The Evolution of the Little Black Dress

Joan Bennett kept with traditional flapper style—a drop waist and a paneled hem—but the black color makes it timeless.

Lauren Bacall dresses up her v-neck LBD with a four-strand pearl choker—and, of course, her killer stare.

The full skirt and tight bustier of Elizabeth Taylor's dress was the epitome of style in the 1950s, but rather than follow the bright print and pattern trend of the time, the young starlet opted for a simple black fabric.

Actress Sophia Loren proves that there's no limit to what you can do with a LBD with this pleated and nautical design she wore in Cannes.

Marilyn Monroe's chic figure-hugging black sheath dress proves that less is always more.

Givenchy was chosen to design Audrey Hepburn's iconic black sheath dress that she wore in the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Joan Crawford opted for a tulle scoop neck black dress when she appeared on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.

Sophia Loren knew how to travel in style, which is why the actress opted for a belted black coat dress and cheetah print hat while flying with TWA in the '60s.

French actress Catherine Deneuve added a bit of flair to her simple black dress with a gold square belt and metal embellishments.

In true '70s style, Jackie Kennedy stepped out of her New York City apartment wearing a chic chiffon and ruffled sleeved black dress.

The "Like a Virgin" singer was known for her theatrics, which is why she shocked fans with her simple yet sophisticated black dress on Saturday Night Live.

A young model at the time, Kate Moss's black dress with a high neck and cut out details wowed on the red carpet alongside her boyfriend, Johnny Depp.

Princess Diana's off the shoulder, form fitting silk little black dress has been labeled "the revenge dress" as she wore it the same night Prince Charles aired his tell-all documentary about the couple's marriage and subsequent divorce. Although Diana didn't make a statement that night, her LBD spoke volumes.

Pre-Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker flexed her style skills in a short black slip dress and sheer tights.

If we could personify the '90s into one dress, Reese Witherspoon's spaghetti strap black mini dress for the House of Yes premiere would be it.

Gwyneth Paltrow took the little black dress to a whole new level at the Bounce premiere in 2000. The starlet opted for a strapless, knee-length, and ruched version of the classic.

The open slit and one shoulder cut on Mischa Barton's Billboard Music Awards dress gives the look a modern spin.

The below the knee length on Naomi Campbell's silk corset dress keeps the look sophisticated and classic.

Angelina Jolie looked demure in a black lace dress at the Cannes Film Festival with Brad Pitt.

At the Hancock premiere in London Charlize Theron rocks the red carpet in a peplum black dress with a sky-high slit.