16 “Going Out” Tops That Will Only Appeal To You If You Have Used The Term “Going Out” Tops
by The Candidly Team
Do you remember a time when getting ready to go out was merely a matter of throwing on a single top?
A top that had been deemed “fancy” and cute and flattering enough to be the whole outfit.
There was no “look” being created. No “fashion story” being told. Just whatever jeans you were already wearing and that. one. top.
Obviously, we were not alone in this.
And we know, it wasn’t always perfect.
But it was so blissfully easy, wasn’t it?
And we miss that ease. Just throwing on one thing and knowing we looked good. That we were done.
In recent years, many women and fashion editors alike have declared that the going-out top simply stopped existing. And we must agree, as humans looking for clothes, the selection has long seemed both slim and sad.
But we think we may have reached a turning point.
Because when we set out to find a few, not just decent, but excellent, timeless, well-fitting, chic, exciting going-out tops this very day, we honestly weren’t sure we’d succeed.
But, my friends. We found 16.
Unlike the tops of the 2000s that were sequined and stitched to fit a very specific time and trend, each of these 16 is classic and alluring in a way that we think will stand the test of time.
But let’s show, not tell, shall we? Here they are.
1. This Fitted Top That Works With Every Flowy Bottom
What: Reformation Ezlynn Knit Top
Why: How many exciting skirts and drapey pants are sitting in your closet right now just waiting for a top that isn’t too long or loose or casual to wear with it? This top is universally flattering and pretty, but more importantly, it balances out every single bottom, especially those with a bit more volume.
Price: $78
2. This Chic, Yet Playful Mod Top
What: Tuckernuck Black Mason Top
Why: This top gives off a mod, French sensibility that we were already sold on. (Please cease all activity and go here to see the bow in the back). But on a practical, wearability level, it’s both spacious and clean-lined. So we can look understated and sleek, while feeling completely comfortable. We love it in black and white, but there are some brighter choices very much worth checking out. And it sizes up to XXXL.
Price: $128
3. This Drapey Silk Shirt
What: Lilysilk The Peplos Shirt
Why: Excuse us while we channel our inner Katharine Hepburn by tucking this drapey silk blouse into a long wide-leg trouser and sashaying into a party without a care.
Price: $125
4. This Sheer Button-Down
What: The Bennet Buttondown Shirt by Maeve: Sheer Edition
Why: The beauty, of course, is that this perfectly tailored, oversized button-down over a black bra means you get to feel covered up while still feeling sexy(ish). Sizes up to 3X. Though, we personally button ours a few more buttons up than pictured.
Price: $98
5. This Pretty Top That’s A Look All By Itself
What: Anthropologie Pilcro Embellished Ruffle Collar Top
Why: Just a standalone, outright pretty, supremely flattering top. But a big bonus is it also gives us a smooth, held-in shape. We don’t really need go do much else when we wear this top (which we do with THESE jeans btw). Also, it sizes in plus and petite.
Price: $128
6. This Verrrry Flattering Strapless Top
What: Mare Mare Smocked Linen Tube Top
Why: Our instinct was to fear the tube top. But we made a late(ish) in life discovery that turned everything we thought we knew about what looks good on us on its head. Tube tops are made for a thicker arm. An ample chest. A broad shoulder. Because where short sleeves cut into places that widen us, a sleeve-free neckline frames us in way that makes our natural curves look graceful and elegant and well … natural. We implore you to give it another go. And start with THIS one because, quite frankly no top on this entire list is more flattering. Not to mention it matches pretty much everything.
Price: $98
7. This Blouse For When You Want Something Loose But Refined
What: Pomander Place Black Finley Flutter Sleeve Top
Why: And for those of you who are just like “no sleeveless for me thanks,” we get it. This top happens to be an excellent choice for the days we’re feeling a bit bloated or just don’t want something restrictive around our arms and waist. But even though it’s airy, it still has an ultra-flattering cut that balances beautifully with skinny pants and comfy heels.
Price: $98
8. This Romantic Top That Does All The Work For You
What: Anthropologie The Keira Collared Button-Front Blouse by Pilcro
Why: Going out doesn’t have to mean shiny and tight and all those other adjectives that go along with early 2000s going-out tops. This airy and pretty Anthro blouse reminds us of the romantic tops from Doën, just far more realistic in price. It’s like a going-out top for 40-year-olds who turn to Target and a wine bar for a big night out. Soooo us!
Price: $88 - $98
9. This Perfectly Shaped Smocked Top
What: Madewell Smocked Button-Front Top in Poplin
Why: This pretty top functions like an elevated tank you don’t have to worry about tucking and retucking and creating weird lines and bulges in your waistline. You can wear it with all those patterned skirts that nothing matches or long, high-waisted pants and look immediately “styled.” Plus, both poplin and smocking are the most comfortable/flattering combo, so it’s pretty effortless.
Price: $82
10. This Puff-Sleeve Top That Flatters Arms And Bellies Like No Other
What: Hill House The Matilda Top
Why: An empire waist and puff sleeve is a dream for those of us who don’t love showing our arms or consider ourselves more of an apple shape. The smocking on the back seals the deal for us. That and the fact that it feels like PJs.
Price: $128
11. The Prettiest Sleeve With Which To Present the Cheese Platter
What: Lilysilk Polka Dots Georgette Blouse
Why: What is it about polka dots that makes even the smartest, most sophisticated silk blouse 27x more fun?!
Price: $179
12. This Beautiful Peek-A-Boo Bustier
What: Anthropologie The Giselle Lace Bustier
Why: We’re not saying stroll the sidewalks in your bra and call it fashion. But this bustier peeking out from under a blazer (or a button-down) is nothing short of iconic. And so, so easy.
Price: $68
13. This Irresistible Gingham Top
What: Blue Tassel Gingham Bow Tank
Why: Admittedly, we are both bow and gingham people, but every single human will look their loveliest in this sweet and sophisticated top. Sidenote: it will give you great proportions, as it’s inherently nipping and tailored. Wear it with any long, wide-leg pant or your high-waist jeans and heels, and you have an infallibly striking (and faintly French) look. That’s just how it works. Sizes in plus and petite.
Price: $68
14. This Smartly Tailored Vest
What: Sunday in Brooklyn Ponte Apron Vest
Why: This one is a bit of a superhero top in that we get such a sleek, tailored silhouette whether we tuck or half tuck or leave it out. And it works with jeans, long, drapey pants, or a silky slip skirt. It’s all just utter chicness with this top.
Price: $78
15. This Incredibly Pretty Cami
What: Conditions Apply Paulina Bias Cami
Why: Did you know Anthro has a whole section of gently worn clothes (courtesy of Nuuly) that are in premium condition and cost a fraction of the price? And there are some gems, you guys. Like this pretty much perfect going-out top.
Price: $15
16. This Bit Of Treasure We Made You Dig For
What: Free People Tara Tube Top
Why: Sometimes every detail just falls into place: the cut, the fit, the colors (there are more), and the price. In these cases, we get very excited to share. So kudos to ourselves for sitting on this one til the end.
Price: $78
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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