Remember when the standard response to the question “what you wearing tonight?” was “a nice top and jeans“???  It was the go-to Saturday night outfit; easy to throw together; not too dressy but not too casual either. It was a dress code that served all manner of events from cocktail bars, to gigs, to clubbing. Well it’s back! And it’s the party season – so unless you have a black-tie event to attend, a nice top and jeans will do nicely!

The thing with a nice top and jeans is that you can glam it up or down as required. It’s an easy look to pull off and can be a more stylish alternative to a party dress. The nice top should do all the talking. Make it a statement top, like the one-shoulder sequin top I’m wearing in the main pic, add some stand-out accessories and you’ll be the coolest belle of the ball. The jeans should be your most comfortable; skinnies, cropped or boyfriend style. Just add a pair of heels or sparkly flats and some eye-catching jewellery.

In terms of styling the nice top and jeans outfit… If you are wearing skinny jeans then go for a belted or peplum style top or one that can be left un-tucked, or at least front-tucked. On the other hand, if your jeans are boyfriend style or high-waisted ‘Mom’ style, then you can opt for a more fitted, tucked-in top. Choose puff sleeves to balance wide hips, plunging v-necks to lengthen the torso, and three-quarter length sleeves or belted tops to emphasise the waist.

Choosing a nice top at this time of year is so much fun as there’s no shortage of glitz and luxe fabrics – sequins, velvet, taffeta, organza, sheer, metallics. Brands like Zara are particularly good at offering show-stopping tops and ASOS is always a great place to browse for something a little different.

Here’s a few outfit ideas to get you started for the party season; taking that ‘nice top and jeans‘ outfit to the next level:

Sequin Top

Top: Dorothy Perkins / Headband: Top Shop / Balloon Jeans: Zara / Shoes: Rainbow Club / Bag: Zara

Colour Block Top

Green Top: Zara  / Earrings: Mango / Bag: Whistles / Mules: Top Shop  / Jeans: Whistles

Puff Sleeves

Top: Zara / Bag: Top Shop / Earrings: Top Shop / Boots: Top Shop / Jeans: Mint Velvet

Velvet Top

Velvet Top: Top Shop / Earrings: H&M / Bag: River Island / Jeans: Mint Velvet /  Sandals: Jigsaw

Sheer / Lace Top

Top: Wallis / Earrings: River Island / Bag: Zara  / Shoes: New Look / Jeans: River Island

I hope you’ve found some inspiration here for a festive nice top and jeans outfit. It really is one of the easiest and most sassiest looks to pull together and a fab choice for what to wear on a night out in your 40s! And I’m sure you have a favourite pair of jeans that you can update with a fancy new top – just like you did in the old days!!!

Until next time, happy partying!

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