20 Lessons We Can Take From Gabrielle Union's Unbeatable Date-Night Style

A short, patterned dress is pretty much a date-night staple, but if you want to take things up a notch, look for a dress with an unusual silhouette — like this one worn by Union, with a wide, nearly off-the-shoulder neckline and long sleeves to offset the short hemline.

For a slightly dressier look that's still unique and a little playful, try a strapless dress in a colorful, patterned brocade. The heavier, embossed fabric gives a little more heft to the look, but a beautiful color and flattering cut keep it from looking like your old prom dress.

The base of this outfit is pretty simple: just a black top and white shorts. But with a funky statement jacket and large hoop earrings, it becomes a versatile and quirky outfit ready for a fun night out.

One part sporty, one part girlie, a fitted, slightly cropped top and a pleated skirt make for a fun (and comfortable!) date-night look.

For a casual date, you can't go wrong with a simple white tank top and a frayed denim skirt. Polish it off with a pop of bright lipstick and hoop earrings for a special extra touch.

A midi dress with a tied waist and bold stripes can take you anywhere, from a casual daytime stroll to a dressier evening date. Throw on your favorite accessories and a coat if the weather requires, and you're ready to go!

Slouchy, high-waisted white pants can be tricky to style well, but paired with a fitted, colorful top and simple shoes, they make for a great outfit for a date night!

The couple stepped out in Paris looking every bit prepared for Fashion Week in 2017. This is more of a day look, but paired with a leather jacket, it could easily transition to night.

For a Spring or Summer date, pair a colorful patterned skirt with a bright, solid sleeveless top and some strappy sandals for an effortlessly pretty date-night outfit.

Union gave us edgy biker vibes in 2017 with this all-black ensemble. Fringe? Check. Graphic T? Check. Peep-toe booties? Check, check.

The sheer leggings may be a stretch for a movie night (we don't know your life), but a tiny bit of bra peeking out under an oversize sweater is a subtle way to show off your sexy side.

The cooler-weather version of a trusty tank-and-skirt combo is this outfit, with a lightweight, fitted black sweater and a bold printed skirt.

You truly can't go wrong with a brightly colored maxi dress in your favorite print. It's versatile, it's flattering on pretty much everyone, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and venue.

Who wants to blend in? Not only are Union's two pieces structurally interesting, but the contrasting colors also draw your eye. Cinching things with a dark belt? Perfection.

A cropped, chunky sweater and light-wash, high-waisted jeans create a casual and cozy but still sexy look for a date night.

You may not be able to get your date to look at spiffy as Wade here, but you certainly can try out Union's unique shorts-and-jacket combo. The subtle pattern keeps this look from venturing into Steve Urkel territory.

A pretty button-down shirt, with sleeves cuffed up, works for a date night when paired with an unexpected skirt, like this long, pleated, camel-colored skirt Union chose.

Instead of a simple silhouette, pump up your date-night look with a drapey dress in a splashy, colorful pattern.

Blazers and pants aren't just for the office anymore. A cool plaid pattern on a low-cut jacket can turn this style into one perfect for a date night.

Union gave us some major style inspiration with this look, which took the standard white jumpsuit and shook things up with a cool, asymmetrically draped top.