Something that's become very apparent to me lately is that I have a deficit in the wardrobe category referred to as "going-out clothes"—and with good reason. It's been two years since I've bought anything to wear out at night during the summer, but now that the country has opened back up and I actually have places to wear fun things that wouldn't look right before at least 5:00 p.m., I'm finding myself in need of some new items.
You've probably noticed that staying-home sweatsuits have been replaced by going-out minidresses and the like on Instagram, and I've been keeping track. Several major categories have emerged, and knowing what they are will lay the groundwork for some productive shopping for going-out clothes. People have really been going all out (no pun intended) with their looks after being stuck at home for so many months, so feel free to have as much fun with it as the stylish women below are having.
Scroll on to educate yourself on the biggest going-out fashion items of 2021 and to shop them for your own potential wardrobe deficit.
Crop Tops
It's no secret that fashion girls love a good crop top, so you can guarantee you'll see plenty of fancy ones every time you go out this summer.
Shop our picks:
Minidresses and Miniskirts
We predicted months ago that mini lengths would be everywhere in 2021, and we were correct. We've been seeing them with everything from the highest heels to sneakers.
Shop our picks:
Corset Tops
You probably have Bridgerton to thank for this one, at least partly. The market is saturated with cool corset tops, and we love them.
Shop our picks:
Cutout Dresses and Tops
Cutout dresses have been a trend for a minute, and now, we actually have places to wear them, which is a beautiful thing.
Shop our picks:
Two-Piece Sets
You can file matching sets under "easiest going-out outfits you can wear." Prepare to look cool and polished with minimal effort.
Shop our picks:
Shop the matching Flowy Pants With Topstitching ($46).
Heels!
Thanks to all the slippers and flat shoes I wore throughout 2020, I was starting to think my feet were getting flatter, but that's all changed now. Even though there were times I thought I'd never want to wear heels again, they're actually all I want to wear lately.
Shop our picks:
Ruched Dresses
Ruched dresses are one of the biggest dress trends to emerge this year, and with good reason. They're quite flattering, and they can easily be dressed up or down.
Shop our picks:
Baggy Jeans
There's nothing that looks cooler with a going-out top than baggy jeans. Here's the proof.
Shop our picks:
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