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. And listen, we know more than half of them are from Anthropologie, but that’s only because they happen to be the master of the going-out top … that doesn’t cost $300.
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 Luxe Sweater
What: Pilcro Cozy Ribbed Turtleneck Batwing Pullover
Why: We’re not sacrificing coziness to be chic. And with this sweater we don’t have to. It’s the perfect length to leave untucked without us looking frumpy. We wear it with THIS belt and THESE jeans, and the proportions are perfection.
Price: $68
5. This Pretty Top That’s A Look All By Itself
What: Maeve Printed Long-Sleeve Turtleneck Top
Why: Just a standalone, supremely flattering top that comes just in time for the holidays. A bonus of it being fitted is it looks great with looser, comfier bottoms. Honestly, we don’t really need go do much else when we wear this top. Oh, and it sizes in plus and petite.
Price: $68
6. This Verrrry Flattering Strapless Top
What: Pilcro Perfect Layering Knit Tee
Why: Speaking of holiday, now is the time to add a little tasteful sparkle. We probably don’t need to tell you how rare it is to find a twinkly top that is actually understated and expensive looking, but here we are.
Price: $58
7. This Top For When You Want Something Sex(ish) But Also Sophisticated
What: Abercrombie Long-Sleeve Off-The-Shoulder Mesh Top
Why: This works with everything. Jeans, skirts. Just wildly easy. And even though it’s fitted, it still has an ultra-flattering cut that balances beautifully with looser pants and comfy heels.
Price: $40
8. This Romantic Top That Does All The Work For You
What: En Elly Puff-Sleeve Bow Blouse
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.
Price: $108
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
What: Maeve Textured-Sleeve Top
Why: A puff sleeve is a dream for those of us who don’t love showing our arms or consider ourselves more of an apple shape.
Price: $70
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 Tee
What: Canapé Pearl-Trim Scoop-Neck Tee
Why: There isn’t a human who won’t look their loveliest in this sweet and sophisticated top. Wear it with any long, wide-leg pant or your high-waist jeans and heels, and you’re ready to sip cider fireside at a winter soirée.
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, 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 Ultra-Flattering Go-To Top
What: Free People Milo Seamless Long-Sleeve Top
Why: Sometimes every detail just falls into place: the cut, the fit, the colors (there are many), and the price. The ruching is deeply flattering and adds enough drama for us to look dressed up despit feeling like we just threw on a tee. In short, we reach for this one constantly.
Price: $58
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.
We have to eat.
