Rihanna traded in her usual provocative outfits for something a little frumpier when she stepped out in New York on Monday night.

The 27-year-old singer looked dramatically different in a calf-length green floral dress which swamped her figure.

Despite law enforcement searching for a man who posted threatening tweets – including an image of a gun and bullets – Rihanna managed to look somewhat upbeat as she visited a tattoo parlour.

Not her usual style: Rihanna swapped her trademark sexy style for a frumpy green floral dress which she wore with white Chanel loafers when she headed out in New York on Monday night

Her good friend Melissa Forde along for the trip, Rihanna looked comfortable for the outing.

She wore her brown hair in a shock of loose curls high on her head, while makeup choices tended toward the dramatic with darkly lined eyes and lips.

Rihanna wore her baggy dress with a pair of white flat Chanel loafers, throwing a matching green rucksack over her shoulder.

Brighter image: It was a significantly more cheerful look than earlier on the same day

No slowing: Despite police searching for a stalker who has been harassing the singer, Rihanna opted for a casual night out on the town

Focus on comfort: With her loose green-and-white dress and white flats, Rihanna seemed to want comfort for the evening

Ink search? Rihanna and some friends made a stop at a tattoo parlour

A bright green choker from Versace and several pieces of jewellery helped to dress up this otherwise casual frock, while the singer kept to the comfort theme with her sensible shoes.

While Rihanna and Melissa spent some time checking out tattoo and piercing designs, they did not seem to make a purchase.

These colours stood in sharp contrast to Rihanna’s outfit from earlier on the same day, when she went incognito with her hair over her face in a black T-shirt and matching yoga leggings.

Browsing: The ladies took some time to examine tattoo and piercing options

Dramatic colours: Black-lined eyes and lips – along with deep violet lipstick – brought drama to the otherwise simple look

Dressed-up: Plenty of jewellery, including a Versace choker, also added to Rihanna’s glam

Staying together: Rihanna might have felt more comfortable in the company of Melissa Forde and other friends

Moving on: The singer and her friends did not seem to make any purchases before moving on

Troubles: Although she had an easygoing demeanour, Rihanna was dealing with serious threats and legal issues

Back on April 30, Rihanna’s alleged stalker posted a selfie outside the singer’s home but disappeared by the time police arrived.

He also sent several menacing messages to and about Rihanna.

TMZ reported Sunday that the user account from which the tweets were sent is listed under the names of Alex Mercer and Ralph Alexander and police are now tracking the suspect electronically.

Not shy: Rihanna is known for her provocative sense of fashion – pictured on stage at the iHeartRadio Awards in Los Angeles in March

Flashing the flesh: The singer loves to show off her toned abs and lean legs – performing in concert in New Zealand

In one tweet, the suspect wrote: ‘Should of killed @rihanna a minute back I would be good right now’.

He went on: ‘Sorcery is a weapon I use guns’, adding, ‘Can’t. Use hands’.

After his Twitter account was suspended, the man appears to be back online apparently with a new alias.

In a message directed at Jay Z, whose label Rihanna is signed to, he wrote: ‘@S_C_ tell them in not a stalker you know me other page got suspended’ (sic).

Worried: Rihanna was seen leaving her NYC apartment and heading to the gym on Monday after it emerged police are searching for an alleged stalker

Threatening tweets: Law enforcement are reported to be searching for a man who posted a selfie in front of the R&B star’s home and made gun threats

Wary: Rihanna kept a tight grip on her cell phone as she walked the city streets

It’s another worry for the star who has had to deal with stalker issues in the past.

Last month a man was reportedly arrested after he was escorted by three police officers and the singer’s bodyguard following an attempt to gain entry to her New York City apartment building.

And in July 2014, a 53-year-old homeless man was arrested for hand-delivering eerie messages to her apartment in Soho, New York.

Dressed down: The 27-year-old wore navy blue leggings and a matching blue t-shirt with coordinated trainers for her workout

Shocking: On April 30, 2015, the alleged stalker posted a selfie claiming to be in front of Rihanna’s home

Kevin McGlynn has since been held at a psychiatric hospital for treatment after a judge compared him to the man that shot John Lennon and described the situation as a tragedy waiting to happen.

Back in October 2013, a trespasser was arrested at Rihanna’s home in Pacific Palisades.

The incident came just a week after the same property was targeted by intruders while she was on the Australia leg of her Diamonds World Tour.

Menacing: The suspect appeared to also threaten Rihanna’s ex boyfriend Chris Brown

Threat? On June 1, 2015 a man was reportedly arrested after he was escorted by three police officers and the singer’s bodyguard following an attempt to gain entry to her New York City apartment building