If there's one wardrobe staple I count on time and time again, it's a chic going-out top. Often overlooked, it is endlessly reliable, easy to style, and a veritable modern day wardrobe must-have.
From impromptu evening plans to date nights and all those upcoming festive soirées, the right top is all you need to transform a simple look from daytime-only to party-ready in one go—and add to polish almost all of your capsule pieces.
Take the classic "jeans and a nice top" pairing as the ultimate example. The failsafe outfit formula has been a go-to for nights out since the early Noughties, and for good reason.
Back in the day, everyone from Kate Moss and Sienna Miller to Keira Knightley would be regularly spotted hitting the town in a pair of low-rise jeans and an embellished, nearly-naked tank. But the going-out top has come a long way since then, reimagined for 2025 in endless stylish iterations.
Now, chic women are styling their going-out tops with wool trousers and midi skirts for after-work drinks, and layering them under leather jackets and smart, longline coats for the ultimate high-low effect.
So, with festive season just around the corner and countless evening events already cropping up on our calendars, I've curated the ultimate edit of stylish going-out tops to make getting dressed that much easier. Keep scrolling for my top picks to shop now.
Shop the Best Going-Out Tops
Drawing inspiration from the popular scarf-neck detailing seen on this summer's occasionwear, this top is a sleek and sultry option for nights out.
Known for its sparkling designs featuring bows, ruffles, and sheer overlays, Self-Portrait is a reliable choice for eveningwear. This going-out top specifically embodies the brand's classic style with an asymmetric, draped silhouette.
For a minimalist approach, opt for this subtle cape blouse.
Featuring front tie closures and jacquard fabric, this blouse offers a new-season feel to a timeless silhouette.
Few statements tops are as impactful as this Dries Van Noten design. Pair with jeans and black ankle boots for the perfect festive look.
The halter silhouette, easy-to-style colourway, and high-street price point makes this Massimo Dutti top an instant winner.
As seen on Tiffany Hsu during Milan Fashion Week, Magda Butrym's wool-structured top is a great addition to any capsule wardrobe.
A favourite among the fashion set, this embellished top is rarely in stock and is currently on sale, making it the ideal time to invest if you've had your eye on it.
I've had this top in my closet for a year now and can confirm it's as exquisite and easy-to-style as it looks.
Part of the brand's latest collaboration with French It-girl Camille Rowe, this sheer, vintage-inspired top would style perfectly with a pair of black wool trousers, an oversize leather jacket, and heeled sandals.
Powder pink is one of this season's biggest colour trends, and who better to give it a contemporary edge than Simone Rocha? Style this top with leather trousers and pointed-toe ankle boots for a seriously cool and fashion-forward evening look.
If the aforementioned top feels a little too bold for your personal style, then turn to this chic alternative from Autograph that features fringe twist panels throughout.
