Little Black Dress ( LBD )

We have Coco Chanel, of the House of Chanel, to thank for this revolutionary classic. Coming out of the Victorian days of long, layered, voluminous, fussy and uncomfortable fashions, Coco Chanel's little black dress was a fresh breath of comfort and chic in a single universally appealing garment. Chanel's creation became an instant and amazing success in the fashion world.

The LBD has adapted throughout the decades to changing hemlines, fabrics, cuts and accessories, not just surviving but reigning on the very short list of women's must-have clothing. Hollywood luminaries, including Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn immortalized the little black dress.

Your little black dress is a chameleon of fashion, at home and up-to-date in just about any setting, given the right accessories.

WHERE YOU CAN WEAR YOUR LITTLE BLACK DRESS:

o For office wear or a business lunch, low-heeled pumps, an Italian silk scarf and a gold bracelet render an elegant and unfussy appearance. Tres chic!

o A date at the ballet calls for some sparkle - gold or silver jewelry, belts, scarves, hair or shoe ornaments, a beaded or sequined shawl lends a sophisticated feel to the ensemble. Key to a show-stopping look is less is more. A single spectacular pendant diamond necklace and matching earrings will do the trick.

o Clubbing? Here's an open frontier for the little black dress. Dig out those red stilettos and the jewel-toned belt. Maybe a red lamé bolero as a wrap will finish the look.

o What about shopping? If you're shopping for jewelry, jackets, coats, shoes or hats, the LBD is the perfect backdrop. It goes with everything,and lets you see the possibilities of whatever fashion partner you have in mind. The fabulous magenta velvet hat just won't show so well with your pleated plaid skirt. The little black dress offers the latitude of vision you need to see the virtues of that Renaissance-style necklace, or faux-fur jacket that would simply not be apparent with a turquoise linen pantsuit.

The little black dress flatters every body type, shape and size. Black is slimming and trims many a fault away. The longevity of this fashion item is well deserved and earned. Millions of women have relied on this simple but revolutionary creation of Coco Chanel for almost a century. So, if you don't have one, get one. Long sleeved, short sleeved or sleeveless, the little black dress is history and the future in one sublime piece of women's fashion.