A black dress is simple and chic," says Nancy Sagar, public relations director at Neiman Marcus. "You can't go wrong when you wear one. And the beauty of it is you can change the look of it so quickly depending on the shoes, bag and jewelry you wear."

The first step is finding a dress that has clean lines and a minimum of detail. The key is to make sure it suits your shape. It should hug you where you are the slimmest and skim over lumps and bumps. If black washes you out, your little black dress could actually be slate grey, plum or navy.

Look for a dress with something extra – embellishment at the neck, or embroidery.  But if you have large boobs, keep the glitz lower down.

Coco Chanel is often given credit for "inventing" the little black dress in the 1920s, but serious students of fashion know that black was fashionable as far back as the 14th century, in Italy. Because black dyes were expensive, only the elite could afford to wear black clothes, whether for mourning, as a symbol of authority or simply as a fashion statement.

A slightly bouffant chignon tied with a velvet bow or a glossy blow-out, teamed with smoky gray eyeliner and extra mascara heighten the seductive powers of wearing all black.

If you're on a budget, and you don't think you can afford that little black dress, buy it anyway. With the right accessories, you'll be able to wear it over and over again, and depending on how you accesorize it, it can be perfect for all occasions.

Make your dress day friendly
Wear with flats to get a more relaxed feel.
Feel free to layer over skinny leg denim or tights.
Bright colours and trendy prints can make the gown more wearable.
Natural fabrics and textures can do wonders to dress down glam fabrics.
Relaxed shapes such as jumpers and jackets will instantly dress down that dress but still make you look glam.

Make your dress work friendly
Keep the necklines work friendly - layer items under or over the top of your dress to keep it all under cover.
Pair structured items such as nipped waist blazers, work ready footwear and toned down jewellery to make the look more refined.
A big leather bag is useful to make your look appear work friendly.
Keep everything proportioned, if your dress is short layer up on top to create balance.

Make your dress party friendly
Turn the shine up - embrace glitter, shimmer and shine in your accessories. Sequins and shiny accessories are "in" this year.
Keep the décolletage bare and show off details of the dress like plunging necklines or back-lines.
Get in those high heels to make your legs look firm, long and lean.

Make your dress black tie friendly
Keep things monotone to create an elegant and sleek feel.
Use caplets and silky scarves to show just the right amount of skin.
Make shorter length gowns as glamorous as floor sweeping styles by donning long silky scarves to elongate the feel of the dress.
Tone it down by wearing elegant and refined accessories. Swap out bling for pearls or a refined single stone drop. And replace those stilettos with a cute and sassy pump.