If they were called Big Black Dresses, I suppose no one would want to wear them. But Little Black Dresses are another matter entirely. As the Duchess of Windsor once said: "When the little black dress is right, there is nothing else to wear in its place."

	Dress it up: modernise your LBD with accessories such as patent shoes

Whether it's a Dorothy Parker-style "gownless strap" or a full-blown, taffeta meringue, LBDs are some of the most versatile items of clothing you will ever own - and can be dressed up or down. Timeless and classless, they have survived every fad on the fashion roller-coaster - from Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn to Elizabeth Hurley and Sienna Miller - and there is even a Facebook group of LBD devotees.

Next month, the Brighton Museum pays tribute to the LBD's long-lasting appeal with a major exhibition charting its history from the 1920s. Both haute couture and the high street have loaned pieces and the star exhibits will include Anouska Hempel's dramatic puffball, recently worn by the actress Hilary Swank in Tatler; Julien Macdonald's slinky number for Victoria Beckham, which she wore to illustrate her book That Extra ½ Inch; and one of Joan Collins's favourites.

As the Christmas party invitations begin to arrive, the annual question of what to wear arises. But really, the choice is obvious. Shop windows along the high street may be as shiny as disco balls, awash with beads, sequins, gold Lurex and silver lamé, but leave the razzle-dazzle to the Christmas tree.

Swoop past the tempting magpie offerings and head for the one rail that has been colonised by fashion's classic Little Black Dress. Oasis, Jigsaw, Whistles, Miss Selfridge, Wallis, Matalan and New Look all have versions. So do Marks & Spencer, Designers at Debenhams, Hobbs and Next.