by Maple Herzog

Created on: August 06, 2009   Last Updated: August 10, 2009

The little black dress was first invented by Coco Chanel in the 1920s and then popularized by Audrey Hepburn in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' in 1961. Since then, the little black dress or LBD as it is more popularly known, has become a wardrobe staple for every woman. Fashionistas often list the LBD high on their Top 10 must-haves. The blank slate of the black dress allows one to dress it up or tone it down, depending on the occasion.

The first step in choosing a LBD is to ensure the material and cut suits your body type. The most versatile LBD is a sleeveless sheath dress made from tropical wool that fall slightly above your knee. Wrap dresses are also great for all body shapes. Remember to choose a dress that is made from high-quality material (such as silk dupioni or wool) and drapes smoothly over your curves. Once you've chosen a great LBD that complements your body, there are many great ways to dress it up - for work, a weekend out or cocktails!

For work, add on a chic cashmere sweater and a pair of sensible pumps. Black dresses go fantastic with a turquoise cardigan and black heels. You can also match it with a black suiting jacket and jazz up the outfit with a pair of trendy nude pumps and a silk scarf. Both these ideas exude subtle elegance and are perfect for 9-to-5s. If you are a little more playful, pair your LBD with red heels for a sexy, vixen look! Belts of all colors and sizes paired with cardigans are simple and safe, yet elegant enough for work.

In winter, you can wear your LBD over a white long sleeve shirt and pair it with black stiletto boots. This outfit looks super cute especially when you match it with a nice cashmere scarf and a good quality wool coat. Mixing up your shirts can help you get more out of this look. Try blue, pink or even violet underneath a black shift dress made of wool. Patterned shirts of pastel colors lend a schoolgirl look and can be worn with simple Mary-Jane style shoes and leggings.

For special occasions, let your LBD speak for itself. Keep it simple and pair it with beautiful pearls or simple diamond earrings and a clutch bag - think Holly Golightly. This outfit is timeless and can be worn to dinner, the opera or simply for cocktails. A shrunken black jacket with help keep you warm. Your choice of shoes can also jazz up the outfit depending on the occasion. For an official event, you can wear a pair of slinky satin heels with a bow; for the opera, you can wear a pair of high pumps or for a casual dinner, you can wear your LBD with a pair of leopard print flats. Add a small flower brooch or silk scarf to lend a splash of classy color to your LBD.

If you have more than one little black dress, you can even wear it out on casual weekends. Pair it with a bright turtleneck sweater, cute leggings and equestrian style flat boots. The LBD also works during the summer if you match it with a white or grey cardigan and thong sandals - think Angelina Jolie's style! Comfortable ponte knit shift dresses are all the rage now, and pairing it with some folksy earrings and a large bag makes you look laidback enough for a fun lunch and weekend out.

The LBD is an investment piece and is versatile enough to last through every season. You can even change from serious work to classy cocktail in a matter of seconds just by removing your suiting jacket. Add some classy jewelry, a nice scarf and a pair of beautiful shoes and your LBD will keep you sexy for any occasion.

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