Find the Perfect Little Black Dress

Pear shaped? Take the emphasis off your lower body by selecting a dress with an A-line skirt that floats over your hips, or look for a design with a ruched or draped bodice that gives the illusion of a fuller torso. Avoid bias-cut or jersey dresses that cling to your lower half.

If you're busty, balance your upper assets with a '50s-inspired dress with a nipped-in waist and a neckline that hits just below your collarbones. Avoid a mono-boob-creating turtleneck or a plunging V-neck that evokes Dolly Parton.

If you have an apple shape, hide your tummy with a trapeze-style shift that skims over your center. Consider going with a shorter tunic style dress that shows off your slim legs. Avoid anything belted or form-fitting.

If you have an hourglass figure, try a belted shirtdress that shows off your shape or a wrap dress that adjusts to your curves. Avoid baggy or tent styles that hang from your widest part, obscuring your form.

Have a straight figure? Play up your spare shape with an ultra-simple mod shift or a drop-waist '20s look. Avoid any style with fitted cups or a structured bodice that you can't fill out.

Knee-length. No matter what your age or body shape, the most versatile hem-length is right at the knee — sexy enough for date night, yet still work-appropriate, it's a win-win.

Miniskirt. Ultra-minis (i.e. thigh-high hems) are for the very young and should be worn only after dark. Skirts falling anywhere between the mid-thigh and the upper knee don't have an age limit (assuming you've got good legs), but those of us over 30 should consider wearing opaque tights when rocking a short skirt.

Below-the-knee. A mid-calf hemline is best worn with a slit at the side or back to allow more movement (and to keep frumpiness at bay).

A good little black dress is an investment that can last for years; get the best quality dress you can afford.

Fabric

• Wool crepe holds it shape well and is ideal for structured pieces; skip woolen materials with short fibers escaping the weave. Though soft, these quickly pill and look cheap.
• Mid-weight cottons are best for shirtdresses and warm-weather pieces — look for a tight weave that keeps its shape after a few washings.
• Lightweight silks and cottons are best suited for diaphanous silhouettes; the fabric should lie lightly in your hand and have a smooth, not stiff, drape.

Stitching and fasteners
Check along seams for even stitches that will hold their shape. Test zippers to ensure that they run smoothly and lie flat. Make sure buttons are firmly sewn down.

Lining
A sheath or structured design should be lined in a breathable fabric that isn't too stiff. A lining material should not be so thick that it compromises the silhouette of the piece.

Now for the fun part! It only takes a single, standout element to change the entire look of a little black dress.

Statement necklace
Create the effect of a bejeweled neckline with a bib necklace, or add color with strands and strands of beads.

Oversize earrings
For a formal event try shoulder-dusting chandeliers or choose boldly hued cabochon earrings for a more casual affair.

Bangles
Pile on a stack of bracelets of varying sizes in the same color family or simply don a matching pair of oversize cuffs.

Brooches
Think of the First Lady and choose '60s-inspired floral pieces in sets of two or three. Try arranging them at different spots along the neckline or add a single pin to the front of a defined waistband, to serve as a mock belt buckle.

Eye-catching shoes
Skip the stockings and add interest to your simple black dress with brightly colored pumps or patterned satin sandals.

Textured tights
Slip on lace or Swiss-dot stockings; just be sure to finish the look with the simplest shoes.