Hard to categorize and elusive in nature, the “going out” top can range from a sparkly camisole to a festive knit. It can be a blouse, a T-shirt with a twist, a tank top, or even a turtleneck. With the holiday season upon us, you’ll want to be ready with a few going-out tops for go-to party looks. I tend to pair my party tops with jeans this time of year. No matter your age, shape, or personal style, a version of this outfit formula always works, unless the dress code is more formal. But for family gatherings, house parties, and even a New Year’s Eve night out, this good old combo of jeans and a cute top will see you stylishly through your holiday social calendar. Here’s a rundown of some top options.

Before we talk tops, let’s talk jeans. For parties, dinners, cocktails, etc., dark denim is best. It’s dressier than lighter washes, but not as stiff as suit pants. I like the idea of a trouser-style jean for a night out, like NYDJ’s Mona Wide Leg Trouser Jeans. Or you can even go with a black pair, such as Quince’s Bella Stretch Wide Leg Jeans, especially if your top is black for a monochromatic look. You can go with a novelty jean like Loft’s Velvet Bow High Rise Straight Jeans that feature little velvet bows, or an embellished jean, but they tend not to be as versatile as plain dark wash denim. You’ll also want to consider hem length and shoe choice. Heels are festive and look great with wider leg jeans, but for wintery nights a boot may better serve you, so consider if you want to tuck jeans into boots or have them fit over.

Now for top talk. No matter the style, silhouette, or cut of a top, what sets apart the going-outs from the everyday is fabric, embellishment, trimming, and notions. Material-wise, satin is a safe choice for wearing out and about during the holiday season. You can go with a simple classic like Vince Camuto’s Shirred Satin Top available at Nordstrom’s with its gathered neckline and loose fit. Or try a standard shirt like Mango’s Flowy Satin Shirt and wear it like you would any other button-down. The satin fabrication elevates a basic silhouette even when paired with jeans.

The same can be said for velvet, another classic holiday choice. You can go with a standard black option, like Lands’ End Long Sleeve Velvet Blouse tucked into black jeans, for a simple yet celebratory outfit. Or go bold with Boden’s Flora V-Neck Velvet top in “cherry jam,” aka a rich pink shade. The lace trim on the v-neckline and slightly puffed sleeves add to the festive feel of what would otherwise be a plain cotton long-sleeve shirt you might typically wear with jeans—style it with velvet tops, gold jewelry, and a heeled shoe, whether a boot or a pump.

For those of you looking to make a statement at your holiday functions, consider sequins for your go-to wow moment. Even when worn with jeans, a sequined going-out shirt amplifies your look. Zara’s Semi-Sheer Sequin Blouse features a high collar and elasticized trim at the waist and wrists for a softer, romantic take on a going-out top. The sequins detail reads as sprouts of holly rendered in black and silver, right on theme for the season. For a bolder take, check out Chico’s Art Deco Dolman Sequins Tee, all in gold. This has the ease of a T-shirt but the impact of a cocktail dress. And with sequins, there’s less need for jewelry, streamlining your getting-ready routine.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention sheer shirts when talking about going-out tops. Sheer, whether rendered in mesh or lace, can be very tricky. You can go with a blouse that has sheer elements, like just the sleeves, or with a completely see-through garment that requires layers. A sheer top can be great at overpacked parties, giving you some built-in ventilation, or it could be a tacky disaster that exposes your bra. I think White House Black Market’s Sheer Metallic Clip Ruffle Blouse nicely walks the line. With cascading ruffles down the neckline, flounced cuffs, a floral pattern, and a metallic sheen, this romantic blouse makes for a memorable (in a good way) going-out top. Definitely layer with a camisole and dark jeans for a ladylike approach to sheer.

Speaking of sheen, metallic is another option for going-out tops. Macy’s Vince Camuto Metallic V-Neck Sheer-Sleeve Top also includes that sheer element with enough coverage for holiday gatherings. In ultra red, rich purple, or bronze, this top will pop with any denim-and-shoe pairing. For a cutesy take, check out J.Crew Factory’s Metallic-Dot Puff-Sleeve top in gold and black lurex. The pattern and shorter sleeves will stand out at any party with wide-leg, high-rise jeans and cherry-red shoes.

Of course, what’s the point of the holidays if you can’t wear sweaters? Not all knitwear meets the level of going-out status, but if you find a particularly festive option, wear it with jeans for a no-fuss, snuggly party look. Lands’ End’s Lace Pointelle Puff Sleeve Cardigan in coral red will fit in at any holiday gathering. The subtle pointelle knit and short puff sleeves will make this the cutest cardigan in your closet. For something with a bit more edge, look to Vince Camuto’s Cozy Crewneck Sequined Raglan-Sleeve Sweater in rich black or medium heather gray. This combines coziness with sparkle.

Whether satin or velvet, sequins or metallic, the point of a going-out shirt is that it’s meant to stand out or at least apart from your typical tees, blouses, and cardigans. You can have several for this season that you can easily rotate with the same pair of jeans and shoes to stylishly meet all of your party and going-out needs.