What to Wear to the Bar: 20 Chic Outfits for a Night Out

It’s Friday night and you’ve got plans to hit up that new bar downtown for some drinks and fun with friends. But staring into your closet, it hits you—you have no idea what to wear to a bar!

You want something cute and stylish, but also comfortable enough to dance the night away. After scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest for what feels like hours, you’ve finally found some outfit inspiration that checks all the boxes.

Get ready to pin your favorite looks to your “Bar Outfits” board and let’s dive into these 20 chic outfits perfect for a night out at the bar.

Sparkle and Shine

1. Cropped Sweater, Sequined Mini and Booties

Kick things off with a look that’s equal parts cozy and glam. A white cropped sweater keeps you warm while showing just a peek of midriff.

Pair it with a sparkling sequined mini skirt that’s begging to hit the dance floor. Finish it all off with some white booties for a touch of edginess.

I love how this bar outfit mixes textures and styles—it’s fun but not too over-the-top.

2. Plunging Top, Skinnies, Gucci Belt and Heels

If you’re feeling sexy and want to turn heads, this night-out look is for you. A plunging neckline top makes a bold statement, while black skinnies and some killer open-toe mule heels keep things sleek.

Add a Gucci belt (or budget-friendly dupe) for an extra designer touch and grab a small handbag to stash your essentials.

Just a warning—you may need to do the hair flip check after every sip of your drink! For a slightly toned-down version, swap the plunging top for a wrap blouse or bodysuit.

Faux Leather and Animal Prints

3. Animal Print Crop, Leather Pants and White Boots

This edgy-meets-trendy combo is one of my personal favorites for hitting up a bar. An animal print crop top makes a fierce statement that’s balanced out by some slick black leather pants.

But don’t stop there—a pair of white pointed-toe booties adds even more cool-girl vibes. It’s the perfect blend of tough and sexy. For extra warmth, slip on a denim or moto jacket and you’re ready to go!

4. Turquoise Beaded Mini Dress

Get ready to dazzle the night away in this jaw-dropping mini dress! The brilliant turquoise hue instantly turns heads, while intricate beading and sequin embellishments ensure all eyes are on you.

A plunging neckline adds just the right touch of sultriness. I recommend pairing it with some strappy sandals or pumps to let those legs go on for days.

This is definitely a look for a dressier bar or nightclub where you really want to make an entrance.

Casual Cali-Cool Vibes

5. Silk Shirt, Jeans and Fisherman Sandals

Sometimes you just want a more laid-back, effortless look for grabbing drinks—and this California-cool ensemble is perfect for that vibe.

Start with a breezy silk shirt (tuck the front or do a front knot) and your favorite pair of lived-in jeans.

Then slip on some flat fisherman-style sandals for an easy, casual finish. This look screams “cool girl” without even trying. I always have an outfit like this in my rotation for those laid-back bar nights.

6. Matching Set with Chain Belt and Heels

For a look that’s trendy and a total head-turner, go for a matching set. Find a form-fitting off-the-shoulder top and pair it with the matching pants—they’re smoking hot yet comfy.

Then accessorize with a chunky chain belt to define your waistline and add some edge.

Finish with some killer pointed-toe heels and get ready to dance the night away. I own a set just like this and always get so many compliments!

Flirty and Feminine

7. One-Shoulder Top, High-Waisted Trousers and Heels

Turn up the flirtiness while still keeping things classy in this chic nighttime look. Rock a sexy one-shoulder top with some high-waisted trousers in a relaxed, wide-leg silhouette.

The flowing pant legs keep it from feeling too tight or restricting. Then add some height with a pair of strappy sandals or heels.

This ensemble is sophisticated while still showing off your shape—perfect for date night at a trendy cocktail bar.

8. Latex Crop Top, Painted Jeans, Chunky Sneakers

Want to turn up the heat and edge factor? This daring, funky look is for you. Start with a slick black latex or vinyl crop top—it’s sure to turn heads and get you noticed.

Then add some more eye-catching flair with painted denim jeans in a cool abstract design. Chunky white sneakers provide a sporty contrast and ensure you can dance all night long.

Don’t forget some oversized sunnies for throwing on those model-off-duty vibes. This outfit is a bold choice for a more relaxed, trendy bar with an industrial or artsy vibe.

Fresh and Flirty Brights

9. White Off-The-Shoulder Crop and Distressed Denim

For a fresh and flirty springtime bar look, you can’t go wrong with this ensemble. A crisp white off-the-shoulder crop top provides the perfect blank canvas.

Then pair it with some distressed, light-wash denim jeans that show just a hint of skin—so on-trend!

Finally, slip on some simple slide sandals and get ready to dance the night away in total comfort.

If you get cold, just shrug on a jean jacket for a double denim moment. The whole vibe is breezy and carefree—ideal for kicking back with drinks on a patio bar!

10. Brightly Colored Two-Piece Set with Heels

Why settle for basic black when you could turn up the brightness in this vibrant two-piece look? Go bold in a cropped top and matching leggings set in a fun, punchy hue.

