'As a fashion editor, these are the 3 going-out trends I'm wearing in 2025.'

So you've got a place to be. You've got a thing. It's happening after 6pm (WILD). You've been planning it for weeks, texting the girls, making arrangements.

Now it's here, and you're standing in front of your wardrobe, with precisely 35 minutes until you need to be at the thing, and you have NFI what to wear.

You're in your head. What do people wear out these days? Are cocktail dresses still the go? Should I be in heels?

Psst: Here are some of the biggest trends for 2025, just FYI! Post continues below.

For emergency situations such as these, there is one foolproof solution that all women are familiar with: the tried-and-true combination of jeans and a nice top.

But even that feels complicated now. Because which jeans? Which top? Don't even get us started on shoes.

Deep breaths. We didn't mean to stress you out with a completely hypothetical scenario. But we do want you to feel prepared next time you've got something to dress up for.

Here are the three major styles you're about to see people wearing out this year, including the 2025 way to do a nice top.

The new 'old money'.

If last year's club scene was defined by brat style — that is, messiness, carefree dressing and black-on-black — then this year's going-out vibe will be the antithesis.

We can't not say it: things are about to get very demure.

Image: Instagram/@julietkaz

Get ready to see posh silhouettes like soft twinsets, vests and cardigans all over your feed; only they won't feel so stuffy anymore. Rather than wearing a matching set with pearls and heels, the look is much more relaxed and calls for gold jewellery and minimal flats.

Trend forecasts also tell us the big colours emerging this year are reminiscent of a bag of sugared almonds, with powdery pastels and shades of brown set to take over our wardrobes.

Vrg Grl Jeannie Vest Lime, $89, and Jeanie Mini Skirt in Lime, $79.

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Dissh Frankie Oat Tweed Tunic Vest, $159.99, and Frankie Oat Tweed Elastic Short, $119.99.

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Petal & Pup Peppai Textured Set, $79.

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The evolution of the 'nice top'.

Good news! Deferring to your nice top is still a very viable option, and you can definitely get away with wearing jeans to a bar in 2025.

While last year had us turning to early-noughties trends like halterneck tops and camis, things are now starting to look a little sleeker. One of the major trends we're seeing in tops is asymmetrical necklines, so you'll see lots of one-shoulder tunics and off-the-shoulder styles. There's a bit of '90s nostalgia to the look, so they tend to work best paired with lower-rise bottoms.

Eye-catching details like twisting, draping and folds take basic jersey and cotton tops to a more elevated place, and they're an easy win with denim. Remember that iconic outfit Joanne wore in Nobody Wants This, with the cut-out top and baggy jeans? It's giving that.

Image: Instagram/@nobodywantsthisseries

Zara Cut-Out Knit Top, $65.95.

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Decjuba Pippa Tipped Shoulder Top, $69.95.

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Sabo Adeline Top, $68.

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Statement skirts.

In recent seasons, fashion has started putting a lot of focus on skirts. Statement midis are all over the runways, from Prada to Bottega Veneta, and we've already seen the trend make its way to the high street.

In the past, you might've opted for a floral print or lace to make an impression with your skirt. But right now it's all about futuristic-inspired finishes — think sheer fabrics, metallics and 3D embellishments. Because they're so punchy, you can keep the rest of your fit pretty simple: a basic tank and minimal kitten heels, for example.

Image: Instagram/@hannahrabbitt wearing Vrg Grl.

As we close out the summer months, wrap skirts are a perfect trans-seasonal option that can take you effortlessly from day to night.

They're also a good solution if your outfit calls for something more casual — with their built-in tie details and cascading hemlines, they do a lot of the styling work for you. Try teaming a button-up shirt with a printed wrap skirt and chunky sandals.

Meshki Brynne Sequin Midi Skirt, $58.

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ASOS Design Large Sequin Midi Skirt, $109.

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Sheike Wave Nouveau Midi Skirt, $149.99.

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Sabo Nia Maxi Skirt, $108.

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Will you be wearing any of these styles out? Let us know in the comments below.

Feature image: Instagram/@vrg.grl; @decjuba.