A.k.a The Difference between Drinks with the Girls and Dinner with Your Parents
For someone who spends as much time as I do thinking about what to wear every day you’d think I could toss together an outfit for any occasion in a flash. Instead, halfway through digging in my closet I never fail to get a bit distracted and convince myself it would be totally acceptable to wear my prom dress to dinner at Chili’s or decide I only want to leave the house in my cozy sweater if that means going to the mall or a club I only want that sweater. So, here are some ideas for ‘night out outfits’ to wear for different situations.
Drinks with the Girls
Let me set the scene: You and your friends decide to go out for a casual night at the new brewery and maybe head to your favorite bar after, knowing the night will probably start with a beer move on to a vodka soda or two and end with a shamrock shake. Of course, you want to be stylish but nights like these require a degree of practicality, especially if you are the mom friend tonight. I would suggest something like this:
There is nothing like a pair of jeans to make me feel good and a good black jean is the key for a night adventure. The blouse is a fun floral and looks great tied at the waist. Plus, the fabric is light enough that it won’t be a problem in a crowded room but the outfit also covers enough that it can hold its own in the night air while you are waiting for your uber. I understand if you are looking at those heels and thinking to yourself, “No way. Not happening,” but in my opinion, a good pair of heels sell any outfit.
Going to the Club
In my experience, the best part of going to a club ends as soon as you actually get to the club. I love the hype music and applying all the daring makeup I’d never wear in the daylight and doing it all in a pair of sweatpants under my dress (because I think we can all agree club clothes are the actual worst in the comfort department). Plus, too many articles about what to wear to the club are just a bit too bold for real life. The main thing I look for is something cute but moveable because you’ll have to wait all night to see me step off the dance floor!
Let’s talk about this dress. It is pretty short, but we all knew it was going to be and what it lacks in length it makes up for in mobility. The fabric is super stretchy so the only limits are your dance moves. The dress is also a fun red sparkle that is subtle enough not to be obnoxious. The heels are also just a bit sparkly so they tie in but again, you don’t have to worry about being your own disco ball. For the jacket, I feel like there is no competition when it comes to a classic black leather, it goes with everything and adds just the right amount of edge.
Dinner with Your Parents
We all know we can’t go out with our parents in the same clothes as when going out with friends, but it would also be ridiculous to dress like a nun for hanging out with the parents. I sometimes have trouble balancing my outfit when I feel the pressure of going out with my parents because they don’t need to spend the night with me in my highest heels and the jeans that I might as well have painted on. So, the best thing to do is wear something you are comfortable and confident in and keep it PG.
This outfit is perfect for hanging out and looking like you are a real, responsible adult. I love a bold color choice and the blue here is pale enough to keep it classy but also surprising. I feel like the cool modern Cinderella in this blue and the lettuce hem on the shirt is so feminine as well that I feel like a princess all around. The jeans are young and fun with the bleach spots and the cut is just loose enough that it feels appropriate. This outfit can be worn to dinner with your parents and tossed right back on the next morning for brunch with some friends, a total double agent!
Date Night
Date night! Whether you have been together for ages or it’s still new, you want to look cute when hanging out with your SO. That being said, you don’t have to go out of your way to dress to the nines, unless it’s That kind of date night, in which case, see the next outfit. You two are probably going to grab some dinner and maybe do something cute and Nicholas Sparks-esque like take a walk in the park or be the cutest couple in the movie theater, so you should be prepared.
We are back with your regularly scheduled almost entirely black outfit. I love how chic wearing mostly black looks and the pop of pink from the jacket is so exciting. The shirt and ripped jeans keep the outfit nice and casual so you have a ton of range here. This jacket is one of my favorite pieces because not only is the dusty rose one of my favorite colors (it may or may not be the main color in my room right now) and the fur has such a fun pattern with the clear layers. You could absolutely wear this to dinner and snuggle into the jacket on the walk home.
A Formal Night
Maybe it’s a wedding or just a really nice dinner for your anniversary or a friend’s birthday at the new restaurant you practically have to apply to get a reservation, but the most important detail is that the attire is too formal for a trusty pair of jeans. As much fun as it can be to really go for it in the glam department deciding what outfit to wear for a formal night out can be a whole new challenge because it is just not something the average person is practicing often, but It is a lot easier than you may think.
This romper is probably the best romper I have ever put on. Making it one of my favorite formal night out outfits. It is strong and chic but comfortable. The wrap detail is the answer to any outfit. I am entirely convinced that everyone on this planet looks good in a wrap outfit. From tops to dresses to rompers, a good wrap hits you in just the right places and brings the attention right where you want it. The neckline plunges just enough to make the outfit flirty and the pearls round it out. Coco herself would approve of this look and everyone around you will too.
The biggest thing to remember with picking an outfit for a night out is to be comfortable and confident in whatever you decide to wear. If that means a pair of killer heels, go for it! If that means your trusty boots, have fun! Check out my guide How to Build an Outfit, in case you find yourself lost trying to put an outfit together. Whether you are ride or die with your jeans or a dress gal from dusk to dawn the goal should be to represent yourself in your outfit and be ready to rock the night.
xoxo,
Emelie
