Cue the Compliments: 12 Fashion Editors on What to Wear for a Spring Night Out

Spring is in the air, and suddenly, I want to shut my computer at 4 p.m. on a Friday (maybe Wednesday and Thursday, too), put on something pretty, and head to a fun, buzzy bar for a drink alfresco with friends. Anyone else with me? The warmer weather and longer days make everything feel lighter and more exciting—even in the sartorial department. A mental weight has been lifted that makes picking outfits feel more fun and freeing.

So with spring nights on my mind, I’ve been wondering what everyone is wearing now that we’re heading out and about to dinners, parties, and events a lot more compared to the last few years of staying home. I turned to my fellow fashion editors to see what the stylish team is wearing for an evening out. Get inspired by their looks and spring shopping picks below.

"My favorite spring night-out look (so far!) just so happens to revolve around the '90s supermodel aesthetic that has been so aspirational to me my entire life. I had my eyes on this Zara dress for so long, and after it popped up in my mind multiple times, I decided it was time to make the purchase. It's so effortless and elegantly chic. Just when I thought the look was complete, I added a chain belt, and the result was amazing. I can't imagine this dress now without it."

"For cocktails and dinner, I like an outfit that strikes the perfect balance between polished and effortless. Chic, loose, tailored trousers are my go-to right now, cinched at the waist with a belt and paired with a flattering and alluring black ribbed top. I'll always wear comfortable heels I can walk or dance in should the occasion arise!"

"Right now, I'm feeling very inspired by the Saint Laurent F/W 22 collection—specifically, the looks featuring floor-sweeping satin dresses paired with oversize tailored blazers. The next chance I get to dress up, that's what you'll spot me wearing."

"I wear jeans a lot during fall and winter, so once it's warm enough, I start wearing dresses and walkable heels out at night a lot more. I prefer simple, comfortable dresses with something unique about them, such as a pretty material, cutout back, or corset detailing."

"Living in L.A., a night-out look needs to walk the line between casual and alluring. Jeans will always help dress a look down, and I'm obsessed with Agolde's '90s fit. A top with a bustier-inspired, sculptural neckline and some on-trend heels complete the look."

"Good thing I don't set foot in clubs, because I'm not into anything body-con for nights out! Instead, for drinks with friends, I'm into loose, flowy tops and floral skirts. It's a comfortable yet fun outfit combo that makes me excited for warm weather."

"Meet my spring/summer uniform. Lately, I've been obsessed with the '90s minimalist look of a simple tube top and trousers, specifically, with a pair of loose and low pants that feel very right-now. To make it feel nighttime-appropriate, I'm adding some low heels and a shoulder bag. Don't be alarmed if you see me wearing this combo on repeat for the next few months."

"If I'm going out, I'm most likely wearing one of my far too many LBDs that I've collected over the years. Usually, I'll switch up the shoes to make them look new, opting for knee-high boots on some nights and a pair of colorful heels or wedges for another."

"I'm currently obsessed with wearing vests these days. I love the nod to menswear paired with more traditionally womenswear pieces like heels and sparkly jewelry. I have paired my vest with jeans, strappy sandals, and a mini bag, but I plan to style this vest also with a miniskirt when New York warms up a bit."

"For a night out, I love a miniskirt paired with really simple pieces to keep it from looking too precious. Think T-shirt or button-down with minimalist sandals and a little shoulder bag to round out the whole '90s vibe."

"This is probably not shocking to anyone who knows me, but I like to keep things relatively comfortable even on a night out. There's nothing I hate more than when it's 9 p.m., and I feel absolutely out of place in what I'm wearing and immediately want to go home. For that reason, I usually stick to the combo of comfortable trousers and a fancier statement top. It's a combo that doesn't let us down."

"My ideal spring night out is securing a table at a buzzy NYC restaurant with my beloved ones and pulling up in an all-too-extra look. I won't wear anything constricting (because girls have to eat), but my secret to serving a look always comes back to sets. If I don't have a good set on hand, I'll be late to the reservation for sure, so I now love and live in matching sets in all their forms—leather suit sets, knit sets, miniskirt sets. It makes going out so easy because then all I have to do is find a great bag and shoes and call it a night."

Up next, I just created eight spectacular spring outfits from Nordstrom for under $300.