Long Live The Going Out Top

A personal style journey, plus my favorite tops for your next night out.

Mar 21, 2025

Welcome back to Let’s Get Dressed, a weekly newsletter where I share my endeavors in fashion - what I’m wearing, shopping, trying on, and thinking about — to give you some inspiration for the week ahead. It’s my fashion diary, except I’m actually letting you look inside.

One of the most common questions I get every week is, “Liv — where are we buying going out tops these days??” While it might seem like an easy answer or just a quick scroll through Revolve, to me, the pursuit of the perfect going out top is a greater opportunity to reflect on personal style.

A pair of blue jeans is a pair of blue jeans, but a going out top has a different meaning for everyone. It’s more than just an outfit choice; it’s a reflection of who you are, how you want to feel, and what you want to wear when you’re having fun. The going out top has always marked where I’m at in life. I remember a younger, less confident version of myself wearing a Paco Rabanne mini chainmail top out while in college in New York City — I was trying to figure out my style and also probably who I was. And while that top still holds a place in my wardrobe (and heart), my idea of a "going out" look has evolved into something more elevated and comfortable as my style has matured and my evening plans have changed. Now, I want to feel edgy for the evening, but still sophisticated — so I might reach for my open-back Tae Park top with a pair of blue jeans instead. I love both versions of myself, and I always find it amazing how clothes are intrinsically tied to different eras of our lives.

No matter where you are in your journey, there’s a perfect going out top for you below. From crop tops to lace, romantic drapes, and cutouts, the going out top is all about embracing the night ahead — so have fun with your choices and let it reflect the best version of yourself.

AGOLDE Esther Twisted Jersey Tank Top. This is a great option if you’re looking for something under $200 that you can wear with everything.
EB Denim Eero Tee. I just got this top in the mail and it’s epic. The exaggerated sleeves with a cinch in the waist makes it cool for everyday, but also fun for evening with a heel.
Amanda Uprichard Evianna Top. I wore this top multiple times on my New Zealand trip, with black trousers for a fancy dinner or white linen pants for post beach drinks. The drape is so romantic.
Aritzia Martini Satin Blouse. I love a going out top with an open back.
Helsa Lace Camisole. At this point Helsa can do no wrong in my book. This is the perfectly sexy, perfectly chic lace top. There’s a matching skirt, too!
Nafsika Skourti Embellished Woven Leo Top. For the more adventurous type, this woven/embellished top is the ultimate cool girl top. I’d wear it with a big earring and a black pencil skirt. Also good with a maxi skirt for a wedding!
Norma Kamali Super Oversized Boyfriend Shirt Bow Bodysuit. Pair this with jeans and an oversized blazer for a Saint Laurent-inspired look.
Enza Costa Jersey Twist Top. I think every person needs at least one of these in their closet. This has become my go-to evening top. I really need it in every color.
Reformation Nila Top. I can’t wait to wear this in the summer with white jeans and a fun earring.
Christopher Esber Cutout Top. A cult-favorite, I’ve seen this top on so many friends and it never gets old. A great choice if you’re looking for something sexy for date night!
Nordess Black Ruffle Chiffon Camisole. I just ordered this to fulfill my Chloé girl dreams. I love a ruffle/chiffon combo.
SIMKHAI Ronnie Drape Top. I got this top in white for my wedding and always felt the need to dress it up. But actually, it’s the coolest with a baggy pair of jeans and a kitten heel.