DRESSING

Tonal dressing is my cheat code when I'm in a rush but still want to look put-together. These Zara sequin shorts are absurdly good for the price, and the mix of textures—from the cozy cashmere to the structured croc boots—makes it anything but boring. A tonal look like this always feels curated, even if you threw it on in five minutes.

Zara

Contrast Waist Sequin Shorts

Reformation

Cove Cashmere Oversized Crew in Brown

Staud

Brown Mini Ronnie Bag

Larroude

Alexis Flat Boot in Brown Croc Leather

Calzedonia

Invisible 15 Denier Make Up Effect Tights in Mocha

PARTY PANTS

If you want to stand out without trying too hard, lace pants are the move. I own a pair almost identical to these trousers, and trust me. You can't go one second without a compliment. I keep the top simple—a soft black sweater ensures the focus is on the pants, but playful touches like velvet pumps add to the overall fun of the outfit.

Jenni Kayne

Cashmere Amelia Crewneck Sweater in Black

Leset

Kelly Slim Fit Tee in White

Larroude

Ari Pump in Black Velvet

Tory Burch

Small Pierced Leather Hobo Bag in Black

STRUCTURED BLAZER

Fashion icons like Hailey Bieber and Morgan Stewart are consistently photographed wearing oversize blazers over barely-there skirts and dresses—and for good reason. The combination is perfectly flirty and elevated. Bonus points to Stewart for pairing hers back to high boots for some added warmth.

Aligne

Daphne Long Waisted Blazer in Black

Reformation

Dale Dress in Black

Partlow

Selena Calfskin Tall Western Boots

Dorsey

Maxwell Earrings in Moissanite

Commando

Premier Sheer Tights in Oxblood

BLACK TOP + JEANS

I never claimed that these pairings would be groundbreaking, but sometimes, the simplest outfits are the ones that just work. A black top and jeans are one of those pairings that never fails. I love how a little structure in a jacket can take the whole look from casual to sharp in an instant. It's the combo I reach for over and over.

Helsa

The Peplum Leather Moto Jacket

Intimissimi

Boat Neck Modal Cashmere Ultralight Top

Liffner

Pillow Pouch Micro in Black Eel

Agolde

90's Pinch Waist Jeans in Range

Bared Footwear

Strix Boxed Leather Heeled Boots in Black

OXBLOOD EVERYTHING

Oxblood has officially taken over my wardrobe, and it pairs magically with dark denim. The colors just do something to my brain. You are guaranteed to be that girl while wearing this outfit combo.

The Frankie Shop

Arbor Crackled Faux Leather Jacket in Burgundy

Pointe Milou

Le Pony Mini in Wine

Rabanne

Silver Iconic 1969 Nano Bag

Paris Texas

Nina Slingback Heels in Pinot Noi

Veronica Beard

Macaroon Smoky Quartz Earring