THE GOING OUT TOP

I honestly never thought I’d be saying this, but recently I noticed a hole in my closet that could only be filled by buying new “going out” tops. The “going out” top was a thing of millennial lore – something my friends and I have reminisced on and joked about from our college days. I thought those days were long behind me, but alas, I find myself needing them again up here in the big city!

Back in Texas, I feel like I bounced between looks that were either super casual (but still polished) or ultra dressy. There really was no in between! I would mostly wear sundresses from day to night in the spring/summer, and then in the fall/winter months I’d go for a blazer + top or sweater with jeans. In New York, however, I find myself reaching for separates more than dresses – and have realized I mostly own either really casual tops/shirts for daytime, or extra embellished pieces (think sequins & feathers) for parties.

What I really needed was a collection of sleek, modern tops that I could wear with jeans to dinner that felt dressed up but not over the top. So off I went searching the web for just that! I ended up ordering a bunch, and from a variety of price points, starting with this top and this top – both from Zara. I also ended up snagging this Khaite top on major sale from Matches (they’re sadly going out of business), along with this Bernadette top! Needless to say, I think I’m all set now on cool black tops of the going out variety. If you’re in search of similar styles, definitely don’t miss the roundup below in the best neutrals!

SHOP MORE GOING OUT TOPS