Having one or two LBD’s, or Little Black Dresses, is as crucial to the vitality of a woman’s wardrobe as care instructions. The little black dress is a wardrobe workhorse that can make getting dressed for any function simple and chic. I recommend investing in one classically styled LBD that is just a tad dressy, and then going for a trend inspired, casually elegant number.

The really important thing to remember when shopping for the classic LBD is to pay attention to the cut and fabric of the dress. The key here is longevity and mileage. Pretend you are shopping for a car that you’re planning on having for ten years. Also, make sure that the dress fits you perfectly and that the cut is appropriate for your body type. 

I like this Helmut Lang Belt Dress, available at Shopbop. It sells for $450 with 3% Cash Back and is a wonderful multi-tasker. It boasts a classically elegant cut; it fits close to the body and is fabricated in a wool, lycra, and silk blend. The fabric content is ideal; the wool and silk enhance the overall quality, and the lycra aids in the fit and keeps the shape of the dress, no matter how many times you wear it. The great thing about this dress is it can become quite formal with the change of shoes and accessories or it can be worn with tights and a slim fitting cardigan for work. 

    For a trendier LBD, this JNSDS Self Belt Dress from Target is this season's LBD du jour, and is an amazing $39.99. Plan on getting 4% Cash Back too! This fab LBD strikes a great balance between trendy feminine details and body-conscious tailoring. It’s a fun take on the iconic shirt dress, and will be a great addition to a fall wardrobe. Plus, it's cotton and machine washable, so it is about as easy to wash as it is to wear. I probably wouldn't recommend pairing it with those tights; black or subtle hues usually do the trick according to the Tao of Poppy.

For more info on tights click here. Ah, unabashed self-promotion... Shop on!