The nights are young, the moon is bright, the party’s popping…and you have nothing to wear. Sound familiar? As college girls, it seems like we have a party to go to every night and about three tops to wear to them. And as a new semester looms ahead, so do dozens more nights out…and dozens more desperate pre-party meltdowns. Your Facebook can’t stand another batch of photos in the same slinky ruched top you’ve had since high school, but can your budget stand a new batch of expensive party tops? Never fear—Her Campus™ is here with 50 fabulous tops under $50, to give your after-dark wardrobe a facelift without breaking the bank, no matter what your style!
GIRLY
These tops may seem demure, but they’re just as spicy as they are sweet. With this season’s obsession with chiffon, lace, and sheer fabrics, it’s easy to bring girly tops from day to night. Who says your inner princess can’t come out after dark?
This adorable raglan top with sheer black panels and scalloped lace moves seamlessly from dinner to dancing, when worn tucked into a miniskirt or loose over silk shorts. $38 at NastyGal.com
Own any room in this adorable tiered top—the warm cream color and ruffled shape is universally flattering, and it looks great with dark skinny jeans and booties! $29.99 at Modcloth.com
This pale blush blouse looks good with almost any bottom, and adds a touch of class to your party ensemble. $33.60 at YesStyle
The long sleeve makes this top sweet and romantic, but the bare shoulder makes it sexy and party-ready! $22 at LuLus.com
This silk ruffled cami comes in nine different prints and colors, so you’ll be sure to find one that looks great on you! An exposed back zipper adds a little extra bite for nighttime. $48 at Urban Outfitters
Easy, breezy, beautiful, and unbelievably priced, this ruffled chiffon top matches anything. $13.90 at Nordstrom
An eye-popping color and bold shoulder ruffle set this satin top apart. $27.80 at Forever 21
A black lace heart design and black chiffon bow give this girly tank top some edge. $28 at Miss Selfridge
This ruffled corset may seem sweet, but its fitted shape screams sexy. $15 at Charlotte Russe
Wear this layered tank during the day with jeans, and at night tucked into a bandage skirt. $27.80 at Forever 21
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BOHO
For the California girl in all of us, these easy, free-spirited tops let us combine comfort, style and sexiness for a party outfit that screams laidback chic.
Try this knit cropped tee over a long tank top with some chunky jewelry. $48 at Free People
This square-neck chiffon tunic is equal parts breezy and bold—pair it with wide-legged jeans and boots for a Taylor Swift-inspired look. $17.90 at Nordstrom
Aqua’s blousy top has a cool, abstract print and a sexy lace inset, making it perfect for a night on the town. $39 at Bloomingdale’s
This oversized tee has a crazy-long back hem. Its interesting cut and bold geometric print make it far from your everyday T-shirt. $44 at Shopbop
The row of studs on this slouchy long-sleeved tee makes it perfect for a night out, worn loose over a tight skirt. $36.25 at Planet Blue
Go all-out with this sexy tribal tunic, featuring a bold colorful print and drawstring waist. $15.80 at Forever 21
The vivid lemon color and cool splatter print of this trapeze tank will draw all eyes to you. $27.99 at ModCloth.com
Who says vests can’t be sexy? Pair this fringed, sparkly number with a white tank and you’re ready for a night out. $46.25 at Planet Blue
From reigning boho line Haute Hippie, this slouchy, sexy top is perfect with a sparkly mini or black jeans. $49.50 from Shopbop
Silk-screened peacock feathers and a bold tribal print give this white top some serious pop. $18 at LuLus.com
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EDGY
Do you like to push the fashion envelope? These sexy, fashion-forward pieces with a downtown vibe spice up any outfit after dark and set you apart from the crowd.
