After graduating college, I quickly discovered what a confusing time your 20’s can be, especially when it comes to figuring out how to dress. There’s such a fine line between slinky frat party outfits and something way more conservative, but I was determined to revamp my style to fit in that sweet spot in between.
I came to realize that the key to mastering my ideal look for a night out was balance. The outfits I loved to wear the most were the ones that made me feel confident without showing too much skin; they were cool and contemporary without being too bold.
There’s sort of a mental checklist I go through when buying ‘going out clothes’:
1. Is it different? I love the casual, not-trying-too-hard vibe of basics, but a differentiating element like a cutout back, asymmetry, subtle embellishments or plunging neckline can easily turn a plain shirt into something much edgier without crossing the line into ‘fancy’.
2. Is it flattering? It takes knowing your own assets and what you’re comfortable wearing to find the pieces that really show you in the best light. Dressing for your body type can be hard, but it all comes down to what makes you feel good (tip: taking selfies in the fitting room usually helps me determine if something is a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’).
3. Is it definitely my style? Trends come and go, but your personal style should be an actual representation of who you are and what you like. When I find myself trying to define my style, I take a look at the ‘Fashion Collection’ that I made on Instagram – it features probably hundreds of the amazing blogger pics I’ve double tapped from my feed (that’s a good way to know what you really like and find out common themes between them all).
4. Is it practical? If I can underpin it with a regular (ie. comfortable) bra, I consider it easy to wear, and that’s always a major plus. Also, having stuff in my closet that I already know will look good with a piece I’m considering buying makes it easy for me to visualize a full outfit before purchase. Nothing is worse than taking something home and having it hang in your closet with the tags on while you figure out how to style it.
5. Is it versatile? And then there are those rare finds that work double-duty and can be worn for a night out AND the workweek – think layering with a cardigan or adding a blazer.
The look I’m wearing here is just as fitting for a casual local bar as it is for dinner and drinks in the city.
TOP:
I don’t often wear color, so this emerald TOPSHOP top is an understated way to break away from my usual all-black wardrobe without exiting my comfort zone. The neckline shows off my shoulders, which is one of the classiest ways to bare to skin, and the loose, flowy silhouette is a smart way to temper the tight fit of skinny jeans.
JEANS:
Speaking of the jeans, these are one of my absolute favorite pairs from Express. They have studs along the center seams, which instantly make my legs look longer and leaner. The splits at the cropped hems give them even more of an edge.
JACKET:
Since dressing for going out in the winter is a whole other feat in itself, your jacket is going to be majorly important. In the past (when I was young and naive), I’d have worn my leather jacket to the bar in 20 degree weather, but now I know that ‘splurging’ on coat check is a game changer. This faux fur jacket from H&M makes me feel like Carrie Bradshaw, and I couldn’t be happier about the purchase. It looks super chic for a night out and keeps me way warmer than my biker jacket ever could. Not to mention, it’s the most amazing soft texture and feels like I’m wrapping myself up in a blanket.
SHOES:
I’ve been wanting mules since they became popular a few seasons back and this pair from Raye could not be more perfect. The lustrous gold leather is a little unexpected but surprisingly versatile – little-known fact, metallics go with pretty much anything. The pointed silhouette and contrasting toe make them sleek and sophisticated, so you can wear them for an upscale wedding or more casual settings. But, nothing sold me more than the kitten heel – the manageable stiletto is so easy to walk in and complaints about my feet hurting go virtually unheard.
BAG:
Obviously a huge fan of studs, I was elated when I found this cross-body bag from Zara. It has separate compartments to keep your phone and keys organized but unfortunately there aren’t any built-in card slots, so a separate cardholder is ideal unless you’re ok with everything sort of floating around (which is admittedly how I tend to handle the issue). The tassels add a super fun and playful finishing touch and the buckle strap can be adjusted to your perfect drop.
JEWELRY:
I tend to keep my jewelry pretty simple, but like to play around with statement pieces here and there. If I really wanted to kick this look up a notch, I could have gone for bolder earrings – sometimes bigger really is better.
So, if your college years are behind you and you’re looking to start fresh with a whole new post-six wardrobe, start by asking yourself some basic questions before making any rash purchases: Is it different, does it flatter my particular figure, does it suit my style, can I wear it comfortably and can I wear it often? If the answer is yes, then go for it and really own your look. There’s nothing more important than feeling confident in what you’re wearing – it will change your entire mood and therefor the whole vibe of the night.
Tell me: What’s your best advice for creating the perfect Saturday night outfit?
