I have some good news for you—date night outfits do not need to be complicated, and you probably don’t need to go buy any new clothes to create something that feels dressed up and cool for a night out with the one you love. Personally, I don’t really have a date night/girls’ night wardrobe but instead rely heavily on a few key accessories and the right styling to get the vibe I’m going for (usually a mix of what I like to call “feminine cool”).
My go-to date night accessories are:
BLOCK HEELED PUMPS
I have a black pair and a nude pair and almost always wear these for date nights unless we are going to be doing a lot of walking. They instantly dress up even the most casual looking pair of jeans. I love a solid block heel with an almond or pointed toe, and my favorite brand is State. Every look in today’s post features those go-to pumps. (Side note: if it’s really chilly out, I’ll go with my black over the knee boots instead. Also, if you are someone that really can’t or doesn’t want to wear heels, try a pointed toe slingback style like these or these instead, which have a similar dressy feeling without the height of the heel.)
A GREAT CLUTCH
Never underestimate the value of a good bag to elevate your outfit for nighttime. During the day I typically wear a crossbody bag so I can keep my hands free, but for date nights I love a good clutch to carry just a few essentials like my ID, lip balm and mints. My favorites are by Clare V—I usually go with the leopard foldover clutch or just take the strap off of a midi bag for an easy clutch option.
STATEMENT EARRINGS
My usual date night go-to is a great pair of hoops (handmade by me, of course), or my Julia Earrings (coming back to the shop soon!). They’re lightweight and easy to wear and add a dressy factor to simple looks. The earrings shown in today’s outfits will all be available as part of my February Collection, which comes out on February 17th.
A BOLD LIP
I don’t always wear lipstick for dates, but I have to include it as an accessory here because just like the others mentioned above, it takes such minimal effort and can really transform a daytime look for a night out. This one is my favorite (color is ‘zip’) and it’s the one I’m wearing in all of these looks.
With those 4 accessories, I feel like I always have something I can quickly throw on for a date night that feels elevated and chic. I put together 9 ideas for you to save for future nights out, using just clothes that are part of my daytime outfit rotation. Scroll down for photos and links, and see the IGTV style session here.
Blazer / Cami / Jeans / Bag / Similar Pumps
I wear a version of this look for date nights regularly. I love the mix of the destroyed denim with the more refined silk cami, blazer and pumps. Sizing notes: I sized down in the blazer. My jeans are an old wash (linked the same style, though), and I have on the ankle length. I’m 5’4″.
Sweater / Pants / Bag (and similar) / Similar Pumps
I love the mix of the cozy, soft sweater with the more structured wide leg crops. It feels feminine, refined and modern. Sizing notes: These pants run big, so I sized down 2 sizes (same size I wear in the Madewell Boyjeans if that helps). I sized up 2 sizes in the sweater for a more slouchy fit, and this sweater can also be worn backwards as a crew neck.
Tee / Sweater Blazer / Jeans / Similar bag / Similar Pumps
Here’s another destroyed denim look for you! Just like that first look it is a fun mix of casual jeans with more refined elements like the pumps and sweater blazer. Sizing notes: I sized down in the blazer but my true size would’ve worked, too. My jeans are an old wash (linked the same style, though), and I have on the ankle length. I’m 5’4″.
Jacket / Similar Turtleneck / Jeans / Bag / Similar Pumps
Leather jackets are a great option for a night out—they’re an easy layer that adds edge (and they look cute with skirts and dresses, too!). I kept the colors really dark for this simple, more classic look and added a touch of pattern with the bag. Sizing notes: I size down in the curvy fit of these jeans and have the ankle length. I’m 5’4″. The jacket runs fairly TTS, but size up if you’re in between sizes.
Jacket / Tee / Pants / Bag / Similar Pumps
This is a look I’ve never worn before but can’t wait to bust it out for my next night out. I love it! This tan leather jacket helps warm up the black and white color palette and adds structure and shape to the outfit (along with tucking the shirt in). Sizing notes: The jacket runs fairly TTS, but size up if you’re in between sizes. These pants run big, so I sized down 2 sizes (same size I wear in the Madewell Boyjeans if that helps).
White in the winter isn’t something everyone is on board with, but I personally love it and wear my white jeans a ton in the cooler months! I also really love pairing my denim jacket with white jeans—it feels so timeless and classic and is one of the easiest ways to mix denim together. Sizing notes: I’m 5’4″ and wearing the ankle length of the jeans. I also went down a size to get the right fit in the waist since they’re a higher rise and this relaxed style is constructed with more room in the hips and thighs. The denim jacket runs small so I went up a size.
Here’s another more classic look for you. I really love how the leopard clutch pulls together the black and brown so seamlessly. Sizing notes: The jacket runs fairly TTS, but size up if you’re in between sizes. I size down in the curvy fit of these jeans and have the ankle length. I’m 5’4″.
Jacket / Similar Turtleneck / Pants / Bag (and similar) / Similar Pumps
I find that monochromatic black works really well for a date night look, especially in the winter. I added the denim jacket and playful clutch to break up the more refined turtleneck and pants mix. Sizing notes: The denim jacket runs small so I went up a size. These pants run big, so I sized down 2 sizes (same size I wear in the Madewell Boyjeans if that helps).
Sweater (c/o) / Jeans (c/o) / Bag / Similar Pumps
Here’s another winter white jeans look for you! Tan and white work well together, and the pops of black (plus a red lip!) help make this feel more nighttime than daytime. This sweater was gifted by Jenni Kayne (I’m one of their 2020 ambassadors) and it comes in size XS-3X. The code Natalie20 gives you 20% off anything at Jenni Kayne all year. Sizing notes: I’m 5’4″ and wearing the ankle length of the jeans. I also went down a size to get the right fit in the waist since they’re a higher rise and this relaxed style is constructed with more room in the hips and thighs.
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