The Only 9 Outfit Templates You Need For Getting Dressed Up To Go Out
by The Candidly Team
Any exciting piece of clothing we buy typically gets saved for an “occasion.” So when it comes time to get dressed up, it’s not so much that we have a closet full of nothing to wear but that we have no idea how to wear it.
What possible top pairs with this sequined skirt I splurged on back when I was dreaming of the holidays? Which shoes make any sort of sense with this dress? Will any of my shlumpy existing outerwear not ruin this whole outfit?
I can’t count the number times I’ve eagerly slipped on a selection of the chicest things I’ve been aching to wear only to look in the mirror and think “why do I look like I’m dressed for a business meeting?” Just me? Ok, but surely you’ve experienced some version of this scenario.
The point is, outfits are hard and templates are extremely helpful. And so, we have put together 9 of the most foolproof combinations of clothes that make getting dressed up, not just a cinch but a joy.
Not only are they extremely chic, but they blend elements to create the sort of balance that flatters and accentuates in juuuust the right ways.
Plus they are all thankfully comfortable. Because we can’t spend one more evening tugging, limping, sucking in this and stretching out that. We just can’t.
So without further ado, here are the most trustworthy templates for looking utterly and effortlessly dressed up:
1. The Striking Tuxedo Look
This Tuxedo Blazer
We’re more than a wee bit in love with this look when it’s done right. But for it to be done right, the jacket needs to fit superbly. This one has that sleek, skimming cut and nipped waist that flatters a lady’s natural shape to no end. The diving, low neckline looks so good over your finest bralette or a lace cami. And it sizes up to 5X.
Price: $169
These Tailored trousers
Maeve The Naomi Ponte Wide-Leg Flare Pants
We’ve raved about these pants because they feel like stretchy loungewear but look like the chicest, most tailored pant in existence. They elongate. They smooth. They flatter every curve we throw their way. And again, we feel like we never changed out of pajamas.
Price: $138
This Layered Gold Chain
There’s something about multi-textured, layerable necklaces that just instantaneously level up a look. Wear this. Then you can even add a chain that can be worn long like THIS.
It’s also worth noting that if ever there were a time to go for a subtle, sophisticated body chain, it’s probably with this look and THIS chain.
Price: $118
2. The Statement Blouse That Dresses Up Denim
This Going-Out Blouse
Favorite Daughter The Date Blouse Bodysuit
The billowy sleeve has come a long way since the era of the Seinfeld puffy shirt. But a romantic, puff sleeve is actually gorgeous on arms and a sort of smart way to create balance with a fitted bottom. Pair it with a skinny jean and striking heels, and it really does create perfect proportions - with juuuust a dash of drama.
Price: $198
These Skinny Jeans
Everlane The Curvy Way-High® Skinny Jean
As far as smooth, sculpting, curve-complementing (but also very comfy) jeans go, these are our go-to every time.
Price: $88
This Luxe Cream Coat
This perfect cream-colored coat is ideal for those times we really want to keep up our whole formal look without freezing the entire night. We love that THIS one has a classic, relaxed shape (so we can layer!) And while we’re taken with the cream, it comes in sea of gorgeous staple colors, making it also the perfect tan/black/gray/red/pink winter coat.
Price: $325
These Platform Heels
A gorgeous blocky heel allows you to complete pretty much any “going-out” outfit you can conjure up in your closet. And we mean it when we say (as people who will not withstand an inkling of foot pain) that this is a remarkably comfortable, cushioned, supportive heel you can wear all night without a thought.
Price: $135
3. The CAPTIVATING Dress That’s Gorgeous on Curves
This Perfect-Fit Dress
Eloquii Cross Front Midi Dress
One rule of thumb when buying a dress is to find something that feels like a hug but is magically cut in such a way so as to complement every curve we possess. This is that dress. It nips perfectly at the waist. And sizes up to 28.
Price: $110
These Strappy Sandals
Remember that thing we said about being unwilling to wear heels unless they’re walk 14 blocks comfortable. THIS pair is cushioned and block-heed and still manages to be minimalist and lovely. Plus, they come in every neutral color you could muster in your imagination. But why imagine? Just look.
Price: $120
4. The Dressed-Up Leather Jacket AND JEANS
This Classic Leather Jacket
Quince 100% Leather Motorcycle Jacket
We consider it a real task to find a leather moto jacket that has just the right amount of edge and sophistication. We love that this one from Quince isn’t bulky but leaves actual room for things like moving our arms and layering a bit underneath. Wear it over the “nice” white tee you save for more special occasions or a cozy cashmere crew sweater to soften it a bit. And we never feel bad about it, because it was somehow a steal at $150.
Price: $150
These Wildly Flattering Ankle Jeans
Abercrombie Curve Love Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jean
At some point, we get very tired of shimmying our way into jeans that barely fit over our bottoms only to have them be too loose in the middle. This pair smoothly stretches over our curviest bits then buttons without a dreaded waist gap. We give them a 10 out of 10 across the board, but you can hear us rant about them in more detail HERE.
Price: $90 - $100
These Chic Pointed Heels
Sometimes, we find the most perfect version of a thing, and then, we simply have to share that thing. THESE heels are that thing. There is no possible way to regret owning them. In fact, you will thank yourself on repeat each time you step out the door with them on your feet.
