Why the 'Going Out Top' is Dead (And What to Wear Instead)

I bought a bright pink sequin crop top with wide, short sleeves from a consignment store for $35. I fell in love with it on the rack. I had a whole outfit planned, a specific place to wear it. And it was fantastic—I got looks, I got compliments, I had a great night.

I’ve worn it maybe twice since.

It’s the perfect example of the “Going Out Top.” A single-occasion piece that hangs in your closet, waiting for the exact same set of circumstances to repeat, which they almost never do. It feels like a waste of money, closet space, and creative energy.

I’d much rather have one amazing top I can wear a hundred different ways than five I only wear once. My closet leans on a few hero pieces that change their whole personality based on what I pair them with. It’s all about the shoes and the layers.

Here are the three tops that do the heavy lifting in my wardrobe, and how I make them work from morning to night.

The MVP: The Dark Green Long-Sleeve Crop Top

This is the top I’ve worn to death. The color is a deep, neutral green that blends with everything—denim, leather, skirts, trousers. It has a wide neck that shows off necklaces perfectly, and it’s just super comfy. It’s my ultimate blank canvas.

The Daytime Vibe: I’ll pair it with light-wash denim jeans or a denim skirt and my white canvas Keds. This is my uniform for a casual event, a weekend market, or shopping. I look put-together but I can be active if I need to be.

Where I’d Wear It: A chill daytime date at a coffee shop, hanging out with friends at the park, or browsing the farmers' market.

The Nighttime Shift: Here, I change the entire foundation. I’ll put the same top with a tight leather skirt, opaque tights, and a short leather jacket. The shoes swap to chunky ankle boots or platform boots. It’s a complete 180: playful, a little risque, and ready for a different kind of crowd.

Where I’d Wear It: A queer dance night, a kink-adjacent social, anywhere I can let loose a bit.

The Neutral Anchor: The Cream Knit V-Neck Crop Top

This is the peacekeeper of my closet. The plain, creamy color pairs silently with other neutrals or lets a vibrant bottom piece (like my maroon skirt) pop. It’s soft, feminine, and feels like effort without trying too hard.

The Daytime Vibe: With high-waisted, wide-leg trousers and tan loafers or ballet flats. It looks thoughtful and creative, perfect for a work-from-home day with video calls or a casual creative meeting.

The Nighttime Shift: Tuck it into a flowy, patterned maxi skirt. Throw a longline blazer or a drapey cardigan over it. The shoe swap here is key: strappy heels or elegant wedges. If I know I’ll be standing for hours, I might even go with my rose gold Kate Spade Keds for a quirky, comfortable twist.

Where I’d Wear It: I wore an outfit like this to a photography exhibition about ballet—it was the perfect blend of pretty and interesting for a cultural, date-like setting.

The Effortful Basic: The Salmon Sleeveless Zip-Front Top

This textured, salmon-colored top is my secret weapon. It’s not fancy, but it’s not a t-shirt. The zipper detail and color make it feel like I’m trying, even when I’m just running errands.

The Daytime Vibe: With cuffed black trousers and my black canvas Keds. It’s clean, a little sporty, and perfect for a day of mixed errands and casual meet-ups.

The Nighttime Shift: Layer it under a slip dress for a pop of color and texture at the neckline, or wear it with tailored black shorts and a blazer. The shoe move here is sleek mules or slingback heels.

How to Shop for a Top That Does Everything

My rules are simple now:

Look for a feminine shape. I rarely wear plain tees outside of work.

Stick to a low-key, versatile color that plays well with your existing wardrobe.

Prioritize all-day comfort. If it itches or rides up at 2 PM, you’ll never reach for it.

Your Challenge: The Closet Remix

If you feel stuck with a top, here’s my advice: put it on, and then try on every bottom you own. You might be shocked.

I recently bought a floral-patterned long skirt and hated how it looked with all my usual tops. On a whim, I tried it with a top I never wear—a black stretchy base with a geometric-patterned overshirt attached. It was absolute perfection. The top finally had a purpose.

This philosophy ties directly into why I thrift and why I cherish pieces like my Keds. It’s not about having a lot of clothes. It’s about having a few great, flexible pieces and the creativity to mix them into the life you’re actually living—whether that’s a lazy park day or a night where you want to feel like a different version of yourself.

The goal isn’t a packed closet. It’s a calm morning where you can grab a top you love and know it’ll work, no matter what the day turns into.

What’s your most versatile top?