Don’t judge me for what I’m about to tell you, but I am not the going-out type. I love the idea of getting all gussied up (I have an arsenal of special occasion dresses, after all), but when it comes to being in a nightclub? It’s not it for me. In part, that’s because I’m picky as hell—the crowd, the clothes, and the cocktails need to be on point in order to get me to crawl out of my apartment. But, with summer in swing and Beyoncé’s Renisannce album bumping the back of my brain non-stop, one could say that I’ve embraced the idea of taking a short spin on the dance floor again. And I’m guessing that if you clicked into this story, you too feel called to a night out—which is justifiable considering how challenging the past few years have been. We all deserve a night to let our hair down, slip into some fun platform shoes, and bounce to the beat. But, if you’re anything like me, you don’t play when it comes to planning a night out, especially when deciding what to wear to the club. No one wants to look like a carbon copy of every other person in the venue (much less look gauche), so having a few outfits you can turn to that are chic but still club-friendly is a must. Luckily for us, there are loads of looks from the fashion set that proves once and for all that dance moves aren’t the only things that can be served on the floor. Ahead, you’ll find 13 club outfit ideas, along with key pieces to shop for your night out.
When it comes to dressing up for a night out dancing, sometimes turning to a simple outfit formula (i.e., a body suit and jeans) is the way to go. But if you want to stand out on the dance floor, pair attention to details—opt for a bodysuit or jeans with unique details and stand-out sparkly or neon accessories for an effortless going-out look.
Hot, hot, hot.
The party doesn’t start until you walk in with this bag.
Corsets have become the cool-girl staple for a reason—hello; they work for every occasion, the club included. For your night out, we recommend opting for a corset with matching pants, a clutch and heels in contrasting hues, and a pair of rimless sunglasses to embrace the whole “in the club” energy.
Pair with the matching Rezek Studio Copper Hustle Pant ($295). Disco-ready.
Channel your inner Rihanna, and wear sunglasses in the club.
Let’s be honest: it gets hot on the dance floor, so the idea of wearing pants can seem cool until it’s not. If you want to keep your outfit simple but don’t want to sweat, then we recommend opting for a cute matching set with a skirt and a fun pair of heels. You’ll be cool (in every definition of the word).
Picturing wearing this in Miami.
Call me extra, but I love a feather-adorned heel.
Ready to step out? Well, then embracing a little sparkly ensemble is the move. Opt for a simple sparkly mini dress paired with sandals and a matching handbag to avoid being overdressed. It’s the perfect pinch of shine for the evening.
DJ, please play “Diamonds” by Rihanna.
These are too pretty.
Anyone who has spent the night out dancing knows there’s always a point in the night where your feet have had it. If you’re trying not to reach that moment, you’ll want to replicate the look above. Pairing a comfortable cowboy boot with a mini skirt and halter top is a way to ensure you can do the hokey-pokey all night, sans blisters.
Meet the perfect little going out top.
You’ll be able to dance all night in these.
Who said you couldn’t be comfortable in the club? The key is to tap into ’90s nostalgia by opting for an almost R&B-inspired look—i.e., logo-adorned denim styled with a tube top, sneakers, and tinted sunglasses. Find us in the club chillin’ on the couch in this cozy fit.
Peak ’90s energy.
You won’t have to wobble home at the end of the night in these, because they’re comfortable.
If you’re not the sneaker type of gal, I get it. Luckily, there are ways to dress up and still be comfortable all evening—enter: platform heels. Pair them with a mini dress and clutch, and you’ve got a comfy yet cute outfit worthy of taking out for a spin.
In case you love the exact dress above as much as I do.
Disco queens, apply here.
Something about going out while traveling—dancing by the sea in Greece, bar hopping in Barcelona, grabbing drinks at a burlesque club in Paris—hits different. The occasion requires something extra, and the look above is perfect if you’re willing to show a little skin. A sparkly bra top paired with a low-rise skirt and hoop earrings is a bold evening look sure to cement the evening as special.
Pro tip: add a tank or t-shirt underneath or a blazer over if you want to cover up a bit more.
The hemline and ruching on this skirt gives the illusion of being low-rise.
Craving that shine but need a bit more coverage? Then the look above is all you. You don’t have to bare it all to sparkle on the dance floor; simply opt for a bold statement top (which can be cropped if you want) paired with metallic pants and heels.
So cute.
“Alien Superstar” fans, this is all you.
Don’t want to look too disco-inspired? Another way to channel “Studio 57” dancing all night in the club vibes without getting too kitchy lies in the look above. Pair a printed dress with platform heels and a brightly-hued clutch bag for a groovy get-up.
It’s giving.
Living for this color.
Yes, I realize this is indeed the second outfit idea that includes a corset—can you blame me? This beloved piece is an essential part of any going-out arsenal and possibly the best piece you can buy for a night out. But if you want to make this piece even better (yes, you read that right), pair it with a matching mini skirt, a chain shoulder strap bag, and knee-high boots. You’ll be embodying “bad girl” energy through and through.
Pair with the matching Aphex Corset Top ($295). Yes, yes, yes.
Pro tip: opt for a timeless crossbody that can be worn outside the club too.
Consider this your last call to embrace the idea of going all out for your next night out. Why not make the most of the evening by wearing a feather-adorned dress? It’s your world, darling. We recommend that you keep the rest of the look classic by opting for crystal earrings, simple heels, and classic red lipstick.
Fiesta-ready.
Hot tip: keeping your makeup minimal will ensure you don’t have to wait in the bathroom line to reapply after sweating on the dance floor.
When in doubt, the outfit that will never fail you is a little black dress—it’s basically the universal club uniform. Of course, if the idea of unilaterally falling into the cliché club look makes you cringe, I’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s all about investing in a few standout pieces you love. Don’t be afraid to doll out a few extra dollars for a high-quality black dress, fun platforms, or a sequin bag because, in the end, that’s what will make you stand out on the dance floor. The key to looking chic in the club is finding great pieces that make you want to celebrate.