Price: $328
5. The Party Dress
This Dress That Works For Every Celebration
Dress The Population Alicia Chiffon Fit & Flare Dress
We can agree, dresses are very, very hard. But This one is an exception. We’ve yet to find a human body type that doesn’t look gorj when moving about in this dress. It’s cut with a very real idea about what a woman is actually shaped like. And we can’t think of an occasion in which it wouldn’t come out a winner. And it comes in more lovely colors.
Price: $198
This “Forever” Party Heel
Of course, if we’re going to talk about a shoe that’s this much of an investment, it’s going to be in the same breath that we mention SJP. And listen, we have shoes on this very list that cost 7x less than these, so our reason for having these shoes here at all HAS to be good. And here’s what it is. Own this shoe and you need no other party shoe. It’s unbelievably comfortable, beyond elegant, a piece of timeless art we’ll wear on repeat for the rest of our days. So, if you are going to spend this much on a shoe, and we 100% get why you wouldn’t, this is the shoe to spend it on.
Price: $550
6. The LUXE SWEATER LOOK
This Dressy Sweater
Quince 100% Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan
This look is for those who require complete comfort even when they’re all dolled up to leave the house. But how do we settle on just one completely cozy, chic sweater to wear out when there are ones like THIS and THIS? Alas, we had to crown THIS one the queen, because it’s such an incredible price for pure cashmere and the colors are a dreamscape. We wear it open over a fitted tank or this airy tee, or we button and tuck the sweater itself, which we’ve recently discovered makes it into one of the prettiest going-out tops in and of itself. See proof HERE.
Price: $140
These High-Waist Tapered Trousers
Everlane The TENCEL™ Way-High® Taper Pant
We like that these cropped trousers from Everlane are spacious, flattering, and soooo easy to transition from day to night. Plus, we recently discovered Everlane’s wizardry with making flattering pants. Behold.
Price: $128
These Chic Ankle Boots
When it comes to something like a solid pair of going-out boots, we need a staple with a shape that simply cannot be beat. This pair is so chic and works beautifully with every length bottom we could wear it with.
Price: $150
7. The Superb Fitting Black Dress
This Black Dress
There are many ways to go with a little black dress, but the fit is really everything. And frankly, we’ve been blown away by this one. Imagine if your favorite leggings magically transformed themselves into a truly elegant, “best-dressed-at-the-party” party dress. The cozy knit material has enough weight and stretch to give it extra hold, so it keeps everything feeling smooth and supported. It’s enviably stunning on curves and comes in extended sizes HERE.
For those of us who can’t live without a sleeve, we also are equally (if not even more) won over by THIS one and THIS one.
Price: $148
These Blessedly Comfy Formal Sandals
Sam Edelman Wilson Kitten Heel
We’ve seen versions of this exact graceful, comfy, not-too-high sandal costing 4x the price. So, yes, we’re feeling pretty good about this particular “find.” Which we require in black and caramel and possibly tide blue.
Price: $90
8. The Wide-Leg Pants That Dress Up Beautifully
These Glorious Wide-Leg Pants
J. Crew Sydney Wide-Leg Pant In Bi-Stretch Cotton Blend
Before you hesitate when you lay eyes on these pants, you must first understand that they are actually full length for most of us who aren’t 5’11” models. And while too many of us tend to shy away from white, it’s truly not scary once you throw on a nude thong. And NO, it won’t make you look bigger. In fact, a billowy white pant like this can be so flattering. Nothing is chicer than pairing white on the bottom with black on top. You instantly look dressy and put together, but no one can understand why. It’s like a bay leaf in a sauce - a secret that makes the whole recipe sing.
If you need to have black, we’re obsessed with THESE wide leg pants. But be warned, they sell out all the time. So if you find your size, take the plunge. You will never look back.
Price: $98
This Formal Blouse
Everlane The Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt
Don’t let the sheer simplicity fool you. A stunning and well-fitting silk blouse can be a find like no other. THIS one dresses up everything, but with a wide leg pant, it’s infallible. Just look how good it looks on our own editor-in-chief.
Price: $150
9. The Carefree Going-Out Combo
This Striped Midi Dress
If ever we needed proof that we don’t always need to spend to look put together, this dress is it. A perfect-fitting midi dress is the dream closet item - so versatile and SO easy to dress up. We love it with a jean jacket. And for cooler months, we warm it up with tights and booties and maybe even a cashmere scarf for extra coze. The scoopneck and skinny ribbing make it wildly flattering. And then, of course, there’s the price…
Price: $20
This Classic Jean Jacket
Perhaps the single most effortlessly transformative piece in our closet, turning us from our lazy, slobbish selves into our wildly understated and cool selves. The color is perfection. The relaxed shape is skimming. The size range is excellent. 10 out of 10 across the board.
Price: $128
Images (from top to bottom):
Jennifer Aniston: Courtesy of ShilpaAhuja.com
Jennifer Lopez: Courtesy of The Sun
Ashley Graham: Courtesy of Elle
Taraji P. Henson: Courtesy of JustJared
Sarah Jessica Parker: Courtesy of ETOnline
Jennifer Lopez: Courtesy of The Budget Babe
Ashley Graham: Courtesy of GotCeleb.com
Victoria Beckham: Courtesy of WhoWhatWear.uk
Katie Holmes: Courtesy of Vogue
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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