WHEN & WHERE
The ‘Going-Out Top’Guide
By: Gwen Attridge
The return of the going-out top: redefining the 2000s phenom.
You’re sitting down in front of your floor-length mirror, makeup products scattered around you. The curling iron is hot. Your getting-ready playlist is blasting. Maybe you even have a nice, ice cold bev by your side. This is truly the epitome of coming of age: the pre-going-out ritual. Some say, it’s almost as fun as the festivities that follow. Then comes the biggest (and most important) question…What on EARTH am I gonna wear? Enter: The ‘going-out top.’
What is a ‘going-out top’ anyway?
Coined in the early 2000s, the “going-out top” was defined as a slinky style made to be worn at the bar or club. Think halters, tube tops, anything bedazzled to the max. Likely to be paired with denim and heels, the going-out top made for an easy 1-2-3 look that will leave you feeling confident and ready to take on the night.
Now the word has crept back into social spaces, with the same definition and a fresh, new perspective. What’s the difference, you ask? I’ll leave that answer to a professional, of course. Here’s what FP stylist Belle has to say about the then vs. now of this night-out staple:
Now the word has crept back into social spaces, with the same definition and a fresh, new perspective. What’s the difference, you ask? I’ll leave that answer to a professional, of course. Here’s what FP stylist Belle has to say about the then vs. now of this night-out staple:
“Going-out tops in the early-mid aughts were very long, layered tanks, a lot of tunics over jeans, lots of sequins often paired with a little jean ruffle skirt and big white grommet belt, or even skinny jeans and boots. Now, I feel like lots of going-out tops are paired with something more unexpected, like a tight tank with a big cargo pant or some wide-leg denim”
So while the classic formula (jeans and a cute top) is still employed, it’s been expanded upon in ways that would blow a millennial mind. Think bloomers, micro shorts, midi skirts, etc. While these new pairings forge their own path in fashion history, the end goal of the going-out top remains: a fun, effortless option to party all night long in. What’s not to love?
When you step out for the night, you’re 99.9% sure to spot a Free People going-out top in the wild. From soft, seamless designs from our in-house label to sultry, sexy styles, there are camis, tanks, and tees GALORE just waiting to hit the dancefloor with you. Read on for our guide to the best going-out tops for every night-out occasion:
When you step out for the night, you’re 99.9% sure to spot a Free People going-out top in the wild. From soft, seamless designs from our in-house label to sultry, sexy styles, there are camis, tanks, and tees GALORE just waiting to hit the dancefloor with you. Read on for our guide to the best going-out tops for every night-out occasion:
MOST-LOVED GOING-OUT TOPS: FP ICONS
We’d call them cult classics, but that would be an understatement. At the top of each product is a tiny heart you can click to add to your “My Hearts” list. Now what if I told you we were looking at tens, of thousands of hearts for these going-out tops? Each. Yep, you heard right. From our favorite seamless styles to instantly-recognizable favs, these options are top-rated for a reason.
Pair With: Baggy jeans and kitten heels
Wear To: The downtown hot-spot where you’ll see everyone you know
Pair With: Baggy jeans and kitten heels
Wear To: The downtown hot-spot where you’ll see everyone you know
MOST CLASSIC: TUBE TOPS
These get the Carrie Bradshaw stamp of approval. Tube tops are a long-time going-out essential, destined to hit the town and drink a cosmo. Go soft and seamless or boldly printed, either way you can’t go wrong with this strapless style for a night out.
Pair With: Longline shorts and pointed-toe mules
Wear To: Dinner with the girls (outside table, of course) immediately followed by dancing
Pair With: Longline shorts and pointed-toe mules
Wear To: Dinner with the girls (outside table, of course) immediately followed by dancing
MOST SULTRY: DRAPED TOPS & SHEER TOPS
When the sun goes down, a certain part of our wardrobe can shine. That means the sheer styles and intentionally-draped designs come out to play. Think unlined lace, cowl necklines, and anything with that slinky je ne sais quoi. The fabrications take the center stage here, while the silhouettes turns up the heat. We really can’t think of a better accompaniment to making some night moves.
Pair With: Those perfect-fitting jeans and a strappy sandal
Wear To: Double-date-night at that newly-opened restaurant
Pair With: Those perfect-fitting jeans and a strappy sandal
Wear To: Double-date-night at that newly-opened restaurant
MOST FEMME: SOFT KNIT TOPS & SWEET DETAILS
This one’s for all my softies out there. Nothing beats a classic pointelle knit or delicate details like rosettes, ribbons, and lace inlays. While dreamy days come to mind when thinking of these darling options, we’re making the case that they fit perfectly into your going-out top lineup. And we kind of have a thing for day-to-night dressing, because what’s better than one outfit that does it all?
Pair With: A flowy midi skirt and flip-flops, over your fav bikini
Wear To: The beach bar for a day-to-night fiesta.
Pair With: A flowy midi skirt and flip-flops, over your fav bikini
Wear To: The beach bar for a day-to-night fiesta.
MOST FUN: PRINTED TOPS AND EMBELLISHED TOPS
Solids not your thing? No worries, we have a going-out top for that. With a pattern to fit every style, and the occasional sparkle sprinkled in there, these statement pieces really bring the fun to any night-out. Expect endless compliments and a few “where’d you get that top?” You know the answer…
Pair With: A mini-skirt and tall boots
Wear To: Bus, club, ‘nother club, ‘nother club, no sleep
Pair With: A mini-skirt and tall boots
Wear To: Bus, club, ‘nother club, ‘nother club, no sleep
Now time to find yours…Shop all going-out tops and have the time time of your life! And don’t forget to send us pics! #WhenYouWearFP
Happy styling! <3
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