So you have some free time, and you’d like to have fun. Props for actually wanting to keep your plans (or maybe just feeling too guilty to cancel them). Either way, you want to look good, but you still want to be able to move and breathe. Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve found going-out tops you can easily pair with jeans, dresses you can throw a blazer over and wear to work, and even a few trendy pieces that are actually easy to wear. The fun starts as soon as you get dressed.
Looking for more affordable, stylish clothes? Here’s what to wear when working, traveling, playing, and expecting.
A knit top for an off-the-shoulder moment…
There’s nothing like a good going-out top. This one slants across your collarbones with a foldover top, showing just a hint of skin. It can be styled in so many ways — with long and short skirts, trousers, and jeans. It comes in two solid colors and two earth-toned patterns. We’d wear the cream-colored one with a full winter white ensemble. ($128, Reformation)
A classic shirt with a not-so-classic twist...
When a classic white button-up and a going-out top make a baby, you get this perfect top. It’s made out of soft cotton with a little stretch, has a collar for a touch of prep, and the ties at the front can be cinched as tight as you want them. Just add your favorite jeans and you’re ready for some fun. ($42, Abercrombie & Fitch)
A cargo maxi skirt you can dress up or down…
Two trends collide with this cargo maxi skirt. It’s made of cotton poplin with a bit of stretch, and has elastic in the back of the waistband for added comfort. A back slit shows a little leg. It looks cute with sneakers for a shopping day (the ultimate fun, if you ask us) or heeled booties for a night out. ($28, Target)
An effortlessly chic slip dress…
This classic slip dress says, “Oh, this? I just threw it on.” The midi length is just right and the V-neck isn’t too low. We love that it’s thick enough to wear without a bra and has adjustable straps. Wear it with a leather jacket to really up the cool factor. ($46.99+, Aritzia)
A bubble skirt to get in on the trend…
Yes, bubble skirts are back, and we’re here for it. This one is made of soft organic cotton and comes in white and black. Pair it with this cardigan that several of our editors own and love, then add some knee-high heeled boots or loafers. ($148, Reformation)
The jeans that changed our minds about low-rise jeans…
One editor wasn’t sure if the low-rise trend was sticking around, but after seeing them everywhere for fall, she set out to find the perfect pair. These hit just below your belly button, so you don’t have to worry about showing too much. Plus, they’re less baggy than other pairs, so you won’t feel like you’re being swallowed. Levi’s never misses. You can read her full review here. ($108, Levi's)
A sweater dress that’s sexier than most…
There are sweater dresses, and then there’s this sweater dress. It’s made of a soft ribbed knit that’ll hug your figure without constricting, and the V-neck opens on one side to show a little shoulder. This chocolate color is a nice alternative to black, but it’ll still go with black shoes. Style it like the model with bold hoops. ($295, Shopbop)
A bodysuit that stopped us in our tracks…
This bodysuit comes in a gauzy polka dot print that has us thinking, “Why did we ever stop wearing polka dots?” It’s an off-the-shoulder style — can you tell that’s in right now? — and won’t bunch thanks to the bodysuit bottom. Try it with capri pants for a chic date night ’fit. ($68, Anthropologie)
A skort that’ll keep you covered…
This skort has all of the leg-bearing qualities you love in a mini skirt but without any of the “am-I-going-to-flash-the-whole-restaurant” fear. It’s high-rise and has a good amount of stretch to keep you comfortable, even if you’re spending the night on the dance floor. It looks just as good with a going-out top as it does with a graphic tee and sneakers. ($84.95, Eloquii)
A pair of vegan leather pants you’ll want to wear more than jeans…
This fall, we’re doubling down on leather. This Abercrombie & Fitch pair is the perfect style, thanks to a high-rise fit and straight leg. They’re tight in all the right places, but not so tight that you feel like you’re wearing latex. They come in black and brown and pair nicely with heels or booties. ($110, Abercrombie & Fitch)
A knit dress begging to be accessorized…
This strapless knit dress is the sweater dress's sexier cousin. It has a flared skirt and silicone trim at the top to make sure it stays up. It’s so chic on its own with a simple pair of black heels, but would look great with a cardigan or blazer and a statement necklace (they’re back in, by the way). Plus, it comes in burgundy, this fall’s “It” color. ($34.99, H&M)
A faux leather jacket that looks way more expensive than it is…
It’s finally leather jacket season, which means we’re perusing options that won’t break the bank. This biker version fits the bill, and it looks just as good as pricier options. It’s made of supple faux leather and zips up the side for a little edge. There’s nothing you can pair this with that won’t look cool. ($129, Anthropologie)
A satin mini dress that’s a steal…
This satin mini has piqued the interest of several fashion editors, including us, since it’s incredibly affordable and a classic style. The twist at the bust sets it apart, and the adjustable straps ensure the perfect fit. You can wear it with flats or heels, depending on the occasion. ($49.50, Nordstrom)
A tank top that doesn’t require a bra…
Music to our ears. This top is double-layered and has a compressive fit, so it’ll keep everything in place, whether you’re dancing or running around at a kid’s birthday party. We love the high neck and the low back. Wear it with low-rise jeans if you want to go full Gen Z. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A pair of leopard pants that feel like wearing sweatpants…
Having fun is synonymous with being comfortable, isn’t it? With these pants, you can look and feel cute while still being cozy, thanks to the elastic waistband and loose fit. Leopard is about to be everywhere, so do yourself a favor and grab these early. ($130, Lisa Says Gah)
A racerback tank with a flirty touch…
The little icon on this classic tank says it all: You’re ready for happy hour. We’re suckers for a graphic tank or tee, so we ordered this right away when we saw it. It’s a racerback that’s body-skimming and hits right at your belly button. Just add jeans or a black mini skirt. ($48, Reformation)
A sheer embroidered top that’s almost too pretty to wear…
We said almost. This button up with embroidered black flowers deserves a night on the town. Every detail is more chic than the last, from the black and gold buttons to the pointed collar. Wear it with a bralette and trousers for a grown sexy look. ($395, Neiman Marcus)
A dress so comfortable you could nap in it…
This is like a glorified nightgown in the best way possible. It has a smocked bodice that makes it easy to go braless and puff sleeves that make a statement. We love the seasonless floral print and that you can dress it up or down with sneakers or heels. ($178, Hill House Home)
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