he unwritten, but obvious, rule for downtown attire is the little black dress. We all have that go-to black dress hanging in the closet, and no matter if you’re going to your third downtown or your twentieth, you’re probably growing tired of wearing the same thing – and looking like everyone else. Here are some ideas to help you stand out at the next downtown.

Ditch the dress

You don’t need a dress to be dressy. A pair of dress pants – think silk, leather, or velvet – or a jumpsuit are perfect ways to amp up your going-out look. Plus, they are way easier to dance in compared to body-con dresses.

Reformation Rolls Jumpsuit, $218

Zara Cropped Trousers With Slits, $35.90

The Fifth Label Lovers + Friends Cold Shoulder Culotte Jumpsuit, $120

Black isn’t the only color out there

It is easy to find yourself in a black hole. If you quickly browse through Topshop, Zara, or ASOS, it seems like black is the only color for going-out looks. But if you are trying to avoid studying for a midterm, or need a way to kill time in between classes, take the time to search specifically for more colorful items. A vibrant color like a bright red, a metallic, or even a pastel will surely turn heads at any party.

ASOS Square Neck Velvet Mini Dress, $41

Finders Keepers Round Up Playsuit, $180

Zara Shiny Trousers, $49.90

It doesn’t have to be short to be sexy

While a shorter hem line may add a flirty flair to a look, by no means do you have to wear a short body-con dress to have a sexy downtown look. Although a longer dress may seem more conservative, with an off-shoulder, Deep-V, or slit, there is no way your look will be mistaken for business casual.

C/MEO Collective Life Is Real Long Sleeve Knit Dress, $250

Reformation Ashley Dress, $278

Club Monaco Simonettah Sweater Dress, $159

-Meredith Mitchell

Images courtesy of The Reformation, Zara, ASOS, BNKR, Urban Outfitters, and Club Monaco.