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Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter Sold Me on a Going-Out Top for My First NYE in NYC—Here Are Cool-Girl Picks From $23

Sequin dresses aren't your only options.

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Two models wearing trendy tops one metallic sleeveless and backless the other an offshoulder black longsleeve with a mini skirt
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Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet

I’m a firm believer that clothing sets the tone for our days and nights, making a good outfit the first step in a night to remember. New Year’s Eve Intimissimi boatneck top, gift giving, and time with friends and family are at the forefront of our minds, the glittery, bubble-brimmed beginning of the year will be here before we know it. If you’re hoping to get ahead of the “what are we wearing?” texts in your group chat, it’s time to find the best going-out top for New Year’s Eve.

“Anything that makes you feel pulled together and hot fits the bill,” says Cat Ward, stylist and author of Strawberry Jelly on Substack. “For me, I prefer something on the tighter side.” Be it a soft cashmere turtleneck, a sequin-covered tank, or a figure-loving corset, “a good going-out top should always make you feel confident,” Ward adds. “That’s the key.” To set myself up for success, I called upon a few of my favorite stylists and content creators who love a chance to dress up even more than I do—and that’s saying a lot—for shopping advice. Keep reading for their favorite going-out top recommendations, and prepare for a night (and year) of looking and feeling amazing.

Best Sheer Going-Out Tops

Sheer going-out tops are all over New York City and social media feeds at the moment, with pop darlings Sabrina Carpenter, Addison Rae, and Olivia Dean also hopping on the trend in their recent appearances. Everything from sheer T-shirts and organza blouses to lacy bodysuits and cutout details makes a fine choice for a night out, especially when paired with an all-black ensemble.

While the celebrity-worn Intimissimi boatneck top is a great choice, this sheer, slightly sparkly turtleneck takes the casual style and elevates it to New Year’s Eve-worthy status. I recently wore it on a night out, and while it’s definitely sheer, the going-out top isn’t so see-through that you feel exposed. “It’s fun to be a little scandalous sometimes, with a see-through moment, something that screams confident and ready to go,” says Ellie Williams, a content creator and the author of For The Girls on Substack.

Size: S–L | Material: Well Well Well

Best Sparkly Going-Out Tops

Sequins are a “no-brainer” for New Year’s, according to Williams. Stick with an allover silver number that will put you in the mood to stay out until midnight. Or, mellow out your look with a black or brown option that you’ll reach for year-round. The light-catching detail is sure to liven up your outfit, even if you’re wearing all black.

I love Guzio tops,” Ward says. “There is always something special about them, like a cut-out or off-the-shoulder moment. I love that they make you look and feel hot without actually making you overheat.” This simple yet sexy tank is one your friends will surely want to borrow for birthdays, concerts, and Friday nights that could use some extra pizzazz.

Size: XXS–XXL | Material: Polyester, spandex

Best Long-Sleeved Going-Out Tops

“My favorite style of going-out top in the winter is something long-sleeved but very lightweight,” Ward says. “I don’t want to overheat while drinking espresso martinis or dancing. I live for an off-the-shoulder top. They’re timeless in my opinion, and everyone has great shoulders! I also love a really sheer turtleneck. So chic!”

Reformation tops The 16 Best Cashmere Sweaters for Every Style and Budget Generation Love Kai Paillette Top in all the right places. The asymmetric neckline on this long-sleeve going-out top will draw attention to your shoulders without exposing your arms, and it’s totally appropriate for nice dinners and daytime wear. Plus, it’s available in extended sizing up to 3X.

Size: XS–3X | Material: Tencel lyocell, cotton, spandex

“In the winter, I'm usually wearing a turtleneck and styling it as a going-out top,” stylist and content creator Hannah Krohne says. “Now that it's cold, I'll do microshorts with fleece-lined tights instead of pants.” For Krohne, nighttime dressing in the winter is more about the “going-out bottom” (e.g., a sparkly microshort or miniskirt) Sequin dresses arent your only options knee-high boots Tencel lyocell, cotton, spandex leather jacket or coat to finish the look.

Size: XXS–4X | Material: Cotton, elastane

Best Corset Tops for Going Out

If there’s one top that will get you out of a funk and into a booth at your favorite dive bar, it’s a well-fitting corset top. The shaping style will help you look and feel your best, whether you pair it with a miniskirt, baggy jeans, or even track pants, as Tate McRae would.

“This Leau corset is the most flattering thing I've ever put on my body,” Krohne says. “It's perfect if you're going on a date or going on a night out where you just want to look particularly good.” It’s also available in a luxe-looking satin, if mesh isn’t your style. Krohne pairs hers with hoop earrings and a faux fur jacket.

Size: XS–XXL | Material: Nylon, spandex

Best Tank Tops for Going Out

NBD Patola Top strapless bra, a fabulous coat, and enough determination, tank tops are a perfectly acceptable option for a winter night out. Besides, restaurants, cocktail bars, and even your friends’ pre-war apartments will be well-heated, so you won’t miss your sleeves once you’re safely inside. 

“I love a backless top with dark wash jeans,” Williams says. “That combo is just so flattering. It's not too much, but it’s still a perfect mix of that sexy and elegant vibe.” And the addition of a scarf to this halter-neck number only adds to that elegance, making it something you can wear to dinner or happy hour and feel polished, especially when paired with a kitten heel.

Size: 0–18 | Material: Polyester

Your Questions Answered

What is a going-out top?

“It’s a flattering top that screams elegant, sexy, chic—it makes you feel confident, and you stand out while wearing it,” Williams says. “When you feel good, you aren’t as afraid to put yourself out there—you are way more confident and more open.” Compared to the other tops in your wardrobe, a going-out top is “more flattering,” says Khrone, adding that it may show more cleavage or be strapless and sheer. “Something about it is like, ‘I can't wear this to work.’”

Where should I buy going-out tops?

Brands like Zara, Guizio, Leau, and Reformation are reliable brands for new going-out tops, but if you’re on the hunt for something totally your own, second-hand shopping is the way to go. Williams and Ward have found some of their favorites on Depop, The RealReal, or by searching for one-of-a-kind pieces at local stores. “I love Bedford Vintage in Brooklyn, and it just opened in the West Village as well,” Williams says. No Standing NYC and Seven Wonders Collective are more or her favorites in New York City.

How should I style my going-out top for New Year’s Eve?

“One thing I suggest for winter is getting cool jackets that fit a going-out vibe,” Khrone says. “I just wore a cropped satin bomber jacket to dinner, and it was really fun.” She also suggests leather jackets or fur jackets. “I always have my big hoops in my ears,” she adds. Dark-wash jeans or pairing short hemlines with fleece-lined tights underneath will keep you warm. If your outfit allows, tall boots NBD Patola Top.

Why Shop With Us

Emma Greene Lioness Mariah Cami Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet who spends her free time exploring New York City with her best friends. She loves to wear “jeans and a nice top” as she finds the best spots to shop, eat, and sip.

is part of the:

  • Ellie Williams is a content creator and the author of For The Girls on Substack.
  • Hannah Krohne is a stylist and content creator.
  • Cat Ward is a stylist, content creator, and author of the Strawberry Jelly on Substack.
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