Ah, the Going Out Top. In college, this outfit piece was just as important as what party we were going to and who had the Coke Zero and Captain’s to take with us on the T.
Boston was our playground.
Now that I’m more than a decade (gulp) removed from college, the going out top has become more elusive. I’m finally at the point where I’m not pregnant or postpartum, I’m not getting continuously spit up on (for the most part), and I want some tops that I can pull out for date night, GNO, you name it.
Jacket | Bodysuit (also at Nordstrom) | Jeans (Different Wash) | Similar Heels
Sexy & Easy-To-Wear: 6 Going Out Tops That Don’t Require Extra Effort
Why does it feel like so many tops require contraptions and tape that I haven’t quite cracked the code on? And oh, did I try to make boob tape work? I could get the girls up with tape, but then a new host of issues would arise. It was like Whac-A-Mole.
So, I went back to the drawing board on a quest to find going out tops that fall somewhere between modest-chic and a handkerchief. Tops that I could wear with a normal bra, strapless bra or no bra. No stick-on, plunge-cut, tape…basically tops that require IKEA instructions. I found six pretty dang good contenders (well, five and a flop).
1. ASTR The Label Vanya Top
Top | Jeans (Different Wash) | Similar Heels
I call this the “Fleetwood Mac ’70s groupie” top. The Vanya Top by ASTR The Label is incredibly flattering. From the ruching and the rich velvet material, to the sweetheart neckline — it’s got it all. I’m wearing it bra-less and surprised by how well it works and how cute I feel. Just sexy enough.
What I Would Wear Underneath: Thin-strap balconette bra, strapless bra or bra-less.
Fit Notes: The top runs TTS (I’m wearing a large).
2. ASTR The Label Asymmetric Cutout Mock Neck Top
Top | Jeans (Different Wash) | Similar Heels
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from this Asymmetrical Cut-Out Mock Neck Cotton Top. It is MUCH better in person than online, although I will say it was a struggle to button the neck without assistance. It’s fitted, but not too tight, and the light pattern is very flattering. Most importantly, to me at least, is that you can wear a strapless or a normal bra (with thin straps) underneath. It’s a totally doable date night top (just get a lil’ assistance with that back button).
What I Would Wear Underneath: Regular or strapless bra.
Fit Notes: The top runs TTS (I’m wearing a large).
3. Bardot Ambrosia Lace Bodysuit
Bodysuit (also at Nordstrom) | Jeans (Different Wash) | Similar Heels
If you’ve read my holiday outfit post you know I am obsessed with this Bardot Lace Bodysuit. It’s one of the rare non-thong bodysuits and it keeps the girls in place without built-in cups. Don’t ask how, I’m not Jeeves. I absolutely adore it. If bra-less isn’t your thing, a fun lace bra could work with the piece as well. Or, cover up a bit more with a jacket like this AllSaints Balfern leather jacket (that’s my go-to).
What I Would Wear Underneath: Bra-less or a fun black lace bra.
Fit Notes: The bodysuit runs TTS (I’m wearing a large).
4. ASTR The Label Keyhole Cutout Top
Top | Jeans (Different Wash) | Similar Heels
Full disclosure: I couldn’t find my steamer before trying on this top (nor could I after! Moving is fun!). This Keyhole Cutout Top is so steamy, as in it makes ya feel steamy and needs a good steam before you wear it out. I’m wearing a regular black strapless bra with it and, while it occasionally plays peekaboo, it blends in with the top so it’s unnoticeable.
What I Would Wear Underneath: A black strapless bra.
Fit Notes: The top is TTS (I’m wearing a large).
5. ASTR The Label Velvet Single Sleeve Bodysuit
Bodysuit | Jeans (Different Wash)| Similar Heels
I was SO excited to try this single sleeve velvet bodysuit. I love a dramatic sleeve and the construction was gorgeous. Unfortunately, it just didn’t quite work for me. I feel like the color washes me out and the boning of the “corset” is flimsy. Great on the model, not so great for me. Should have ordered it in black!
What I Would Wear Underneath: Strapless bra, convertible bra, bra-less.
Fit Notes: The bodysuit is TTS (I’m wearing a large).
6. ASTR The Label One-Shoulder Satin Long Sleeve Top
Top | Jeans (Different Wash) | Similar Heels
Listen, this one-shoulder satin top clearly doesn’t work for me. It’s written all over my face. The fabric is pulling against my bust and I just BARELY got it on. Maybe sizing up would have helped, but I’m not sure it would have flattered my figure. I’m sharing because while this top doesn’t work for this lady, it may work for someone else and could look really beautiful and elegant (with a good steam of course).
What I Would Wear Underneath: Strapless bra.
Fit Notes: On me, the top ran small, consider sizing up (I’m wearing a large).
Shop More Going Out Tops
“Going out” has changed since I was in college (thankfully), but, as I can attest, the T is still exactly the same. I need going out tops that leave a little more to the imagination — that I can throw on with some undergarment I already have in my dresser. Granted, these aren’t tops I’d wear to the playground with my kids, but for the occasional night out, they work for me.
x, Meredith
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Thanks! This was a really good post.
Thanks Jackie!