Freshers’ Week is nearly upon us, meaning clubs up and down the country are gearing up for swathes of students to clamour through their doors in a joyous drunken stupor.
For those of us who are well past their clubbing heyday, it’s often the case that the night-out wardrobe has well and truly expired.
The slinky halternecks and crystal-dotted mesh have long been replaced by oversized knitwear and boyfriend jeans - representing a significant shift away from sprayed-on student attire. The tightest thing we own? Gym leggings - and the odd pair of SPANX.
However, with party season slowly creeping up, it’s time to dust off the glad rags and double down on the dazzle. After all, nobody wants that familiar pang of pre-night out anxiety when you just have nothing sexy to wear.
Luckily, fashion does clubwear really well. Brands such as 16Arlington, David Koma, Coperni, KNWLS, Rabanne, Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier have got partywear down to a fine at - replete with glitter, diamanté and magnetic muted palettes galore.
Naturally, these houses have drawn the attention of A-lister party girls across the globe, with the likes of Dua Lipa providing ample outfit inspiration to see us through the season. From cut-out Jacquemus gowns to bedazzled Area bralettes, the singer's wardrobe is a hard lesson in after-dark aesthetics.
© Getty ImagesFlick back through the archives to the ever-entertaining Noughties and you have Paris Hilton leading the charge for striking club looks, aided by her sartorial sidekick Nicole Richie. The era brought partywear to the forefront of the fashion imagination, with zesty prints, sparkles, and Y2K skin-baring pieces paying homage to the philosophy that more is always more.
Read on to discover our must-have picks for party season and hit the clubs in style. The dancefloor awaits.
Best tops for clubbing 2025:
Amelia Metallic Knitted Top
Peachy Den
A stand-out piece from Peachy Den’s exclusive collaboration with Amelia Dimoldenberg, the Amelia top in silver is crafted from a fine metallic knit topped with twisted straps. Pair yours with a denim mini or baggy jeans for an effortlessly cool club night look.
Sequinned Top
Pinko
The party tops to end all party tops. Pinko's sequinned halterneck is club night style personified, complete with stunning bead embellishment and a sleek fit.
Long Sleeve Top
Jean Paul Gaultier
Opt for an unapologetically Hackney-coded look with a Jean Paul Gaultier piece to pique interest. Complete with a white backdrop and striking pink accents, the brand's graphic long sleeve will take you from day to night with ease.
Eton Sequined Top
Staud
Shimmy and sparkle under the disco lights with a helping hand from Staud. The brand's Eton top is everything you want in a party-ready piece - eye-catching and intriguing in equal measure.
Printed Satin Fabric Top
Massimo Dutti
Free-flowing and feline, Massimo Dutti's silky halterneck featuring an earthy palette will pair perfectly with chunky gold jewellery. We'd style ours with baggy black jeans for an understated, effortless finish.
Emoji Embellished Cotton Tank Top
Coperni
The luxury piece all fashion editors are lusting after. Coperni's beloved top is a tongue-in-cheek play on the classic tank, featuring a silver emoji embellishment to pinch attention away from other club-goers.
Suero Top
16Arlington
One can never go wrong with sequins - especially when provided by 16Arlington. The brand is our go-to for after-hours attire, and we love the rich green shimmer of this timeless top.
Jeff Koons Slippery When Wet T-Shirt
Stella McCartney
Already spotted on the likes of Role Model and Odessa A'zion, the Stella McCartney x Jeff Koons Slippery When Wet T-Shirt is the tee we all need for the transitional season. Ideal for those wanting to stay clear of tight-fitting club night 'fits yet want to spark conversation nonetheless, this designer staple is a stylish short-cut to cool-girl status on a night out.
Draped Newspaper T-shirt
Desigual
Thanks to John Galliano, newspaper print has long fascinated the fashion sphere. Tap into the 90s trend with Desigual's affordable take, which comes with a matching skirt to capture attention.
Sequin Top
Zara
Affordable and full of flair, Zara's silver sequin top is ready to get the party started. Dress it down with jeans and hoop earrings for a thoroughly Paris Hilton-inspired 'fit.
Haze Bra Top Lavender
Murmur
Meticulously crafted form luxurious satin, Murmur's lilac-hued corset is the perfect blend of sophisticated and sexy. Not only does it fit the torso like a glove, but it offers ample support thanks to an ultra-feminine V-neckline with decorative parallel stitching and adjustable straps.
How we chose:
- Style: Each item leans into glitzy after-hours style - from cool-girl graphics to crystal-studded crop tops.
- Price: We've included a range of prices to suit all budgets - but we're firm believers that it's better to invest in a piece that'll become your go-to when the clubs come calling.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
