Why A ‘Going Out’ Top Is Your New Wardrobe Hero

Back in the Noughties, the standard ‘going out’ top was skimpy and shiny, with shoestring straps that looped round the back. The cool girls wore it with super-low-rise sass & bide jeans and a strappy heel for that perfect ‘I’m partying with Paris Hilton‘ vibe.

This is one trend that I do not need to revisit. I’m very happy in all-forgiving jumpsuits and long-sleeved dresses with sneakers or boots.

And yet… there was an ease to dressing in jeans, a nice top and a great shoe that makes me a little bit happy to see the return of the classic ‘going out’ look, particularly as this time round there’s not a shoestring strap in sight.

“The going-out top is a lot more fashion now,” says our shopping editor, Tara Morris, who selected this week’s shopping picks. In an unusually practical nod to the season, these GOTs have long sleeves, and in every case those sleeves are interesting, she adds. Most are slim and tapered at the wrist, with ruching on the upper arm, while others – like the green Rixo blouse – balloon into an elegant puff of frivolity. “This is actually a really versatile piece,” says Tara. “It’s the top everyone wants and needs – great with jeans for summer and lovely with a black or cream turtle-neck in winter.”

When you’re letting your top doing the talking, Tara suggests keeping the rest of your look minimalist and unfussy. The one-sleeve Witchery piece would look great with a blue jean and “a clean, chunky statement earring in silvery or gold,” she says. The blue Zara blouse, with its bohemian whimsy, will suit a white or light blue jean with a delicate earring.

“And strappy sandals work well with this look,” she adds. “Nothing too bright or bold.”

Here’s a selection of GOTs to get you started…