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If you’re a woman living and breathing in Boston, you’ve surely heard of the Boston Uniform. You’ve surely worn the Boston Uniform. That simple black top, pair of jeans, and sneaker outfit you’ve been donning on nights out since your teenage years. It may have evolved as you’ve gotten older, but I am a big believer that we can upgrade the classic outfit into something a little bit better.

It is classic for a reason. It’s easy and comfortable, and could even be called timeless. You’re probably not going to look back and think you’re black long sleeve was tacky. But interesting, creative, or personal, it is not. And that’s what fashion is all about, right? Engaging with your personal style and creating some cool outfits. So let’s talk about five easy ways to upgrade the Boston Uniform to add a bit of personality to your go-to style.

1. Swap your black top.

Habitually wearing black tops doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Habitually wearing boring black tops is. So let’s get into what takes a black tops from blah to fun.

Necklines, textures, silhouettes, details. These are all things that makes a piece of clothing interesting that have nothing to do with color. The sequin-laden halter top from Guizio has a bit of sparkle, but the oversized black sequins don’t feel overwhelming. The deep V of the flowy tank has an interesting shape as well, and the top stands out without being too over the top. The velvet tank with corset-esque button from Reformation or the empire waist peplum tank with a belted detail are beautiful ways to update a simple black tank top. Gold brooch-like buttons down an open front cardigan, textured sleeves, or a dramatic off-the-shoulder neckline make a black top cool without much work at all. Those small updates to simple tops take a piece from dull to interesting.

2. Invest in cool accessories.

A plain outfit can be completely upgraded by the accessories. A statement purse, cool earrings, a funky shoe—the options are endless.

I love a kitten heel, especially one with interesting details. An oversized buckle, a bold print, or a fun color are all amazing ways to elevate your more straightforward outfits. When it comes to purses, I love a structural bag in an unexpected shape or a pop of sequins or beads. Bold, chunky jewelry are great to draw the eye—I’m especially drawn to mismatched earring sets right now, like the olive and martini earrings from Anthropologie.

3. Find your silhouette.

You don’t have to give up the Boston Uniform completely to create a good outfit. If your heart is really set on sticking with a plain black top and jeans, that’s great. But to achieve the timeless, chic look that jeans and a black top can be, you have to find the silhouette that works for you. Your signature silhouette. Is it slouchy jeans or a boot cut leg? An off the shoulder top or a crew neck? Low rise or high? When you find the silhouette that you love and that you feel confident in, it’s easy to look effortlessly cool and chic, and to add in your favorite accessories to make the outfit feel new and fresh. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but you do have to bend it a little to suit exactly what it is that you want.

4. Ditch the denim.

Now if you are ready to step a little out of the box, skipping your favorite jeans is a great way to do it.

As a certified mini skirt lover, that’s my go-to. I love a cute pop of color like this burgundy leather mini or a fun texture like this feather hemmed skirt. A midi skirt always upgrades an outfit, and a mesh skirt with an asymmetrical hem like this Guizio piece make it easy to style a longer skirt for a night out. When it comes to pants, a cool leather piece or cut-out moment are always cool. If you’re completely committed to sticking with jeans, try a statement pair like this light wash slouchy pair with a big bow detail.

5. Dare to wear (at least a little) color.

I understand the draw to neutrals, I really do. They can feel easier to style and more versatile, but when it comes to night-out ‘fits, I think it’s the perfect opportunity to go for some bolder, colorful pieces.

A pattern or pop of color on a black piece is a great way to bring in a splash of color without straying too far from neutrals, but if your ready to jump in the colorful deep end, I love a bright colored sequin top or a colorful mesh. Patterns, especially on mesh, always look effortless and cool. I love a good two toned moment, like this pink and red lacy tank—it’s a great way to engage with multiple colors without having to coordinate two different colored pieces. And I love a bold colored pant, like these borderline metallic lime green trousers. They just look irresistibly cool, and I love that they have that low rise, slightly slouchy fit.

I understand the Boston Uniform, really, I do. But I also believe that us Boston girls deserve a better fashion reputation than the one we’ve got. I’ve seen some of my favorite outfits of all time on the streets of Boston and from Boston content creators, but I know it can be overwhelming to step out of your fashion comfort zone. Of course, wear whatever you’d like—take what you love and leave what you don’t. But I hope you’re taking a bit of inspiration that’ll help engage a bit more with your personal style, and maybe step just a little bit outside of your comfort zone.