Ultimate Guide to Preparing for an Unforgettable Girls Night Out

IT'S NOT JUST A GIRLS' NIGHT, IT'S THERAPY

My cousin & I downtown Chicago - grateful for fun moments & bomb pictures.

Introduction

My cousin and I have committed to regularly scheduling a fun girls' night out because we all need a great GNO. With our busy lives and demanding jobs, this is our dedicated time to unwind, enjoy ourselves, and create unforgettable memories while exploring our beautiful city. These outings are packed with laughter, incredible photos, and, naturally, fantastic drinks! Use this as your guide to the perfect girls' night out, whether you're with cousins, sisters, or best friends. Follow this guide to ensure your night is truly memorable with those you love the most.

Setting the Date and Time

Coordinating schedules can be challenging, particularly when organizing for a large group, but don't let that hinder your enjoyment. I suggest sending out a message proposing a few days and times, such as Friday at 8 PM or Happy Hour on Tuesday at 4. If you're unsure about a specific date but have an exciting idea for the plans, ask your friends or group what day and time suit their schedules best. Sometimes, mentioning that your friend's favorite DJ will be at a club or that a new restaurant has just opened nearby can make it sound more appealing. If a friend or someone from the group mentions they can't attend for any reason, reassure them that a different date can be selected, or propose making additional plans that include them, so they don't feel excluded. After all, who doesn't experience FOMO, right?

Choosing the Perfect Venue

Our choice of venue is always contingent upon the type of night we envision, taking into account factors such as location, atmosphere, and the overall style of the place, which can vary significantly based on our plans. For instance, if we intend to mingle and dance the night away, we are likely to select bars or social hangouts that have a good vibe and, of course, even better music that will keep us dancing all night. The energy of the venue plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the evening, and we often seek out places known for their lively crowds and engaging vibes.

As we find ourselves in the heart of summertime, this season presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether we choose to stroll along the picturesque Riverwalk, relax at the scenic lakefront, or unwind on a cozy patio or rooftop, the options are endless. Chicago summers are truly special, offering a unique charm that draws people outside to soak in the warm weather and vibrant city life. Nothing like hearing yelling walking down the street, or house music blasting on from a slingshot on LSD (Lake Shore Drive for you non-Chicago natives)

This is the ideal time to gather our friends for a memorable night out, embracing the spirit of summer and all the joy it brings. While the temperatures may rise during the day, the evenings by the lake have the most refreshing breeze, making the atmosphere delightful. There’s something exhilarating about enjoying a night out with your closest friends or family, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories against the backdrop of a beautiful Chicago summer night. So, as we plan our next outing, we’ll keep these factors in mind, ensuring that our venue choice aligns perfectly with the kind of unforgettable experience we aim to create.

The ideal venue often hinges on the location. Typically, for an enjoyable girls' night out, we choose one neighborhood or one part of town. If we're heading south, we might explore the

Loop, Fulton Market, or River North. If we venture further north, we're likely in Wrigleyville or Lakeview, but it's never the same. We love doing NEW things.

Outfit for the Night

When I'm out for a girls' night, I confidently choose outfits that are fun, flirty, and incredibly comfortable. There's nothing worse than spending hours in an outfit that's cute but not designed for extended wear. If I'm wearing pants, I pick pairs that hug my curves and are super stretchy. With summer here, I'm all about dresses, shorts, or skirts. Being tall, I love showing off my legs in the summer; my tan deserves to be flaunted!

For a summer girls' night out, my go-to outfit is a stunning dress, ideally one with pockets, or a chic bodysuit paired with cute shorts, whether they're made of denim or linen. To me, it's crucial to wear something stylish and comfortable. Confidence shines through when your outfit is perfect, and you don't have to adjust it constantly. Since it's summer, ladies, choose outfits suitable for all styles of dancing, depending on your venue.

Planning the Itinerary

Brainstorm some shenanigans to get into before hitting the main event (think pre-drinks or a feast). Imagine a night out where you pre-game with great drinks, perfect your look like a runway model, strike poses for those Insta-worthy shots or the next viral TikTok, and toss back a few shots with the crew while jamming to your ultimate hype anthem, which is currently OUTSIDE x Cardi B. The secret sauce for an epic night is keeping the vibes high, ensuring your crew is feeling good before we even leave out for the night.

Budgeting for the Night

We know how to enjoy ourselves without spending much, but we also know how to indulge without worrying about the cost. It's perfectly fine to set expectations and mention if you have a budget in place. (For example, "Looking forward to our plans, but I have a $100 budget for tonight.") If we're heading out to clubs or bars, we might skip dining out and either eat at home or order in, allowing us to allocate funds for transportation or drinks for the evening. Discussing a budget can sometimes feel awkward, but your friends will understand. If your budget is seriously at risk, consider exploring alternative, more affordable plans or postponing until your finances are more flexible. Often, if you communicate a specific budget, your group will accommodate you and might even cover your expenses!

Preparing for Safety

In my upbringing, if one person decides to leave, the entire group departs together. This is the norm for my family and me, unless there's a prior agreement to go separately. We always look out for one another and are mindful of our limits. Ridesharing is usually our go-to solution. Whether it's a group of 2 or 6, taking an Uber is always the smartest choice. This way, everyone can enjoy themselves without worrying about a designated driver or parking fees. If you happen to get separated, I recommend sharing your locations with each other. I also ensure my phone is fully charged before going out and always carry an extra charger. It's a running joke that I always have everything in my bag, even if it's a small one.

Embracing Spontaneity

I believe the best nights are those when everything hilariously derails from the plan in the most delightful way. Perhaps you started late because your alarm clock decided to take a nap, or your first outfit choice mysteriously vanished into the depths of your closet. Just roll with it and don’t let these little hiccups spoil a night full of fun.

Loosen up! If you bump into some friends and everyone’s having a blast, your plans might take a detour; perhaps the crew decides to migrate to another bar or club. Embrace it! I’m a planning aficionado, so I adore a good itinerary for the night, but being spontaneous makes room for the best experiences and memories. I want to wake up and immediately think of the sound bite from TikTok: "Boy, we had a time last night. We had a time last night."

Wrapping Up the Night

Whenever I'm ready to leave, I make it clear—I'm not subtle about it! We're hitting the road, everyone. With family, we're usually in sync like a well-oiled machine, but with friends, it's a whole different story. I suggest gathering together and coming up with a plan for ending the night before we even start. This way, we're all on the same page, and no one gets lost in the nightlife chaos.

Now, let me tell you about those nights when I look amazing, but the camera doesn't capture it. The struggle is real! So I do my best to capture those moments. I love taking photos, especially with my friends or family. I usually create little albums from an epic night out, perfect for sharing in the group chat with our glamorous escapades. And nothing beats coming home late and raiding the fridge or ordering food that arrives right when your Uber is dropping you off.

Conclusion

Every girl's night out leaves me eager to plan the next one right away. I'm always on the lookout for a new spot to explore or a fantastic place for some pictures. Now, I want to hear from you. What's your top tip for an amazing GNO? I'm sure there's something I'm overlooking, whether it's preparation, outfit selection, location, or anything else. Feel free to share a story or a funny memory in the comments below.