I Love a Good Night-Out Look, and These 5 Outfit Formulas Are My Go-Tos

We all have that one friend we all run to when we need fashion advice. I'm a fashion editor, and many of my friends also work in the fashion industry and have a great sense of style on their own, so most of the time when it comes to what my friends and I want to wear, we've got it in the bag. That said, when it comes to a night-out look, I'm the first person my friends call. I'm somewhat of a guru and love a great evening look, so I rarely miss an opportunity to show off my collection of night-out outfits. This year, I have traveled more than any other year, visiting Los Angeles, Tulum, and Miami, and I have made it my mission to live up to and truly earn my self-appointed title as the night-outfit guru of the group. I've come up with five outfit formulas that help me do just that, and they guarantee I never miss. 

As I'm someone who doesn't believe in gatekeeping, keep scrolling to see the five night-out outfit formulas I swear by.

Matching Set + Mini Bag

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(Image credit: @emmaleger; Pictured: Amina Muaddi bag)

This look is at the top of my list for a reason. A two-piece set is such an easy no-brainer when you want to look put-together, stylish, and on-trend. Pairing this look with a mini bag adds a fun feel to the look overall. I'd wear this out dancing or for a night out on a vacation. 

Minidress + Platform Heels

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(Image credit: @gracejoshua13; Pictured: Danielle Guizio dress; Jacquemus bag; Schutz heels)

When I say this is my go-to, I mean this my go-to. I love a good minidress, especially since I'm quite petite at 5'2". I'm all about anything that I can wear to make my legs look a little longer. This takes me to platform shoes. If you're on the shorter side, you'll soon be in love with these extra-tall heels. I know they may look intimidating, but trust me—they're easier to walk in than you may think. I wore these platform heels pictured about for two nights out back-to-back in Miami, and I danced the night away without pain.

Miniskirt + Boots

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

Calling all Y2K-aesthetic lovers. A great miniskirt paired with knee-high boots always adds a little bit of sexy and is the perfect summer-to-fall transition look. I'd wear this outfit out in New York City.

Beaded Top + Pants

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(Image credit: @nitsanraiter)

A beaded top is always a head turner, and I'm totally obsessed with styling it with a pair of loose-fitting pants. They balance each other out. The romance and prettiness of a beaded top paired with the casual bagginess of loose-fitted trousers is just so cool. I want to wear this look out in Spain.

Sequin Moment

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew; Pictured: Lioness skirt)

I didn't really expect to be such a big fan of sequins, but this summer, I can't get enough. I'm loving the celebratory vibes that a sparkly element adds to a look. Whether you go for a full-on sparkly dress or are just adding a touch of sparkle with shoes or a bag, I have a feeling we'll be seeing this glittery trend up until fall.

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Assistant Editor

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. During her free time, she loves wine tasting, creating content for her social media, spending time with friends, traveling to new places, and Pilates, and has a love for reality television, especially The Real Housewives. Grace is the person in your friend group everyone goes to for recommendations for the best place to grab drinks in NYC on a Friday night or the best hotels and restaurants to try when traveling to a new city. While fashion is her main love, she loves all things wellness and lifestyle as well. Her ideal sunday is brunching with friends then walking around furniture shopping and listening to a podcast. As the assistant shopping editor at Who What Wear, Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.