Then let those stems go on for days with some strappy heeled sandals. As a more covered-up look, this is ideal for a dressier cocktail or rooftop bar while still having that playful, party-ready vibe.

In my opinion, bright head-to-toe colored sets are a major nightlife trend right now!

Casual and Carefree

11. Blue Shirt, Denim Shorts

It’s hard to go wrong with an easy button-down shirt and denim shorts when you need a fuss-free look for grabbing casual drinks. Roll up those sleeves, add a fun belt and finish with some flat slides or comfy sneakers.

This look has that “cool girl just rolled out of bed” vibe while still being totally Instagram-worthy. It’s perfect for more laid-back bars or beer gardens when you just want to relax with friends.

12. Text Graphic Tee, Distressed Denim and Heels

Give the basic jeans-and-a-tee look a night-out upgrade by swapping in some distressed denim, a cheeky graphic tee and heels. You get that so-cool-it-hurts model-off-duty aesthetic, but with a bit more polish.

Go for a slouchier boyfriend jean for extra style points. Then simply tuck in the front of your tee and slip on some pointed-toe heels or pumps.

You’ll be bar-ready while still looking totally laid-back and fashion-forward. Just add some hoop earrings and you’re set!

Sleek and Structured

13. Dungarees, Tank and Crisp White Sneakers

For a put-together but comfy bar look, dungarees are the move. Keep your tank simple or add a fitted blouse underneath for a dressier evening vibe. Then finish it off with some crisp white kicks like sleek leather sneakers or classic Converse.

I love this look because it feels sleek and structured yet completely effortless. The overalls also have plenty of room for those evenings when bar bites are a must!

Going this route allows you to stay 100% comfortable while still appearing totally put-together.

14. Blazer Dress and Knee-High Boots

Exude confidence and sophistication in this elevated take on a bar-ready outfit. A sleek blazer dress offers that coveted polished look while still being totally wearable and comfortable.

Go for a longer midi length or opt for a super short and sassy silhouette – either way, it’s a showstopper!

Then give it some added edge with some killer over-the-knee boots in leather, suede or vinyl. This combo is ideal for upscale lounges, craft cocktail bars and trendy nightclubs.

15. Satin Cami, Trousers and Strappy Sandals

For a nighttime look that’s all about easy elegance, reach for some satin pieces. A silky camisole or short slip dress instantly elevates any ensemble, while some tailored trousers provide polish and structure.

Keep it sultry by leaving a few buttons undone on the cami. Then finish it off with some delicate strappy sandals that elongate those legs.

I love how effortless yet put-together this outfit feels – it’s perfect for date night at a chic wine bar or cocktail lounge.

Cool and Trend-Forward

16. Biker Shorts and Oversized Blazer

Embrace one of the hottest trends for nightlife by rocking some sleek biker shorts out on the town! Start with a pair in a luxe fabric like leather, vinyl or silk to ensure they look nighttime-appropriate, not like you’re headed to the gym.

Then go full throttle into the oversized trend by throwing on an XXL blazer on top – the oversized contrast is so cool and fashion-forward right now.

Add some killer heels and you’ve got an utterly smashing going-out look. It’s sporty yet elevated and so runway-inspired.

17. Cargo Pants and Corset Top

Another huge trend for bars and clubs? The exposed midriff! Get on board by styling a sexy corset or bustier top with some low-slung cargo pants.

Go full-on Y2K throwback vibes by choosing cargos with tons of pockets and a roomy, baggy fit. The midriff-baring top gives it that signature sultry 2000s flair.

Chunky boots or platforms are the perfect grunge-luxe finish. This look walks that cool line between masculine and feminine while being totally on-trend.

Laidback and Low-Key

18. T-Shirt Dress and Combat Boots

For a completely laidback, IDGAF kind of bar night look, you can’t go wrong with a classic t-shirt dress. Throw on your favorite oversized tee as a dress or find one specifically made in that boyfriend fit.

It’s the perfect blend of comfy yet put-together. Give it an edgier contrast by rocking some badass combat boots or lugged sole boots underneath.

This styling keeps the look from being too precious or prim. Grab a crossbody bag and moto jacket and you’ve got a killer cool-girl uniform.

19. Slip Dress and Chunky Sneakers

Want to look impossibly stylish while remaining totally comfortable for a night of drinking and dancing? Look no further than the slip dress and sneakers combo!

A slinky satin or silk slip dress is such an elevated piece yet the sneakers keep it nice and casual. Try a curve-hugging square neck slip for major 90s vibes or go bold with a printed slip or a pop of color.

Then offset the slinky vibe with some chunky “dad” sneakers or treaded soles. It’s the ideal outfit formula for low-key nights at your local dive bar.

20. High-Waisted Cargo Pants and Crop Top

Last but not least, the humble cargo pant gets a fun going-out twist when paired with a cute crop top. Look for high-waisted cargos that nip you in at the waist and show a peekaboo of midriff when paired with a cropped tank or baby tee.

Retro-inspired cargos with tons of pockets and slouchy fits are so on-trend right now. Add some chunky kicks like supple boots or shower slides and you’ve got a totally chill look for beer gardens and breweries. Comfort and style? Yes, please!