Christian Siriano says the best outfit for a night out is one that's expressive and makes you look like a character

• Christian Siriano has created an upcoming capsule collection of cocktail-inspired garments.
• So we asked him how he thinks people should dress for a night out with friends.
• The designer and "Project Runway" winner said it's important to be overly expressive and have fun.

If you're going out for drinks with friends this weekend, Christian Siriano has some fashion tips for you.

Insider recently spoke with the fashion designer and "Project Runway" winner about his latest New York Fashion Week runway, where he debuted a sparkling blue-and-gold gown that he crafted to have the essence of a French 75 drink.

The gown is just the first example of Siriano's upcoming cocktail-inspired fashion collection, which he created in collaboration with Bombay Sapphire.

So when it comes to getting dressed for a night of sipping cocktails, what outfit would Siriano recommend?

Rather than suggesting one specific style, Siriano said he'd emulate the looks of "cool people" he's seen out and about who are "really having fun with fashion" — ones who are so expressive with their style that they almost become characters.

"I feel like you can go into a bar and you're seeing every kind of character, which I love," he said. "The country boys have their jeans and their boots, and the club girl that looks like she's off the cast of 'Euphoria.' At least in New York, I've noticed that so much — anybody and everybody is out."

And because people are so freely being themselves, Siriano thinks people should feel free to have fun with their clothes.

"I'm seeing sequin party dresses at 6 o'clock. It's kind of cool actually," he said with a laugh. "People are really taking risks again and being playful."

Siriano has long been outspoken about having fun with fashion while also ignoring gender and societal norms.

Speaking with Insider last year, the designer said he wants to see people "go bold, be exciting, and be expressive" — even if they're attending someone's wedding.

"You don't wanna upstage the bride — I do still think that is important. But at the end of the day, I would rather my guests all look as confident and great as they want," he said.

The message is similar to one he shares today — that even if you're just getting a drink with friends, your clothes should express who you are.

"There are no rules. Just wear what you want to wear, be what you want to be," he said. "Boys in skirts? I love that. Wear a sequin jacket at 1 o'clock for lunch these days."