How to Dress for a Night Out

Co-authored by Candace Hanna

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

It's Friday night and you're ready to party! The only problem: You have no idea what to wear. It all depends on where you're going and what you're doing. A casual date night, for instance, requires a much different outfit than a swanky nightclub. No matter the occasion, though, wear something you love and feel comfortable in. And don't forget the finishing touches before you leave the house.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Picking a Casual Outfit

1
Pair jeans with a nice top for an effortless look. Dress up denim for a night out by wearing it with a button-down shirt for men or a silky blouse or tank top for women. Tuck your top into your jeans for a more put-together vibe, especially if you're a woman wearing high waisted jeans. For tunics and tops meant to be worn outside your pants, leave them loose.
- Choose a cut for your jeans based on your body type. However, straight leg jeans look good on most men and boot cut jeans work for most women.^{[1]
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- Dark wash jeans are universally flattering and are a little more sophisticated than an acid wash. Leave super distressed jeans at home.
- A T-shirt made of a nicer material or with pretty embellishments upgrades the classic "T-shirt and jeans" combo.
2
Mix in 1 trendy accent piece for a cool look. Don't try to wear every current trend at once. But add 1 statement-making item for a pop of playfulness and style. A jumpsuit paired with basic flats and accessories or a graphic tee worn with a simple skirt are both good options for women.
- Men can also rock a funky patterned short-sleeve button-up with neutral pants or a bold bomber over a plain T-shirt.
- Look for trends that you feel comfortable in and that express your personality. If you're more moody, for example, you might rock a '90s-style choker.
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3
Add 2 to 3 layers that are functional and fashionable. Layering for a night out is practical, especially in the spring or fall when the temperatures drop drastically as the night goes on. But it's also very stylish and on-trend. The key is picking layers that complement each other and avoiding anything too bulky or heavy. Good layering pieces include scarves, vests, jackets, and sweaters.^{[2]
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- For women, try putting a cardigan over a flirty dress and wrapping a thin scarf around your neck. Or drape a kimono over a tank top with layered necklaces.
- For men, keep it classic with a sweater over a collared shirt. You can also get creative and sport a leather jacket over a T-shirt and slouchy cardigan.
4
Keep accessories minimal or understated. Stick to a simple watch, neutral color scarf, or even a pair of chunky frames for a hip vibe. For women specifically, pick small stud earrings, dainty necklaces, or a stack of plain bangle bracelets. The key is choosing 2 to 3 pieces maximum rather than piling on all the accessories.
- For example, wear a leather watch and a beaded necklace or a patterned scarf and a chunky ring.
- Wearing a tie for men is too formal, but on the other hand, a baseball cap may be too casual.
5
Wear sneakers, flats, or boots depending on your activities. All 3 of these options are suitable for men and women, but make your pick based on what you’ll be doing. If you’re bar hopping, wear trendy sneakers that are easy to walk in. If you’re going to dinner, ballet flats for women or low-rise leather boots for men look casual yet chic.
- While trainers and sneakers are very “in” right now, some places have dress codes that don’t allow them. Check in advance.
- Don’t wear slippers, flip-flops, or shoes that are overly worn or scuffed.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Creating a Formal Look

1
Choose tailored clothing that fits your body well. For men, tuck a collared dress shirt into a pair of straight-leg or slim-fit slacks. Add a tie that complements the colors of your shirt and pants if the occasion calls for it. For women, dresses and skirts are more formal. Wear a shift dress or a pencil skirt that hits mid-thigh or lower.
- Avoid showing too much skin if you’re attending a nicer event like a theater performance or fancy dinner.
- If you're a woman who wants to wear pants, choose dress slacks that are flattering and hemmed to the right length.
- A properly fitting dress shirt should have a collar that fits snugly around your neck, sleeves that hit just above your hands, and shoulder seams that line up with the ends of your shoulders.^{[3]
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2
Pick pieces made from high-quality fabrics that look elegant. Materials like silk, satin, or velvet are all more formal. Avoid clothing that looks cheap or flimsy, or that has sloppy stitching or frays.^{[4]
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- A cashmere sweater paired with wool pants is a good option for men and women.
- Women might wear a velvet skirt with a blouse or a silk midi dress. Men could wear khakis and a tailored shirt paired with a satin tie.
- Embellishments like gems, pearls, or ruffles also add visual interest to your outfit.
EXPERT TIP

"Silk, wool, and raw satins are always very elegant, and those fabrics keep everything where it should be."

