What To Wear to a Bar: 5 Amazing Outfits

Sometimes you crave a night out with friends, whether it’s for a casual hangout or an upscale event. My ideal night out would involve sipping cocktails in a cool, upscale bar in the city. I’d have some of my besties with me, and we’d laugh and dance the night away.

Of course, I’d want to be dressed to the nines for the occasion. Some of my favorite outfits have been from when I got creative for a night out on the town.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide on five amazing outfits to wear to a bar:

Prep for Your Night Out

Before any trip to the bar, I like to prep with the details: Adding little accents here and there is the perfect way to spruce up your outfit. 

Add Accents With Jewelry

The easiest way to add small improvements to your look is through luxe jewelry. The small accents are sometimes so minimal yet make all the difference. Adding jewelry to your look lets people know you’ve got a refined taste and know how to accessorize. 

I love to incorporate jewelry that watches throughout the ensemble. For example, pairing a few layers of delicate gold necklaces with some complimentary gold rings can tie together elements of your outfit. The same goes for bracelets and earrings; they can all help tie different elements of the ensemble together!

Find the Right Bag

Bags are a must-have when it comes to a night out. They’re not only an amazing way to accessorize, but they’re also so functional. You can keep all your necessities easily on you with the right bag. You never want to be without those essentials, like your wallet, phone, keys, and, of course, your go-to lip gloss.

You can never go wrong with a classic style bag, but you can also get more adventurous with an iconic bag, like a round, colorful bag. You can even get more experimental with other shapes and styles of bag, like a heart bag or a bag made of beads — texture is truly everything. 

Dress for Style and Comfort — at the Same Time

While style is so important when you go out, it’s not all that matters. You want to be able to enjoy yourself, so comfort is also a factor. There are a few elements to consider when you’re balancing comfort and style.

Like these:

Layering Up

I always like to bring layers when I head out to the bars. Especially as the year gets cooler, it’s important to have added layers. But you can look cute while you layer up with the right style tips in mind.

Some of my favorite ways to layer when I go out are with cardigans and jackets. A cardigan is perfect under a heavier jacket when it's chilly outside. Then, when you arrive at your next destination, you can pop off that jacket while still enjoying the cozy sweater you have on.

The Right Shoes for the Occasion

Shoes are a super essential part of your outfit, especially if you see dancing and walking to different venues on the horizon for the night. If you’re comfortable in heels like me, you may want to pop on a pair of colorful pumps while you dance the night away.

If you want something more sturdy but just as stylish, a chunky moto boot or a Western-style boot might be the right choice for you. Boots can be just as high-fashion as towering heels!

Dresses for Success

One of the most popular clothing items worn out for a night on the town is a dress. Dresses are not only super cute, but they make the basis of an outfit so easy, being just one piece for the full body. Starting your outfit out with a dress as a blank slate is the perfect canvas to build an iconic outfit on.

Let’s talk about some of my favorite types of dresses. You can never go wrong with an elegant slip dress. This trending style of dress brings together elegance, chic, and grunge. Lean into the grunge aspect by pairing your slip dress with chunky boots and a moto jacket.

Five Amazing Outfit Ideas for Going to the Bar

Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of some of the basics for dressing up for a night on the town, let’s talk about some of my favorite outfit ideas. With these inspiring ideas, you’re sure to feel confident the next time you head out to the bars.

Add Denim With Elegant Items To Balance the Look

One incredible look involves the juxtaposition of elegant materials with more everyday materials. This gives a 90s-inspired fashion vibe that’s currently all the rage.

One of my favorite ways to do this is with an elegant dress made of silk or velvet paired with a casual, perhaps oversized denim jacket. It’s the perfect combination of luxury and casual cool.

Add a Pop of Color With Pumps

If you’re going for a sleek look with neutral colors, such as blacks, whites, and tans, you can spice up your outfit with a dazzling pair of pumps.

The splash of color adds some fun to the look without detracting from the smooth elegance of the neutrals. I love to add a pair of pink heels with a black and white dress for a neutral yet flirty look.

Pearls Dress Up An Outfit

One of my favorite precious stones to add to any look, but especially one out on the town, is the pearl. These subtle yet elegant stones dress up any look, and they’re easy to style and comfortable to wear. I love to match a delicate pearl necklace with some minimalist pearl studs or even a ring with pearl details for a subtle yet sweet look.

This is an oh-so-perfect ensemble for events like engagement parties or even an interview. 

Embrace the Underwear-as-Outerwear Trend

One trend I love to embrace when I go out to bars is underwear-as-outerwear. Lingerie pieces can double as gorgeous body suits and cute tops.

Pair an iconic top with your favorite bottoms and then pop on a cropped leather jacket for a stylish and sexy look. 

This also applies to your favorite pieces of athleisure. I love to pair a cropped workout top with my favorite denim pants. Top it off with a varsity-style jacket for a vintage yet modern style vibe.

Give Your Style a Gender-Neutral Look

One style that has been trending in recent years is gender-neutral fashion. Allowing yourself to not be constrained by typical gender norms has allowed many people to get creative with how they style their clothing, myself included!

For this style, I pair a gender-neutral sweater with my favorite bottoms and some chunky boots for a casual night out at the bars.

A Night Out With Friends

Whether you’re going to spend the night dancing at the club or simply sipping cocktails and quietly chatting, having the right outfit for going out to the bars is a must. Whether you’re going for casual cool, sultry sexy, or simple elegance, there are so many ways you can style your outfit when you go out.

With this guide in hand, I hope you feel confident and cool when it comes to your next night out!

Sources:

The big reveal: deconstructing the slip dress | Fashion | The Guardian

90s fashion trends that are making a comeback | Hello Magazine

The 50 best bars in NYC right now, October 2022 | TimeOut