Beaded: Skip the LBD and try navy. Alice & Olivia‘s one-shoulder number (pictured), both beaded and sequined, is dramatic, different, and still timeless. Find it: Moxie, 5936 S. Holly St., 303-694-0773, moxieinstyle.com

$: $597

Lurex: Be feminine and demure in a draped wrap dress, like a L’Agence frock with tulle overlay and metallic dots, which shows just a hint of skin. Find it: A.Line Boutique, 5375 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village, 303-773-8200, aline-online.com

$: $475

Lace: It can go frumpy fast, so pick a silhouette that’s streamlined (i.e., not vintage), such as a Corey Lynn Calter lace minidress, and choose playful accessories. Find it: blu, 3201 E. Second Ave., 720-941-8034

$: $195