There is perhaps no garment more worthy of iconic status than the little black dress. The classic style staple adorns the wardrobes of so many, unsurprising, given its universal ability to flatter. The LBD is a simply cut evening or cocktail dress, often short, that can be dressed both up and down, depending on what your diary has in store.
According to fashion historians, it was Coco Chanel who first invented the little black dress. One of the designer's sketches was featured in Vogue's 1926 issue, and it was expected to "become sort of a uniform for all women of taste."
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe prediction came true, and the LBD has been worn by practically everyone – from Princess Diana's famous Christina Stambolian version, to Elizabeth Hurley's daring Versace safety pin number, and Audrey Hepburn’s slinky Givenchy iteration.
Flick back through history and discover the top ten times the LBD was worth its weight in sartorial gold.
Best LBD moments to date:
1/10
© Getty ImagesAudrey Hepburn
Widely heralded for her iconic portrayal of Truman Capote's complicated heroine Holly Golightly in the 1961 film Breakfast At Tiffany's, Audrey Hepburn's LBD was possibly even more revered than her performance. Created by Hubert de Givenchy, the figure-skimming silhouette epitomised glamour, styled with pearls, a tiara, opera gloves and, of course, Holly's trademark long cigarette holder.
2/10
Princess Diana
Princess Diana looked exceptional in her iconic 'revenge' dress as it was dubbed by the press. Her sweetheart neckline Christina Stambolian piece paired perfectly with her pearl choker worn to the Serpentine Gallery's 1994 summer party.
3/10
© Getty ImagesElizabeth Hurley
The model practically sent the press into overload when she accompanied boyfriend Hugh Grant to the London premiere of his latest picture Four Weddings and a Funeral while rocking a plunging safety pin dress by Versace. Hopping on the cut-out trend before it was even a thing, Elizabeth certainly did Donatella proud.
4/10
© Photo: Getty ImagesGrace Kelly
Styled by iconic costume designer Edith Head, Hollywood luminary Grace Kelly looked utterly unforgettable in her sheer sleeved pleated number in Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window from 1954.
5/10
© Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Sussex
The Duchess of Sussex paid homage to Audrey Hepburn by also opting for Givenchy at the 2018 Fashion Awards, looking unmistakably chic on a one-shoulder design as she cradled her baby bump.
6/10
© Getty ImagesCindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford made for the perfect bandage dress poster girl in 1998 when she donned a Hervé Léger mini dress at Vogue's 100th anniversary party. The stuff of legends.
7/10
© FilmMagicJulia Roberts
Julia Roberts turned to Valentino for one of the most important nights of her career when she stepped out in a strapless gown with contrasting piping at the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001 for her performance in Erin Brockovich.
8/10
Elizabeth Taylor
Back in 1951, Elizabeth Taylor attended the premiere of The Lady with the Lamp at the Warner Theatre in London sporting a beautiful black gown complete with halterneck silhouette and crystal-encrusted embellishments.
9/10
© Conde Nast via Getty ImagesSharon Stone
Actress Sharon Stone nailed the classic LBD moment, posing for Vogue back in 1992 while wearing a fitting calf-length, scoop-neck black rayon dress with a back slit by Calvin Klein Collection. A pair of black kitten heel sandals by Manolo Blahnik made for the perfect accessories choice.
10/10
© WireImageVictoria Beckham
LBDs were Victoria Beckham's sartorial bread and butter during the Nineties. Posh Spice become synonymous with her tightly-fitted LBDs, ranging from zeitgeisty Hervé Léger bandage dresses to vintage floral D&G midis.
