With fall semester approaching, it’s almost time to slip back into bar-crawl, clubbing and campus party ensembles. But for the more conservative gals out there (or girls just sick of their go-to LBD), dressing for the ocassion can be tricky territory.
But is it really impossible to look hot and sophisticated? According to our favorite street style sites, the answer is a firm no. You don’t have to bare it all to stand out on a night out, and these three outfits are here to prove it with cool and classy inspo.
1. Something short, something not
This look, straight from the pages of blog Song of Style, demonstrates how you can pull off a super-short hem with sophistication. The key is to mesh revealing styles with more conservative features. Aimee Song’s black tunic isn’t afraid to show some leg, which is perfectly fine because it accentuates legs and only legs. The long sleeves, high neckline and accented blazer tie in a classic, cool feel that transforms the short skirt from overly flashy to fashionably classy. The best part of this look is that you don’t have to sacrifice night-out staples, such as high heels. Since legs are the focus, strappy shoes simply showcase them further.
To achieve a similar look, choose the feature you want to focus on—be it legs, stomach, or even chest—and tastefully cover up everywhere else. This move really highlights your best assets, rather than detracting from them with an overwhelming amount of showy hems, cuts and slits.
If this exact outfit is what you’re craving, mix and match a swing dress ($98, Free People), an embellished blazer ($99, ASOS) and the fringe Schutz shoes Aimee is wearing ($200, Zappos).
2. Classy separates
Matching sets, highlighted by the fashion experts at Glamour.com, are ideal for any Saturday night. Coordinated separates are the definition of posh, and the two-piece aspect allows for a refined flash of skin. And while an all-white ensemble will accentuate that post-summer glow, anything monochrome is guaranteed to elevate your going out look.
While you can find a wide variety of co-ords, from blazers and shorts to crops and minis, we’re obsessed with this mock pantsuit. Create your own with a drapey pant ($89.50, J. Crew) and a cool crop ($42, Nasty Gal). Just don’t forget those sexy, strappy sandals ($59, Lord & Taylor)!
3. Anything leather
Style blog Where Did U Get That knows what’s up when it comes to rocking leather tastefully. A clean-cut mini is hot, hot, hot, and paired with a tee, it won’t look too overbearing. Experiment with unexpected shades and popping prints on top.
Ready to shop? Find a graphic tee ($29, Urban Outfitters) that speaks to you and tuck it into the perfect A-line ($50, Abercrombie & Fitch)—voilà!
While we’re all for flaunting it on a Friday night and there’s nothing wrong with showing off that bod, sometimes a girl just doesn’t want to worry about the hassle of slippery straps and mini hems! ‘Cause when the night ends in a fried food run, a comfortable look always reigns supreme.