Caitlin Donnelly dons a not-so-basic black dress from her own closet.

The little black dress — and recently, the tiny little black dress — are anything but basic. Pick a black lace dress for a femme fatale look, or pull on patterned tights and rock ‘n’ roll, studded heels with a sweet, black bubble dress for a bit of surprising edge. Other design details, like a short front hem and longer back hem, make the little black dress endlessly interesting.

Still, keep in mind the advice of American fashion consultant Tim Gunn, who recently commented in the November issue of Marie Claire: “It goes without saying that the basic black dress is the core of evening attire. It provides a neutral platform for accessories. But I want to suggest separates as well. Think about the impact and fashion counterpoint of a pencil skirt paired with an exuberant white top. Or how about a fitted bustier with a voluminous skirt? There are limitless options. Just take a chance!”

Bejeweled cardigans, lace pants, boyfriend jeans, ruffled skirts, distressed denim, suede blazers, fancy harem pants, cotton T-shirts, sequined miniskirts and tuxedo jackets … mixing daywear with embellished eveningwear looks casual-chic.

Fancy pants:

When the weather starts dropping, pull on a pair of trousers. You’ll be surprised at the sophisticated, feminine options that don’t require freshly shaved legs or pantyhose.

Pants with interesting details and dressy fabrics are the perfect alternative to a LBD. Once you find your perfect pair, there are endless combinations. Check out my step-by-step, styled outfit for one example:

For this outfit, I picked out a pair of high waisted, wide-leg satin pants:

• Wear a basic white shirt: Either tuck in the shirt or wear it out, hanging over your pants with a waist-cinching skinny belt.

• Pile on bangles or put on an alternate statement jewelry piece to add color and dimension to your look.

• Choose bright shoes if your overall look is pretty basic black-and-white; otherwise, choose another favorite pair.

• Add a boyfriend blazer or a bright, cropped jacket (look for a jacket with exaggerated shoulders and rolled cuffs).

• Or, opt for a long cardigan. (This can also be belted, buttoned, or worn loose and open.)

• Finally, pick out the perfect clutch. Just make sure it’s size-appropriate and fits your keys, credit cards and cash, cell phone and any cosmetics the evening may require.

• Other pant styles can also make a great, bold statement for your evening out. Soft metallic or sparkling, sequined pants seem over-the-top at first, but they are fabulously sophisticated if they are paired with the right top. (Steer clear from anything overly detailed or a top with too busy a pattern.) Also, tweed cuffed shorts or satin shorts are yet another separate that is easily gussied-up with embellished stockings and boots or heels.

More specific style tips for evening dress:

• If you can help it, avoid flat shoes. Wearing a bit of a heel transitions your look.

• When wearing distinguishably feminine fabrics, such as lace, keep them on top or on bottom, not all over from head to toe.

• Need a cover-up? Wear fur or faux fur. It takes a bit of courage to don a fur, so be confident. If you are nervous, wear a smaller fur accessory (instead of an essential piece, like a coat). This way, it can easily be removed once you leave your house.

• Wear animal prints, but wear them sophisticatedly. With such a wild print, there is no need to show extra skin.

• Paint your nails and spritz on a little perfume! This will make you feel even more put-together and dressed up.