How to Dress Like a Model For Your Next Night Out

After a long, hard week, who doesn’t want to get all glammed up, call their girlfriends, and head out on the town for a night of well-earned fun? The only problem: Picking outfits that are effortlessly chic and an acceptable amount of sexy is a whole extra level of stress you really don't need on a Friday at 7pm.

Fortunately, you don’t have to look far for a little inspiration. If there’s any group of fierce, fashionable ladies who know how to nail night-out outfits, it’s today’s top models. They're constantly hitting the red carpet looking fabulous in ensembles that were practically made for dancing the night away, having a few drinks with the girls, or enjoying a sultry evening out with that special someone.

This week alone, stars like Cara Delevingne, Coco Rocha, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, and practically every other style-savvy model have been pulling out all of the stops to deliver not one, but seven bold, beautiful, and brilliant ways to get dressed — and look amazing. (Surprise! It involves a lot of black.)

1. Channel a futuristic vibe

Sure, an LBD for a girls’ night out may seem like the oldest trick in the book, but not when you make like Rocha and bring some major futuristic details and styling into the look. Try a structured, laser-cut gown or an ensemble with dramatic, geometric shoulders. Bonus points if you commit to a super-short cut and fierce, blunt bangs.

2. Look like a lady all the way

Have a hot date coming up? Make them drool by throwing on a simple dress — like Georgia May Jagger’s — in a gorgeous jewel tone. With details like a wrap skirt, décolletage-baring boat neck, flattering ruched sides, or a sexy slit, a simple frock can be far from boring.

3. Master the boho-chic LBD (long black dress)

Covering up may be demure, but it can certainly be sexy, too. Follow model Doutzen Kroes’s lead by choosing a curve-hugging, full-coverage dress in a dark hue, which will serve as the perfect backdrop for a smoky eye, statement accessories, and sexy bed-head hair.

4. Let your inner animal out

Animal-print pieces are fierce on their own, but they get an added boost of bold style when worn in a structured silhouette with luxe fabrics, like the Balmain number Huntington-Whiteley wore to this year’s Met Gala. For an extra-sleek look, keep your strands stick straight, and don’t shy away from glam accessories like strappy heels and gilded jewels.

5. Merge sexy and classic

Crop tops are everywhere this spring. You can keep yours fresh, sexy, and classy all at once by following model Julie Henderson’s lead and pairing a cropped, printed shell with a matching, flowing skirt for a look that flaunts just the right amount of skin (and your on-point fashion sense, to boot).

6. Go for a rock-n-roll edge

Not every night-out ensemble calls for a dress, so switch things up by showing off your inner rocker with an anything-but-typical two-piece outfit. Make like Delevingne and pair a daring, cutout top with high-waisted, cropped trousers; a bold eye and voluminous waves; edgy accessories; and your highest heels for a look that reads bold and breathtaking at the same time.

7. Throw on a cape

A simple cropped-pant-and-sequined-blouse combo not enough to make waves on your next night out? Then turn up the volume (and the fashion factor) like model Irina Shayk by throwing on an on-trend cape to match your city-chic style.