I love the LBD; otherwise known as the little black dress. The rules are simple; not too much adornment, simple lines, it can be long or short, but short is better, worn to the knee. No fashionable details that make it too contemporary or too fashionable. It must be the kind of dress you can wear year after year, never losing its style or ability to flatter the figure regardless of age.

 Chanel produced the little black dress back in 1926; it was referred to as the “Ford” in America in reference to the Ford’s uniform black car. It carried on from there as the epitome of style changing over each decade, becoming more glamorous as time wore on. No longer seen as funeral wear the black dress became popular through the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s and for me it’s still the most beautiful garment to wear. I don’t care whether people are now wearing navy blue, orange or any other colour that seems to be the current “new black.” For me, it’s black all the way.

 And of course the one woman who wore black better than any other; Audrey Hepburn herself. No other fashion icon could wear the black dress the way she did.

 I am no Audrey Hepburn and I don’t own a Coco Chanel black dress, perhaps I never will, but I can rock the look and dream the dream.

It’s also an easy look to achieve, upswept hair or worn casually to the shoulders with loose curls, minimal make up other than a classic sweep of red across the lips. A black caress of black liner across the lid and a flick of jet mascara. The dress is worn to hang simply over the collar bone and hips, perhaps three quarter length sleeves or sleeveless with toned arms.  A hint of something expensive sprayed at the pulse points, a simple clutch and black court shoes, or kitten heels with a strap at the back. No fake tan, simple pale skin is best, blanched white, a stark contrast against the jet black of the figure hugging dress.

 No impulsive behaviour, no overly sexual gestures, an air of mystery matched by a mildly flirtatious smile.

 Of course the look must be matched by impeccable behaviour, no pint glasses or inelegant poses, a glass of wine or champagne will suffice.  To be the girl in the LBD one must be a mystery to be unravelled, an enigma.