By Emily Kopec

When surveying the contents of your closet before a night out at the club, do you rely on a revolving selection of the same few go-to items? If tiny tanks, tight jeans and heels are what you regularly reach for to get you through the long boozy nights, wake up and smell the tequila! Shop your closet to incorporate unexpected daytime staples into your standard nighttime look. Not only will you up the cool quotient of your outfit, you’ll get more bang for your wardrobe buck by utilizing what you’ve already got. Free these pieces from their hangers to create a sexy stand-out getup that’s all you:

Collared, button-up long sleeved shirt. When cooking up the evening’s outfit, don’t pass over your button-up shirts. They can serve as a creative and functional layering piece when worn open over a body-con LBD ~ a go-to look for LaLohan when she’s out on the prowl. Choose from the menswear shirts you normally reserve for the office, or the grunge-inspired plaid flannel or army twill shirts you rock during your downtime. We know how tricky those tight short dresses can be (does anyone really know how short is too short?), but with a button-up shirt on your side you can conquer the shortest and tightest with the coolest of ease. For extra attitude, roll up the sleeves and keep legs bare.

The tee shirt. How on earth, you ask, can a plain ol’ tee shirt bring all the boys to the yard? Well, I could teach you, but I’d have to charge. Just kidding! A tee can serve as the ultimate foil to an otherwise over-the-top bottom half. Tucking a heather grey v-neck tee into a sequin or leather mini is one of my favorite looks from recent runways. And don’t forget about your favorite fitted vintage tee. When paired with skinny jeans and heels, it’s a rocker knockout. You’ll look hot without trying too hard.

Leggings. Black leggings are an incredibly versatile piece. Hanging out? Check. Working out? Check. Getting down on the dance floor? CHECK! I promise. As long as you follow a couple basic rules, you’ll pull this look off with aplomb. First, cover your ass. Srsly. A long fitted tank will get the job done nicely, whether drapey or body-hugging. May I suggest silky or embellished fabrics to offset the basic black bottoms. Last but not least, strap on some serious heels, the sexier the better. You’ll wow ‘em in a slimming, smokin’ outfit that flatters from head to toe.

For Fellas Only. Looking like you have game is all about standing out from the packs of dudes around you, and the good news is that’s gotten a lot easier lately. When deciding on your outfit, consider how popular the bedazzly, Ed-Hardy type clothes have become (a la tacky Jersey Shore, anyone? No hate, I love that show, just sayin’). While everyone else is flashin’ it up, why not class it up? Quality, well-fitting basics go a long way. There’s nothing like a guy in a fresh button-down shirt, especially when it has updated elements like utilitarian tabs or western stitching. Soft chambray fabrics are also high on the right-now list…so touchable. Wear your button-down shirt un-tucked with crisp dark-wash jeans (no embroidered pockets, please!), and you’ll be a stud amongst the razzle-dazzle. This is a well-received look for a reason: it shows class and good taste. ‘Nuff said, lest I create a ”Situation.” 😉