Going-out tops are back

Woman in a white lace and silver sequin dress standing against a gray textured wall, with tattoos on arms and rings on fingers.

Going-out tops are backHere’s how to style them in 2025

*Jeans and a cute top*. The return of the tried and tested ’00s style formula.

By Julia Carevic

11 August 2025 · 2 min read

It’s the 2000s. 7 pm on a Friday. You’re on the phone with your friends, discussing the plan — and the outfits. Sure, you could throw on a bodycon dress. But you know better. The O.C.’s Marissa Cooper and Summer Roberts taught you the holy grail of going-out formulas: jeans and a nice top. Low effort, high impact. Chill but playful. It says, “I didn’t try that hard”, while just doing enough.

Now, two decades after The O.C. first aired, the going-out top is back. The latest versions? Still easy. Still fun. Still the perfect choice for a night out, but more than just nostalgia. How to style them in 2025, you ask? Stylist Theresa Gross has got you. Keep reading to see four ways to wear going-out tops right now.

Add sparkles

Whether it’s dinner with friends, a date night, or dancing till late, there’s always a reason to wear a sparkling top. Want to keep it a bit more casual? Wear it with relaxed jeans — white ones, ideally — for a lowkey vibe, and complete the look with a fun bag and shoes.

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The LBT (Little black top)

Woman wearing black lace-up top, patterned leggings, gold pointed shoes, silver rings, and bracelets, crouching and taking selfie with phone.

Sure, jeans and a nice top are the OG night-out pairing, but if you want to switch it up, swap the denim for leggings. Comfy yet chic. Finish the look with heels that bring the attitude and a bag that holds your evening necessities (lip gloss and snacks).

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A dress that doubles as a top

A top doesn’t need sparkles or bold prints to qualify as a going-out top. In fact, it doesn’t even need to be a top: just layer a dress with an interesting cut or playful details over your jeans, add high heels, and give your inner maximalist a little breather without losing the fun.

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Serious pants, fun top

Purple satin camisole, gray pinstriped wide-leg trousers, bright red pointed heels, and a pink velvet handbag with a handle.

Sometimes, the best pairings are the unexpected ones. Like grey suit pants and a purple metallic top. It’s your shortcut from desk to dinner reservation, without a full outfit change. Just slip your favourite going-out top (and a pair of kitten heels) into your work bag, and you’re set for a quick 6 pm makeover.

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Animal print is a neutral

Woman takes a outdoor selfie showing cropped leopard-print top, patchwork jeans, high-heeled shoes, rings, and sunglasses against tiled wall.

From Kate Moss to Bella Hadid, animal print has been worn by a multitude of women over the decades. The easiest way to pull it off? A loud going-out top styled with easy-going jeans. No fuss, just fierce.