© Chanel

The LBD was born in the 1920s with Chanel's Ford dress, and let's face it: has it ever gone out of fashion? In all styles and cuts, on the catwalk, in the street and, most importantly, at all those parties and events you have nothing to wear for, the LBD is a wardrobe essential for any woman.

When you've got an all-important date, be it with Mr Right or the banker, the LBD will never let you down, because you can dress it up or down for any occasion and it's the ultimate female weapon! 

Think Audrey Hepburn's iconic LBD from Breakfast at Tiffany's, Marilyn Monroe's figure-hugging LBD in Some Like It Hot, the long LBD Princess Diana wore the night she danced with John Travolta at the White House dinner, and Liz Hurley's "less is more" Versace LBD with strategically-placed safety pins. The LBD is so much more than a dress: it's a twentieth-century classic.

Working contemporary fashion in with classic LBDs is easy with the masculine look, Victorian style and big accessories. See how to choose the right one and how to dress it up/down. And even though it's hard to go wrong with an LBD, there are fashion faux pas to avoid, so take note! Last but not least, check out our favorite budget LBDs for this season.

Photo: Chanel LBD, ready-to-wear spring-summer collection.