The little black dress is a timeless classic. It can fit almost any occasion. Every girl should have one. True, your mother had a little black dress, so did her mother, and her mother probably did as well. It is not a crime to "dress like your mother," but it should be a crime to neglect putting your own personal touches and flair to your little black dress. It can be as classic and understated or flashy as you wish. All it takes is a little fashion know-how and a few well selected accessories and you are good to go. Choose a dress that can not be "dated" if you want a piece that if truly versatile and classic. Plain black with a short or medium sleeve is optimum. However, if you plan to pair it with a jacket for the office or a wrap for more formal occasions, sleeveless is acceptable as well.

You can't go wrong with pearls. A simple string of pearls can give your little black dress a smart touch of class. Whether you choose a single strand of pearls or several strands, the look is classic and enduring. Matching earrings complete the look. However, if you want a little taste of glam, glitter and glitz is the way to go. Crystals , rhinestones and shiny metals take the look up a notch. Long, dangling, crystal earrings and striking focals give your look glamorous and elegant. To take your look to a trendier level, opt for chunkier, colorful accessories. Wear a colorful hair stick in your hair or try some large earrings. A splash of color can give the little black dress a fresh new look.

Much more than just the dress, this look, like any other, incorporates shoes, hosiery, jewelry and hair accessories to make a total fashion statement. This can go in so many directions, one can become giddy with excitement over the possibilities. The monochromatic look, black dress, black hose and black shoes are "safe" and quite elegant. Accented with pearls it goes sophisticated, with crystals, glamorous. However, colored hose with the dress and shoes the same color and you have a trendy look. Another fun, fashionable look is to add flashy shoes like red or fuscia to the black dress and hose.

Every wardrobe should be equipped with this essential fashion item. With the versatility and timelessness of the little black dress, the possibilities are endless.