The reason it's the perfect "little black dress" and not the perfect "little burgundy dress" is that a woman can to get the most wear out of versatile black – more than any other color – by dressing it up or down with other garments and accessories.

Keep two things in mind when building your wardrobe from this one fabulous dress:

1. The key to successfully making an outfit for any occasion from just one little black dress is beginning with a classic shape that flatters your body type – babydoll-, mini-, and maxi-dresses aren't as adaptable as a simple, timeless cut.
2. Keep it simple: the beauty of the little black dress is its unabashed minimalism. No matter how much you layer your look, stick to mostly neutral shades with a few pops of analogous accent colors.

Here's how the little black dress can make you a fashion chameleon – smart and professional by day, sexy and sultry at night, and clever and funky on weekends.

Little Black Dressing at Work

Keep It Professional at the Office

• For daytime, layer a trendy bow tie blouse, a crisp white shirt or slim-fitting turtleneck under the professional little black dress.
• Slip on a solid-colored cashmere cardigan, or a cropped blazer, and put on a pair of opaque tights with a pair of tall boots (for a more casual look), or peep toe shoes with high or kitten heels (for a more formal daytime ensemble).
• Finish off your classic look with diamond stud earrings (or whatever you can manage) and some pearls.

Little Black Dressing at Night

Keep It Sexy for a Night on the Town

• Wear the little black dress on its own with sheer or fishnet stockings, sexy stilettos, a little bit of bling (dangly earrings or a tennis bracelet), and a small clutch.
• To keep evening chills at bay, add a touch of faux fur. Shrug on a fake fur cape, bolero or mini-poncho - it'll keep your shoulders warm and leave the rest of your outfit on display.

Little Black Dressing on the Weekend

Keep It Comfy and Funky at Lunch with the Girls

• Layer a cozy turtleneck or long-sleeved tee under the little black dress.
• Put on a pair of opaque or funky patterned tights with a pair of tall, mid-calf, or ankle boots. Alternatively, stay grounded with a cute pair of flat shoes.
• Cinch on a thick belt, put on some bangles or a chunky cuff bracelet, and slip on a long necklace with a funky pendant.
• Layer over a fitted tweed blazer, cropped jacket, bolero, or leather jacket.
• Finish it off with a scarf, gloves, and your favorite short-brimmed or newsboy cap.

Go Ultra Simple for a Casual Date

• For anytime elegance, wear your little black dress over a cream or charcoal grey turtleneck or fitted tee, buckle on a black leather belt and finish it all off with a bright scarf for a splash of color.
• Slip on opaque charcoal tights and a pair of black peep toe wedges.

Find out which little black dress will be most flattering to your figure.