The party top is back on the guest list and these brands are dressing it up

The “nice top and jeans” uniform has officially graduated from backup plan to full-blown lifestyle. If your wardrobe has spent the past few years whispering in minimalism and strict monochrome, consider Spring 2026 your loud, glittery wake-up call. The early-2000s party top is back with intent, ditching the “less is more” mantra for a firm “more is a mood.”

Think main-character corsets that sculpt, halter necks made for strobe lights, and sequins that refuse to blend in. After years of oversized hoodies and staying in, the appetite for getting dressed again has hit a peak. Nightlife fashion has shifted from practical to playful, where showing up isn’t enough; you want to be the brightest thing in the room. From sculptural bodices to shimmering Y2K camisoles (with a very 2026 upgrade), these eight brands prove that high-octane glamour starts from the waist up.

Studio Picante

If your idea of a party top comes with a little bite, Studio Picante delivers. Founded by Shruti Agarwal, the label leans into sculpted corsets, fluid drapes, and sequins that linger long after the lights go down. The silhouettes celebrate the body while staying playful enough for long nights out. As Agarwal puts it, the party top is the piece you reach for when the night feels full of possibility, something vibrant, confident, and slightly unexpected.

Nef’s Finds

If you’re chasing that “endless summer” vibe for a night out with the girls, Nef’s Finds serves up pure Y2K nostalgia with a breezy, vacation-leaning twist. What started as an Instagram thrift sensation has evolved into a label known for its cult-favourite tanks and easy, throw-on silhouettes that pair perfectly with denim. Nefertari Joshi creates pieces that feel like an instant mood-shifter, rooted in nostalgia but built for spontaneity. As she puts it, a great party top is one that “instantly changes your mood,” especially for nights that don’t follow a plan.

Soléite 

If your night-out aesthetic leans polished, intentional, and just a little intimidating (in the best way), Soléite fits the brief. Founded by Akangsha Kandhari, the label focuses on sharp tailoring, asymmetric cuts, and structured silhouettes that don’t rely on sparkle to stand out. It’s refined, self-assured, and quietly powerful. As Kandhari says, getting ready should feel just as good as the night itself, and these pieces deliver both.

Maheka Mirpuri

If glamour is the brief and budget isn’t a concern, Maheka Mirpuri’s Mumbai atelier is where party dressing reaches peak drama. Known for Swarovski embellishments, corseted structures, and Indo-Western silhouettes, each piece feels like an event in itself. Mirpuri sees the return of the party top as a reflection of how women are dressing now, leaning into statement pieces that instantly add glamour, personality, and confidence.

Past Modern

As the name suggests, Past Modern lives at the intersection of nostalgia and now. Founded by Shivang Chandna, the label reworks traditional silhouettes with a sharper, more playful edge, mixing sequins, craft, and bold, text-led details into statement tops. From adda embroidery to cheeky graphics, every piece feels like it has something to say. Chandna calls the going-out top one of the most powerful pieces in a wardrobe, the one you reach for when you want to feel confident, playful, and unforgettable.

Diris

At Diris, party dressing softens into something more fluid. Founded by Ila Vashisht, the brand plays with delicate silhouettes, sheer layers, lace, and subtle sequins, creating pieces that feel romantic without fading into the background. It’s for the girl who loves a party but doesn’t need to shout to stand out. Vashisht’s approach is simple: choose one standout piece and let everything else follow.

Girls Don’t Dress For Boys

If your party mood swings between structured and slightly chaotic (in a chic way), Girls Don’t Dress For Boys understands the assignment. Founded by Ashi Singh, the label pairs corsets and sculpted bodices with softer, fluid details that keep things playful. It’s equal parts control and chaos, the kind of top that makes a statement before you even speak. As Singh puts it, a great party top gives your alter ego somewhere to exist.

Mana

Small, growing, and quietly stealing the spotlight, Mana by Manya Bharadwaj brings a softer, more romantic lens to party dressing. The silhouettes move between dreamy and statement-making, often weaving in subtle Indian elements that feel personal rather than trend-led. It’s the brand you reach for when you want something that stands apart from the usual night-out formula. Bharadwaj keeps it real: the right outfit isn’t just about how it looks, it’s about feeling powerful the second you put it on.

Lead image credit: The brands 

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