The Ultimate Guide to Going Out Tops: Styles, Fits & What Works Best (UK & USA)

Whether you’re planning a cocktail night, a casual dinner, or a clubbing look, the right going out top can transform your entire outfit. But with such a wide range of materials, silhouettes, and cuts, it’s crucial to choose a top that not only fits the occasion—but also suits your body shape, flatters your proportions, and works with your existing wardrobe.

This comprehensive guide covers every style of going out top, how to wear them, what to pair them with, and the best UK and US brands to shop from in 2025.

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1. The Corset Top – Sculpted and Structured

Fit: Tight and waist-defining, often with boning and underwire

Best for: Hourglass, pear and rectangular shapes

Why it works: Corset tops create instant definition at the waist, offer bust support, and pair beautifully with high-waisted jeans, trousers, or slip skirts. Look for styles with stretch panels if you want comfort without compromising the sculpted look.

Best brands:

• UK: House of CB, Zara, River Island

• USA: Reformation, Free People, Meshki

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2. The Satin Cowl Neck – The Elegant Classic

Fit: Bias-cut with a draped neckline, relaxed fit through the torso

Best for: Smaller busts, athletic shapes, or anyone wanting softness

Why it works: Cowl necks flatter the collarbone and décolletage. Satin’s fluidity makes it perfect for elevating jeans or leather trousers. Choose adjustable straps for the most versatile fit.

Best brands:

• UK: & Other Stories, Ghost, Topshop

• USA: Express, Lulus, Anthropologie

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3. The Sheer Mesh Top – For Bold Layers

Fit: Close-fitting with stretch, often worn with a visible bralette or bandeau underneath

Best for: Petites, hourglass and athletic figures

Why it works: The transparency lets you play with texture and layering. It adds edge without full exposure, and works well over bralettes, tank tops, or under structured blazers.

Best brands:

• UK: Urban Outfitters, Motel Rocks, ASOS

• USA: Dolls Kill, Nasty Gal, Nordstrom

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4. The Off-the-Shoulder Top – Feminine Focus

Fit: Fitted across the chest with exposed shoulders, sometimes with puff sleeves

Best for: Pear shapes (draws attention upwards), hourglass, petites

Why it works: It balances wider hips by accentuating shoulders and collarbones. Choose a stretch bodice to avoid slipping, and pair with statement earrings.

Best brands:

• UK: Whistles, Reiss, Boohoo

• USA: Tobi, Banana Republic, Abercrombie & Fitch

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5. The Halter or High-Neck Crop – Minimal with Impact

Fit: Cropped length, often neck-tied or racer-style, open back

Best for: Toned arms, broad shoulders, and hourglass/rectangle shapes

Why it works: The focus shifts to arms and shoulders while leaving room for bold bottoms—ideal with trousers or maxi skirts. Open backs give evening drama without full exposure.

Best brands:

• UK: Bershka, Miss Selfridge, AllSaints

• USA: Revolve, Aritzia, Alice + Olivia

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6. The One-Shoulder or Asymmetric Top – Modern Edge

Fit: Fitted or draped, with a single shoulder cut

Best for: Apple and rectangular shapes, or strong shoulders

Why it works: It creates asymmetrical visual lines, which slim the midsection and elongate the upper body. Often used in minimalist or sleek satin or jersey fabrics.

Best brands:

• UK: COS, Karen Millen, Warehouse

• USA: Zara USA, Express, Steve Madden

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7. The Sequin or Embellished Top – Statement-Ready

Fit: Varies – cropped, fitted, or boxy

Best for: All body types, depending on cut

Why it works: Sequins reflect light and make the top the focal point. Ideal for parties, rooftop bars, or holiday events. Wear with neutral trousers or skirts to balance the sparkle.

Best brands:

• UK: M&S Collection, River Island, Coast

• USA: Macy’s, Revolve, PrettyLittleThing

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8. The Bardot Blouse – Romantic and Flowy

Fit: Softly gathered or smocked neckline, loose sleeves, often cinched at the waist

Best for: Pear shapes and curvier upper arms

Why it works: It romanticises the upper body while gently floating over the bust and arms. Pair with jeans or shorts for a relaxed glam look.

Best brands:

• UK: New Look, FatFace, Nobody’s Child

• USA: Forever 21, ModCloth, Target

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9. The Bralette or Cropped Bra Top – Micro but Mighty

Fit: Fitted, cropped, bust-enhancing, often in satin or lace

Best for: Petite or small-busted body types, or styled with tailoring

Why it works: Minimal fabric lets you layer with oversized suits or high-waisted pieces. A staple in hot climates or for dance floors.

Best brands:

• UK: Boux Avenue, PrettyLittleThing, Missguided

• USA: Skims, Urban Outfitters, Victoria’s Secret

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10. How to Choose the Right “Going Out” Top for You

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Fabric Matters: What To Look For in Going Out Tops

• Satin/Silk: Elegant, fluid, evening-ready

• Mesh: Edgy and breathable; great for layering

• Cotton blends: Softer, more breathable—better for comfort-focused nights

• Sequins/embellishments: Great for sparkle, but always check for itchiness and lining

• Stretch knits: For body-hugging shapes that stay in place while dancing

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How Tellar.co.uk Helps You Find the Best-Fitting Going Out Tops

Sizing varies dramatically across brands, especially when dealing with different materials (stretch mesh vs structured satin) or cuts (cropped vs longline). That's why Tellar.co.uk exists.

✨ Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s Leading Sizing Tool:

• Matches your body measurements or existing brand size to 1,500+ brands instantly

• Works for UK, USA, EU sizes—no conversion stress

• Tells you your exact size in COS, Zara, Reformation, H&M, Arket and many more

You can stop guessing and start dressing.

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How It Works:

• ➡️ Create your free profile at Tellar.co.uk

• ➡️ Input your bust, waist, hips OR your known size in any brand

• ➡️ Use the Store Size Lookup to find your perfect fit—before you buy

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Explore the Tellar Fashion Hub

Looking for more style advice and brand comparisons? The Tellar Fashion Hub is packed with technical guides, trend tips, and brand breakdowns—all free.

Top Reads:

• The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide

• Finding Your Clothes Size

• The Ultimate Guide: Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape

• UK vs USA vs European Clothing Sizes

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Stay updated with fit science, body shape styling, and real-time brand recommendations:

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Twitter/X: @Tellar100

• Pinterest: TellarUK

• Facebook: Tellar Sizing

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