NEVER GET CAUGHT WITHOUT A GOING-OUT TOP AGAIN

By Flo Bellinger, 16 March 2026

The most common question in any group chat is always: ‘what are you wearing?’ And yet despite numerous last-minute scrambles for the perfect outfit, the night-out top remains a neglected part of our wardrobe. Perhaps it’s because they’re only required on special occasions, fading into the shadow of our more pressing everyday pieces. But the perfect going-out top is all the more powerful for its aloofness. Few other items of clothing carry such importance despite getting relatively little wear. Hence our panic when caught without one.

To avoid any pre-night-out chaos once and for all, we’ve compiled our favourite going-out tops to suit a range of personal styles and parties. From embellished going-out tops to halter styles and elevated tanks, keep scrolling for your ultimate bank of going-out tops – and may your group chat finally find peace.

HALTER GOING-OUT TOPS

Collage of woman wearing ASOS | ASOS Style Feed

What makes finding a great going-out top so tricky? It’s usually because these dressier styles clash with our usual wardrobe. If you’re a minimalist by day, the prospect of a decidedly more lavish top can feel daunting – not least knowing how to style it with your existing pieces. But that doesn’t mean going-out tops are bound to one formula. It can be as simple as mixing up the silhouette. Take halterneck styles, for example. This chic neckline is timeless and sophisticated, but still relatively understated. You can opt for your usual textures and colours, like a black satin or more current chocolate brown, so your go-to basics still work.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN stretch chiffon halter draped top in lemon, £24
Stradivarius Satin effect halter top in brown, £19.99
Cotton On Hold me halter twist back in black, £19
Topshop super soft cupro halter neck in black, £36

EMBELLISHED AND SHEER GOING-OUT TOPS

On the other hand, going-out tops are an excuse to hit the maximalist button. There’s no limit to your creativity here, with embellished and sheer going-out tops enjoying the spotlight this season. Anything with extra va-va-voom up top lends itself to more neutral trousers or skirts – think black tailored styles or smooth slips. Pastels are perfect for spring, if you’re tempted to reach for colour, but sheer and embellished fabrics are also incredibly flattering in nudes and neutrals for that almost-naked effect.

GET THE LOOK:
ARRANGE crystal embellished longline cami top co-ord in orange, £95
ARRANGE all over pearl embellished square hem peplum top in ivory, £200
ASOS DESIGN allover sequin top with rouleau loop button detail, £26
Monki sheer floaty long sleeve top in light blue, £29

LACE AND FRINGE GOING-OUT TOPS

Another textural trend doing the rounds of late is lace and fringe. These going-out tops are particularly fun for evening adventures thanks to the movement they bring to an outfit. Perfect for dancing the night away, they add a dose of carefree energy to a look whilst still feeling elevated. Thanks to its super lightweight handle, lace is also great for layering with simpler shirts, tees and jackets – making it ideal for transitional weather.

GET THE LOOK:
I.AM.GIA Gemma semi sheer plunge neck long fluted sleeve lace top in black, £55
AFRM Ari lace corset cami top co-ord in bright yellow, £70
ARRANGE lattice handwoven top with fringe hem in black, £120
ARRANGE draped fringe one shoulder top in winter white, £120

ELEVATED GOING-OUT TANK TOPS

If you’re really adverse to the going-out top, you can still apply your usual fashion formula to late-night plans. The humble tank top is a wardrobe icon for a reason: it’s comfortable, versatile and easy to dress up or down. Just swap out your usual ribbed pieces for something more elevated, like a lightweight knit or textured style, and pair with a blazer or structured bomber jacket for understated impact.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN knitted cinched pleated asymmetric top in ecru, £25
ASOS DESIGN compact cotton boat neck tank top in buttermilk, £18
River Island Faux leather sleeveless top in tan, £32
Good American sculpting modern tank bodysuit in black, £79

STATEMENT GOING-OUT BLOUSES

Pictures: ASOS

Going-out tops have a reputation for being skimpy, but that’s false news as far as we’re concerned. If the crisp button-down shirt is your everyday staple, then statement going-out blouses are the evening alt for you. Poplin styles with intricate sleeves, open-back designs or cinched waists are a great way to bring some form to your daytime look whilst staying true to your full-time whimsy.

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN fallen shoulder with cinched waist top in white, £20
ARRANGE volume sleeve pleated cinched waist top in white, £90
Topshop tie waist top in ecru, £36
& Other Stories pouf sleeve jacquard texture top in black, £87