Can You Feel The Heat?: 5 Ways to Spice up Your Going-Out Look - Women Campus
The semester's almost over and summer's on the way. You've been through an entire year of classes, papers, parties, breakups and makeups…and a closetful of clothes. Oh, and all your friends' closets too. Now that summer's coming, it's time to step up your game, especially if you're working in a big city and need to transition from chic office-wear to sultry after-dark duds. So if you're feeling ill at the sight of another Forever21 off-the-shoulder "club" dress, there's no time like the present to spice up your evening look. Here are five easy ways to give your nighttime wardrobe a quick refresher—and stand out at any party without breaking the bank!
1. Take it to the Floor
This year dresses reach different lengths. Maxi dresses swept spring runways all over New York, London, Paris and Milan, and now they're sweeping the ankles of fashionistas everywhere. But who says floor-length skirts and dresses are only for beach trips or black tie events? Soft, flowing maxi dresses can make an unexpectedly chic and sexy nighttime look. Here are some options:
Splurge: Your favorite LBD in maxi form, this dress works amazingly with a brown belt and fedora for day or with a sequined clutch and a standout silver bracelet for night. $248 at Nordstrom
Steal: Don't be fooled—florals can work for night too! This bright chiffon dress looks amazing with neutral accessories at a summer wedding or party—and totally stands out at any boring bar! $57 at LuLu's.
2. Pants Yourself
Tired of bandage skirt after bandage skirt? Stand out from the crowd in some statement pants! It may be hot out, but a pair of breezy, sophisticated trousers will keep you cool and draw all eyes to you in a sea of boring LBDs.
Splurge: Nothing says chic in the summertime like a pair of well-cut, high-waisted trousers. Pair these showstoppers with a low-cut black top and bright accessories for an eye-popping look. $88.75 at The OutNet
3. Let Your Look Sparkle
What's more glam than sequins? When you walk into a bar with a little bit of sparkle, you literally catch the light—every guy (and jealous girl) in the room won't be able to keep their eyes off your party-perfect ensemble. But if you're tired of the usual sequined mini, try these unexpected ways to glam it up:
Splurge: Bring your usual black jeggings from boring to bombshell with subtle sequin inserts. $97 at Revolve Clothing
Steal: You'll want to wear this sexy, sparkly little bomber jacket again and again over a bright mini-dress or to dress up a white tank and tailored shorts. Snatch it while you can—it's a steal! $19.99 at Urban Outfitters
4. Amp Up Your Accessories
If you want to kick your going-out look up a notch but don't have the funds (or time) to shop for new clothes, switch it up with a statement accessory instead. A bright shoe, embellished bag or look-at-me necklace will make last semester's clothes feel totally new!
Splurge: This versatile clutch mixes girly and edgy by pairing an exotic snakeskin texture with a feminine ruffle and pretty dusky rose hue. Try it with a neutral dress, or a bandage skirt and white blouse! http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=533766&Categ... " target="_blank">$210 at Bloomingdale's
Steal: A statement necklace can make your go-to black, white or neutral mini feel like a whole new dress. This beaded beauty is perfect with a simple dress for a summer party and looks great with every color! $40 from LuLu's
Start Seeing Red
There's a reason there's so much red lingerie on the racks at Victoria's Secret—it's the sexiest color on the color wheel! Adding a red accessory as an accent, or even pulling out all the stops and stepping out in red-hot skirt top, or dress—or even a pair of shorts or pants—is a surefire way to light up your nighttime look. Check out these spicy suggestions!
Splurge: Ready to stop traffic with a bright red look? Try this jaw-dropping red dress with mesh inserts. It looks awesome with a denim jacket or a neutral blazer! $45.50 at NastyGal
Steal: If you're still feeling a little color-shy, start with a red belt: this patent version is perfect with a black or white dress, or with dark jeans and khakis and a feminine blouse, for a polished look. $32 at Topshop
