Men’s Style: Step Up Your Going Out Fits

Written by Ben Weisse

When it comes to what to wear on a night out, men’s fashion can seem a lot more limited and less fun compared to women’s fashion, especially in a college town like Madison. If you’re feeling lost on what to wear, here’s some advice on how to add flair to your nighttime fits so you’ll stand out and have even more fun!

The first thing people will likely notice about your outfit is what top you’re wearing. A fun polo shirt, from Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, or Abercrombie & Fitch is always a classic. For extra flair without trying too hard, pop the collar. It’s on trend and effortlessly cool. Step out in a chic sweater on colder or more classy nights. Another great option is a graphic tee for a more casual look, which can show off some of your interests.

While the weather is still chilly, it’s important not to forget your jacket! My favorite is my vintage leather jacket I got from my grandpa, but there are an abundance of great options. Dickies has a great jean jacket, and Carhartt’s jacket has been a favorite of many for years, and won’t go out of style anytime soon. Adidas has cool track jackets for a sportier vibe, while Ralph Lauren has good lightweight jackets that are totally timeless. 

Let’s not forget about shoes! I love sneakers that can add color to my outfit, like Onitsuka Tigers or Puma Palermos or Speedcats. Any edition of the Adidas Sambas or Gazelles is a solid option as well. Salomon and Nike have plenty of excellent options. If you’re going somewhere upscale, sleek black loafers could elevate your outfit. 

One thing I think is important is to ditch the athleisure. Why would you want to wear what you wear to the gym on a night out? Leave the sweatpants and grubby gym shoes at home, and opt for jeans or pants, which look better. Blue jeans are a classic, and other different colors of denim such as… can be even better. A belt is the perfect way to tie your whole outfit together, or to elevate a simple outfit.

Accessories are important and too often slept on in men’s fashion. I prefer simpler thin silver jewelry, like with my bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, but there is a whole range of options. Wear a cool watch or add some rings to enliven your outfit. An Italian charm bracelet, which you can customize yourself, is also really cool and fun. Although Italian charm bracelets have a tendency to get caught on other people's clothing, so if you’re going somewhere with a lot of people and dancing, consider leaving it at home. 

If you’re looking to find your own inspiration on what to wear, there are plenty of things you can do. Create a Pinterest board with outfits you want to emulate, thrift around Madison or search through Depop to find exactly the right fit for you. What you wear can totally change based on where you go and what vibe you want for the night, and I hope this helps you find what you want to wear that will make each night the best night ever. 

Edited by Greta Felton and Molly Bloomfield