This will help you learn what to wear to a party, we have listed 10 going-out outfit ideas for every type of night out.
Picking a going-out outfit in college really is a first-world struggle. But all jokes aside, I can’t be the only one who gets overwhelmed when deciding what to wear to a party and to all the events. I am always the first one texting my friends asking what they’re wearing to get ideas.
If you struggle with this too, look no further because I have ten super cute and trendy outfit ideas that are sure to make you feel confident and comfortable whenever you go out.
Feel free to swap any pieces out and customize the outfits to fit your personal style!
Also Read: Our Go-To Party Outfit Formulas for College
Also, remember to ALWAYS drink responsibly. Use rideshare apps, the buddy system, find-my-friends on your phone, pace yourself, and never leave your drink unattended.
Table of Contents
1. House Party
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When going to a house party, what should you wear? The vibe is most likely going to be casual. Casual can still be cute, though.
I paired light-wash mom jeans with a ruched, black bodysuit. Both of these are two staple pieces to keep in your college wardrobe. The light-wash denim keeps the look casual, and the bodysuit is a perfect style that features a flattering neckline.
Of course, I paired this look with some classic white Nike Air Force 1s.
For accessories, I added a Western-style black belt and chunky hoop earrings to match the hardware on the belt.
This mini shoulder bag finishes the look off perfectly and adds a subtle pop of color.
Also Read: How to Wear Mom Jeans: The Best Cute & Comfortable Outfit Ideas
2. Going Out to Bars Outfit
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If you’re 21 and up, you will definitely be going to some bars around campus. Bar looks can tend to be a little more dressy than house party outfits. This is a great opportunity to have fun with what you wear.
I started with some black jeans. Black denim is perfect for nighttime and this fit is more straight leg than a full-on boyfriend style, so it’s slimming and flattering!
Any crop tops would look good with this outfit because of how high-waisted the jeans are. I opted for this ruched corset-inspired white top. I have this one in black and it is so flattering and comfortable.
For shoes, a pair of white booties is always my go-to for the bars. I like to pick out a style that I can be easily wiped off if they get dirty. This chunky heel also makes them a breeze walk in, so your feet shouldn’t be in pain.
I finished off this look with a pair of classic, gold hoops and this mini black and gold crossbody bag. Crossbody bags are my favorite for the bar scene because they feel secure around you and let you go hands-free.
3. Birthday Party
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Whether it’s 21 or 19, celebrating birthdays is a super fun way to spend your weekends and get together with your friends.
This look is sassy but still not too dressy. Body-hugging, short-sleeve dresses have been all the rage lately and you can find them just about everywhere in so many colors. The ruching on the side is flattering and also functional because you can adjust the length.
For some warmth and layering at night, I added this amazing denim jacket. It has feather details on the cuffs, and they’re done well without being over-the-top.
Neutral snakeskin booties are a must. They have a chunky heel and really make the look.
For accessories, some thick hoops are essential, and I found this faux patent shoulder bag for only $15!
Also Read: Our Go-To Party Outfit Formulas for College
4. Day Parties
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Day parties are the best, especially as the weather begins warming up. Period, end of the story.
This outfit has to be one of my favorites and it’s so easy to re-create. Just pair a denim skirt with a cropped tee. This one is light-wash and high-waisted.
The main stars of this show are these awesome neon green high-top Converse. What’s great about Converse, is you can find so many of them at thrift stores or consignment stores now, so you can spend very little on them. That’s why they are the perfect sneakers for day parties, because of how dirty or muddy the ground can get.
Sunglasses are a must since you’ll be outside. The square frame has been super popular lately! I added some star earrings and this eyelet-hole black belt too.
5. Frat Party
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If your campus is like mine, fraternity parties are very popular.
Let me give you a heads up on something; frat houses are pretty gross. They will not be clean inside. That being said, you can still dress up in a fun outfit, but be practical about it.
I paired some high-waisted denim shorts with this cropped, long-sleeve top. I love this blouse because it features that big sleeve trend. If you’re someone who’s prone to spills, swap the white top out for a darker color.
I added a western gold belt that features a big buckle, as well as some small, gold hoops that have some texture on them. This layered necklace pairs perfectly with the top too.
For shoes, I recommend wearing any old sneakers or an inexpensive pair of boots. These white combat-style boots are made from wipe-off material, so you don’t have to worry about getting them dirty.
6. Dorm Party
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This look has a similar vibe to the house party outfit. Dorm parties are a great way to hang out with all your friends and meet your neighbors!
I paired these black flare pants with a ribbed, neutral tank. I added an oversized flannel on top for layering and finished off the look with some platform white sneakers.
For carrying around cards and cash, I recommend using a stick-on phone wallet. This is great for situations where a purse might not be the best idea, but you still need somewhere safe to store your stuff.
7. Going to Dinner Outfit
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Going out to dinner with your friends is a fantastic thing to do on the weekend.
I started with some dark-wash denim and paired them with this vibrant, red bodysuit. Bodysuits are my favorite because they are easy to style and you don’t have to worry about tucking them in.
I added this black, cropped blazer and some shiny black booties. I love the square-toe style on these, and they compliment the jacket well.
For accessories, I added some gold, geometric earrings, and this nude, nylon mini shoulder bag. It is the perfect size to hold all of your essentials for the night.
Also Read: 20 Cute and Cozy Thanksgiving Dinner Outfits
8. Date Night Outfit
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Date night is always a dress-up occasion! To say I am obsessed with this outfit is an understatement. Skirts are perfect for date nights; they’re flirty and girly and still comfortable.
I paired this neutral skirt with the most adorable black bodysuit. This one features those trendy, sheer puff sleeves and ruching down the front.
For shoes, these faux patent leather booties are to die for! They have a chunky heel and are made from croc print.
The main stars of this look are these bold earrings and this printed bag. Both are unique statement pieces!
9. Semi-Formal
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These next two looks are for those fancy parties your sorority or a fraternity may be having this year.
Semi-formal typically means short dresses, so this blush mini dress is ideal for the occasion. It’s flirty and would look great with some curls in your hair.
For shoes, these nude heels have a clear strap detail and lace-up strings around the ankle. Your feet will be thanking you for opting for a chunky heel.
I dressed up the look with these shiny, gold circle statement earrings.
10. Formal
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The last look is for formals, which usually means long dresses. Lulu’s is a really good and affordable place to look for floor-length gowns when wondering what to wear to formal a party.
This slate blue dress is gorgeous and has a really fun back detailing. If you have long hair, I would style a high “party” pony to show off the straps in the back.
I paired the dress with some black, chunky heels and these silver chandelier earrings to make the dress look even fancier.
Bonus: Game Day
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Bonus! I had to include a look for game days since I go to Alabama. I styled this look for Alabama, but swap it out for your team colors.
On game days in the South, we like to dress up but still wear our team’s colors. This look is typical Alabama game day style for football games later in the season when it starts to get a little colder.
I paired these high-waisted faux leather shorts with this white bodysuit. The top has fun sleeves and a high neckline.
To accessorize, just pick booties, tassel earrings, and the perfect bag to bring into the stadium!
Which going-out outfit is your favorite?
What are your favorite places to go on the weekends in college? What do you plan to wear to a party? Let me know in the comments below!
More Fashion Tips & Party Outfit Ideas
- What to Wear to a White Party
- 3 Winter Party Outfits for When It’s Cold AF (Winter Outfit Styling Ideas)
- What to Wear to a Frat Party Based on Your Mood
- Decades Party Outfit Ideas
- How to Dress for a Winter Work Party
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2008; it was completely updated and revamped in 2024 with new photos and information.
