Wardrobe Must - The LBD

The LBD or Little Black Dress for the uninitiated  is a must for any female wardrobe.

Traditionally the LBD is an evening or cocktail dress, in a simple cut and should be short - just above the knees.

It was high fashion preistess Coco Chanel who is often credited with cementing the LBD into the wardrobes of women all over the world and is said to have started in the 1920's.

She intended the LBD to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable, accessible to the widest market possible and in a neutral color.

And Audrey Hepburn made it fashionable in many movies during the 50's and 60's.

The LBD can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion: for example, worn with a jacket and pumps for daytime business wear or with more ornate jewellery and accessories for evening.

Because it is meant to be a staple of the wardrobe for a number of years, the style of the little black dress ideally should be as simple as possible: a short black dress that is too clearly part of a trend would not qualify because it would soon appear dated.