Candace Hanna
Professional Stylist
Candace Hanna is a stylist and style expert based in Southern California. With 16 years of experience in the corporate fashion and personal styling realms, she runs Style by Candace, a personal styling agency that focuses on helping individuals find their personal expression through clothing. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Shoutout LA and VoyageLA.

Candace Hanna
Professional Stylist
3
Pull together your outfit with a blazer or sport coat. What you wear on top of your outfit is just as important as the outfit itself. After all, it’s what people see first. If it’s cold outside or if you simply want to add a layer, slip on a fitted blazer or sport coat. It looks professional when worn over a flirty dress for women and smartens up a dress shirt for men.
- Get your blazer or sport coat tailored before wearing it so it fits properly. A blazer that’s too baggy or has sleeves that are too long just looks sloppy.
4
Consider heels if you're a woman who wants to elevate her look. Choose a pair that’s around 3 inches (7.6 cm) high or lower to avoid looking trashy and to protect your feet.^{[5]
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Research source} There are plenty of styles to pick from like stilettos, platforms, pumps, and kitten heels.
- Make sure you can walk in the shoes you choose to wear. Nothing kills an outfit faster than a woman limping around in 6 in (15 cm) stilettos.
- Your heel height should be based on what you’re wearing, too. A long dress may require a certain heel height so it doesn’t drag on the ground. If you’re wearing a mini dress, choose a lower height.
5
Wear formal footwear like dress shoes or Oxfords if you're a man. Shiny lace-up derbies pair well with suits for more formal events. Suede bucks or neutral leather Oxfords are still classy but can be worn with trousers or wool pants.^{[6]
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- Match your shoes to the color scheme of your outfit. Avoid clashing hues like black with navy or black with brown, for example.
- If you’re wearing dress shoes, shine them first. Polish your shoes yourself or take them to a shoe repair store or kiosk in the mall to have it done.
6
Accessorize with understated yet classy jewelry. If you’re going to wear jewelry, stay away from gaudy costume pieces. Instead, opt for elegant accessories like a diamond-studded watch for men or a dainty gold chain with an emerald drop for women. A little goes a long way with quality jewelry so stick to 1 to 2 statement pieces.
- Charm bracelets, diamond stud earrings, pretty choker necklaces, and delicate jeweled rings are all chic options.
- Choose jewelry based on your neckline. For example, a high-collared top calls for bigger earrings and no necklaces whereas a low v-neck looks good with a long pendant.^{[7]
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7
Carry a dainty clutch if you want to bring a bag. Pick a small handheld purse that matches your shoes or your jewelry. For example, if you’re wearing silver jewelry, take a silver or cool-toned clutch or wristlet. Choose one in a fancier fabric like silk or one that’s beaded and embellished.
- Stock your clutch with anything you might need like lipstick, extra bobby pins, and your wallet.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Choosing an Outfit for a Nightclub

