Every woman looks great wearing it, and every woman has her own. It is the default date ensemble when it is one of those "I have nothing to wear" days. In fact, it is so popular, so necessary, and so much an institution in women's fashion that we had to ask: "Where did the "little black dress" come from?"

To properly understand the fashion environment necessary to produce such a simplistically fabulous necessity for any wardrobe, we must visit the 1920's. As women shed their long, layered dresses, cut their hair and enjoyed the fast-paced party life, society slowly became more accepting of women baring slightly more of her shoulders, back, and legs. The coveted silhouette of the era was generally very slender and youthful.

It was during the 20's that the legendary fashion designer Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel first stitched her name into the history of women's clothing design. In

fact, Chanel's designs are often considered to be the epitome of the 20's style because her work was so fresh, modern, and updated.

Since Coco Chanel introduced it in 1926, the little black dress has become the epitome of timeless fashion.

As a concept, the little black dress has even moved on to represent an ideal of a perfectly simple, yet sexy object. Even the computer industry recognizes the need to inject a bit of "little black dress" into its design and marketing.

A fashion anomaly, the concept of the little black dress never changes, much unlike the trend-crazed industry.

It knows no social, style or size boundaries. Whether it's a size 2 or a size 22, it is still a little black dress. And everyone wants to own at least one perfect little black dress.

As Chanel was quoted, "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury." Whether a woman's little black dress cost $50 or $2,000 her intention is the same: to look effortlessly classic and appropriately sexy in just seconds. While most of us cannot afford to buy Chanel's breathtakingly beautiful pieces, we can certainly wear our trusty black dresses with the modern, sophisticated attitude she possessed.

Chanel was able to infuse comfort and sophistication into fashion, and this combination was considered revolutionary. It was during her early work, that Chanel designed and introduced the first little black dress to the world.

Through the years, the little black dress has undergone hemline, shoulder, strap and fabric variations and this season is no different.

Little Black Dress Facts

• Before Coco Chanel introduced it as a fashion color, black was primarily used for mourning.

• Even a book has been dedicated to it: "Little Black Dress," by Amy H. Eldelman.

Tips

• Always in style: a knee length (right above, at or below) sleeveless sheath.
• Keep legs bare or in very sheer hose for the dressiest looks. An updated twist is to add patterned hose.
• Feel free to embellish the look with sparkly earrings, bag and cover-up because the simple black dress carries accessories well.