This fitted leopard print top may have a high neck, but it’s anything but conservative. Try it tucked into shorts or a skirt. $38 at NastyGal.com
A mesh top and cutout back put this body-conscious sleeveless top over the edge. $14.65 at ASOS
Pair this wolf-print tee with a leather jacket for a seriously wild look. $38 at Urban Outfitters
The edgy chain detailing and exposed back zipper add fierceness to this top, but it’s toned-down enough to wear again and again! $22.50 at Charlotte Russe
Really push the envelope with this semi-sheer lace bodysuit, tucked into jeans or a skirt. It’s equal parts sweet and dangerous. $38 at American Apparel
This short-sleeved black top has a jagged sparkly heart and burnout detailing, making it more punk rock than prom queen. $26 at Hot Topic
This strappy tank comes in fire-engine red or black, and its unexpected cutout back makes it hot and on-trend. $32 at Urban Outfitters
The surprising combination of chiffon and jersey in this slouchy tank set it apart from the rest. Try it with leather shorts or a black mini! $38 at NastyGal.com
Pair this cropped, swingy studded tank with leather (or pleather, I won’t tell if you won’t!) pants and rock any room. $30 at Topshop
A sexy long sleeve and structured shoulder ruffle give this simple top a touch of sexy sophistication. $43.10 at ASOS
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CLASSIC
Who says smart can’t be sexy? Pair these polished, put-together blouses with a sexy mini or sleek skinny jeans and some sky-high heels for a glamorous, fashion-forward vibe. Your look will move effortlessly from work to play!
The PERFECT going-out button-down, this sheer classic blouse also comes in ivory, and goes perfectly tucked into jeans or a skirt, or loose over leggings. Don’t forget the platforms! $48 at NastyGal.com
Mix it up a little with this sexy, sheer polka-dotted blouse. Try it over a black bandeau (or a lacy bra, if you dare) to give it a nighttime edge. $35 at YesStyle
Ahoy, matey! This crop tee’s sequins and lacy pocket takes nautical-inspired stripes from the seas to the club. $40 at Miss Selfridge
Pretty and versatile, this pleated top looks perfect with skinnies and classic pumps. $39 at Piperlime
Bows keep together the sexy open back of this classic black-and-white tank. $49 at Urban Outfitters
Soft, fluttery and universally flattering, this pretty chiffon tank comes in teal, black and white and is sure to become a go-to staple in your closet. $50 at Bluefly
This nude corset’s pearl detailing makes it both vintage-inspired and thoroughly modern—and totally sexy with jeans or a skirt. $37.93 at ASOS
This slouchy, swingy chiffon button-down looks unbelievably hip and sexy worn loose over jeans. $22.80 at Forever 21
Who doesn’t look pretty in purple? The deep V, empire waist and draped bottom look great on any body type. $28.99 at Ruche
I bought this unbelievable sheer, vintage-inspired blouse this summer for $58 (you lucky collegiettes™ can now get it for less) and it’s always the first top I turn to. It looks great loose with skinny jeans, or tucked into a skirt or shorts. Wear it without a tank under for a sexy nighttime look! $49.99 at Urban Outfitters
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GLAM
Feel like the song “Club Can’t Handle Me” was made for you? Then get ready to rock the room in these fun, flirty, all-out party tops. They feature tons of sparkle, sequins, and embellishments, sexy shapes…everything you need for a wild night on the town—and all for great prices!
This tank’s jeweled detailing and unexpected asymmetrical shape bring it to the next level. $30 at Topshop
The slouchy shape and embellished shoulders make this black tee anything but basic. $47.40 at Bloomingdale’s
Pair this bold sequined tank with all black and make its bright blue color pop even more! $13.80 at Forever 21
This tank has “necklace” embellishment already built in, so you don’t need to bother with jewelry! $34 at Nordstrom
The hanging beads on this black top make it a statement piece at a statement price. $33 at LuLus.com
This tank combines two party-ready trends: sequins and ombre. $39 at Armani Exchange
“Black and Gold” isn’t just a cool club song by Sam Sparro, it’s also an amazing combination for a going-out top. Pair it with gold bangles for an exotic vibe. $46.55 at ASOS
Wear this crystal-embellished, evening-ready vest over a long tank for an unexpectedly glamorous look. $30 at Topshop
This sequined tee is surprisingly versatile, and adds a touch of “party” to any drab black skirt. $24.80 at Forever 21
Who says velvet’s only for the opera? This fashion-forward top makes any night seem like a special occasion. $43.10 at ASOS