1
Wear dark colors to hide sweat marks or spills. An all-black outfit not only looks uber trendy, it also disguises stains. Pick shades like black, dark gray, navy, or even a royal purple.
- This applies to footwear, too. White shoes are likely to get spilled on or stained.
- For girls, you can't go wrong with a little black dress. For guys, if you love the look of lighter shirts, toss on a dark blazer over top.
2
Opt for clothing in bright colors if you want to stand out. Neon colors like lime green or hot pink or bold hues like bright red are very eye-catching. They'll really pop under the flashing lights of the club.
- Stay away from pastels or pale earth tones like beige or light gray.
- Vibrant abstract patterns in bright colors make for great clubwear. For example, wear a T-shirt with neon stripes across the chest or a mini skirt in a rainbow diamond print.
3
Pick eclectic clothes that show off your figure and maybe a little skin. Nightclub outfits are notoriously more over-the-top and risque than your everyday style. Wear pieces that flaunt 1 of your best features. For example, go with tight hot pants to highlight your long legs or a quirky crop top to bare your stomach.^{[8]
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- The same rule applies to men. Skinny jeans show off a nice rear end and a fitted tank top draws attention to your sculpted shoulders.
- There's no limit to how crazy (or how scandalous) you dress for a nightclub usually. Just check the club's dress code to make sure.
4
Pile on bold accessories that make a statement. Now is not the time for minimalism. Choose jewelry that’s as loud as the music the DJ is playing. Oversized earrings, chunky chokers, and rings galore round off your fun party vibe. For men, sport a flashy watch or gold chain around your neck.
- Wear less expensive costume jewelry instead of your nicest pieces in case they come off on the dance floor.
- Avoid jewelry that could get caught on other people’s clothes while you dance. Hoop earrings, for example, can easily snag and get ripped out. Ouch!
- For women, choose a small purse or wristlet that can be worn over your shoulder or across your body. You want your hands free for drinking and dancing.
5
Slip on shoes that are comfortable for dancing. It’s tempting to wear your highest stilettos or your snazziest dress shoes to the club, but are they the most practical? Remember you’ll be on your feet most of the night so choose your footwear accordingly. Wedges or platforms make a better alternative to skinny heels for women. Men can wear leather loafers or boots.
- Find out if there’s a dress code. Many nightclubs forbid sandals, flip-flops, work boots, or athletic shoes.
- If you are going to wear heels, bring a pair of flats to change into or bandages to cover up any blisters throughout the night.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Adding Final Touches

1
Iron out any wrinkles in your clothes to look polished and put together. Clothing that’s creased or wrinkled looks sloppy. Look at the label on the inside of your clothes for the care instructions, which will often tell you what heat setting to use for ironing. Turn your clothes inside out and run the iron over any wrinkled areas right before you get dressed.^{[9]
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- Linen and cotton both wrinkle very easily. If you don’t want the hassle of ironing, avoid clothes in these fabrics.
- Iron on a low heat setting to prevent heat damage if your clothes don’t provide instructions. Turn up the heat as needed.
- Another easy solution to removing wrinkles is to dampen your clothes and toss them in the dryer for a few minutes.^{[10]
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2
Apply makeup that plays up your best features if you want to wear it. Makeup for a night out on the town can be heavier and more dramatic than your everyday look. Focus on just one feature while keeping the rest of your makeup neutral. For example, if you love your eyes, make them stand out with a dark smokey eye and layers of mascara. Balance them out with light foundation and a nude lip.^{[11]
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- If you like your lips, rock a bold lipstick with subtle eye makeup. And if you’re a fan of your cheekbones, dust them with shimmery highlighter.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with over-the-top styles like glitter, bright colors, and false eyelashes.
- To help your makeup last longer without smearing or fading, spritz a setting spray all over your face when you’re finished with your makeup.
- Put a few essentials like lipstick or mascara in your purse to touch up your face while you’re out for the evening.
3
Style your hair in a way that matches the occasion. For more formal events, keep your hair sleek and perfectly styled. Women might wear their hair in a stylish blowout or an elegant updo whereas men can slick back their hair with gel. For casual events, women can wear loose, beachy waves or a chunky braid. For men, run some mousse through your hair for an effortlessly tousled style.
- Consider what activities you’ll be doing during your night out. If you’re playing pool or tearing up the dance floor, women will want their hair out of their face in a ponytail or bun, for example.
- Even though messy styles are trendy, that doesn’t mean you should roll right out of bed and head out. Watch video tutorials online for how to accomplish the perfect balance of bedhead and beautiful.
4
Spritz on perfume or cologne to smell nice. Apply a few squirts of your scent on pulse points like your wrists, neck, and even the back of your knees. These areas give off more heat which intensifies the perfume. Don’t go overboard with your fragrance, either. Stick to 1 to 2 sprays of perfume or cologne.^{[12]
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- Carry a small, travel-size bottle of your fragrance with you to reapply as needed throughout the night.
- Don’t forget deodorant, too! No amount of perfume can cover up bad body odor.

Community Q&A

Question

What do I wear on what I think might be a date but might not be?

Community Answer

You don't want to overdress or underdress. Base your outfit on the activity that you'll be doing, and make sure it's something that you'll be comfortable in. Try to go for a casual-dressy look, Pinterest has a ton of great outfit ideas.