What Fashion to Wear for a Night Out

Jennifer Love Hewitt wearing a bodycon dress at the "Like Crazy" Premiere in Los Angeles.

Whether you're headed through the door for a night out with the girls, the fellas or your significant other, pulling together a knockout ensemble is always the name of the game. However, when you've been rocking a similar look for a while, pulling yourself out of a rut can call for some serious game changers. Consider some new outfit ideas for looks guaranteed to steal admiring glances. Does this Spark an idea?

Flirty and Feminine

If you're accustomed to wearing a pared-down or androgynous look during the day -- think T-shirt and jeans -- creating a flirty, feminine look for the nighttime will have you feeling your most confident. Fortunately, this look is not much more complicated than simple daywear. Imagine yourself in a fitted black T-shirt tucked into a high-waisted black, flounced skirt with a satin finish. Add a pop of color to your look with a statement necklace, such as a beaded turquoise- or fuchsia-hued bib necklace. Slip your feet into black stiletto pumps and you're done. Or, for a lighter take, visualize a white, three-quarter-sleeve shift dress that falls just above the knee. Add a pair of boldly-hued high-heel sandals like hot pink platforms with bow detailing; or multi-colored, strappy, high-heel sandals.

Glamorous Goddess

There are always those items you eye that seem way too over-the-top for daytime wear; pick them up anyway and don them during a night out. For a high-impact look, consider a sequin bodycon dress in a solid metallic such as silver or gold. Slide your feet into black satin peep-toe pumps, add a black clutch and you're ready to go. Or, choose a more comfortable option with an equally intense visual vibe. Start with a T-shirt style blouse in a vibrantly-hued print or with allover sequin detailing and pair it with straight-leg black trousers. For all body types other than apple, tuck in the top. For figures with an apple shape, leave the top loose. Add nude suede pumps and a black wristlet and you're out the door.

Laid Back Bloke

You don't have to ditch your jeans for a night out; you just need to pick a nice pair and dress them up a bit. Start with a pair of dark rinse selvedge jeans for a streamlined foundation. Add a button-front shirt, such as a white or pale blue Oxford style, tucked into your jeans. Pull on a brown, distressed leather belt and slide your feet into a pair of brown leather, ankle-zip boots or Oxfords. Finish the look with a dark blazer -- think deep Army green or charcoal -- in cotton twill or corduroy.

Sleek Gentleman

Creating a streamlined look is as easy as taking your day-to-day business attire and dressing it down for a night out. Certain tweaks will make your work clothes look like their meant for fun, not for the office. Start with a lightweight wool fitted suit in a middle neutral color such as charcoal or gray. Forget the usual work shirt and tie and opt for a more relaxed button-front poplin shirt. Add color or print such as a light blue shirt or a black-and-gray stripe. Slide on a classic black leather belt and a pair of black suede loafers or Oxfords without socks. Or, for an even more relaxed yet sleek appearance, swap out the shirt for a heather gray or black V-neck T-shirt.

References

• InStyle: Girls’ Night Out Outfit Idea -- Try a Statement Necklace
• Lucky Magazine: The Lucky Shoe Guide -- T-Strap Sandals
• Lucky Magazine: The Glammest Night-Out Ensemble
• Elle: Girls Night Out
• Elle: Day to Night Styling
• Valet Mag: Dressed Up Denim
• Valet Mag: The Edit -- Morning Report
• GQ: GQ Rules -- The 48-Hour Wardrobe
• GQ: #GQStyleHunt -- Editors' Picks