Jeans And A Going-Out Top Are Back Thanks To Hilary Duff — Here's How To Style Them In 2026

Singer Hilary Duff is likely not the first person you think of when it comes to being a fashion icon. However, there are many photos that prove Hilary Duff's style should never be overlooked. Case in point, her appearance (and stunning performance) at SiriusXM's Small Stage Series in May 2026. Duff looked as stylish as ever in a pair of shimmering rose gold jeans and a strapless coral top with long ribbons and plenty of modern cut-outs. The statement top and comparatively simple jeans combo is an outfit template that Duff has been rocking for some time now, and fans online are starting to notice. 

Duff is reviving the "going-out top" and streamlined jeans ensemble, and we couldn't be happier about it. While fun pants replaced the age-old "going-out top" in 2023, the classic combo is coming back in 2026. Pairing a bold piece with something more toned-down is nothing revolutionary, but there are many ways to style the look in ways that feel fresh and modern (and avoid leaning basic and overdone). As we reach the midpoint of 2026, more and more people will soon begin to trade their shorts in for full-length jeans to accommodate the cooler temperatures. Channel Duff's energy by pairing stylish denim trousers with a statement top or blouse for your next night out. 

Lace is one of the most creative ways to style a bodysuit for fresh, versatile looks, and it is perfect for a going-out ensemble when paired with jeans. A lace bodysuit provides a subtly sultry vibe to any outfit, but by adding straight-leg denim, you can tone down the lace for everyday wear. Bodysuits have a sleek vibe with their perfectly tailored fit, and when combined with a feminine material like lace, are a going-out top with playful energy.

Crop tops are one of the most versatile items you can have in your wardrobe. For going out especially, a shirt with a hemline cropped above the belly button is perfect. For your going-out shirt and jeans ensemble, try to find a fun crop top with a daring length. Jeans are generally more conservative, so they can balance a sultry cropped blouse very well. Crop tops designed with texture in mind (like lace, ruffles, and mesh) provide an extra layer of intrigue to the look. 

Skirts over pants may be the mid-aughts trend we thought we'd never see again, but the controversial look lends itself perfectly to this outfit combination. Satin slip dresses are one of the millennial trends hot in August 2026 that are nostalgic for boomers as well, so why not include the trendy item in your going-out look? Layering an asymmetric satin dress over straight-leg jeans is a unique way to style denim for a special occasion. You can also trade out the straight-leg pants for baggy trousers, giving the silhouette an edgy vibe. 

You can't go wrong with a bit of glitz and glamour for a night out. Rhinestones and sequins are the maximalist trends we're following, and they make for the perfect going-out top. Pair a sequin-covered tank top with low-rise jeans for a Y2K-inspired look that's sure to turn heads. To go all-in on the retro vibes, opt for boot cut or wide-leg denim rather than the straight-leg cigarette cut that has been trending throughout 2026.

As we transition into the second half of the year, timeless dark wash jeans are coming back for fall. To balance the moodier, heavier vibe of dark wash denim, pair them with a backless going-out top for your next outing. Backless tops are chic and perfect for a night out, but can sometimes feel like a bit too much for a low-key evening. By styling the sultry going-out top with baggy dark wash jeans, you can make your backless top feel more wearable. 

Double denim is one of the retro trends that made a comeback this year. While Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's memorable denim outfits were mocked for years, everybody's copying it today, even for going-out looks. Pair your jeans with a matching denim crop top and statement heels for a Canadian tuxedo look that's chic rather than cheugy. Denim going-out tops aren't popular, so this ensemble will set you apart from others in a uniquely modern way. 

Satin camisoles are incredibly versatile. They can be dressed up for a night out or down for a more casual vibe. One of the best ways to style your satin going-out top is by pairing it with straight-leg denim. Cigarette jeans are a trendy denim cut in 2026, and their tailored fit is sure to work beautifully with a chic satin cami. Pick a neutral color (and avoid the popular lace trim that many camis have) to give your ensemble a dressier vibe perfect for an outing.