The Evolution of the Little Black Dress

The little black dress may have been introduced by Coco Chanel, but it was Audrey Hepburn who made the garment famous in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. From Hepburn's Givenchy sheath to Queen Bey's Topshop embellished mini, the LBD has become the uniform of choice for some of the most iconic women in history. However, styles have evolved over the years. Here, we've chronicled the closet staple from the 1920s to now, proving its timeless appeal.

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.

Kim Kardashian channels a vintage look in a detailed one shoulder black dress at the Jill Stuart fashion show.

With black being a signature of Posh Spice, we're not surprised that Victoria Beckham showed up in this three-quarter sleeve black dress for an event at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City.

The sequin embellishments on Jennifer Aniston's dress for the premiere of Horrible Bosses ensures the star is red carpet ready.

Olivia Palermo's outfit for the Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum launch is proof that a LBD doesn't have to be boring.

Karlie Kloss's LBD for the The Amazing Spider-Man premiere in New York included both cutouts, sheer paneling, and a high neck for a modern and edgy look.

Halle Berry dressed for success at Variety's 4th annual Power of Women event with a cap sleeved, belted black dress.

Kerry Washington's black dress at the 24th Annual Producers Guild Awards had a lot going on—and it was fabulous. From the sheer lace detailing and ruffled hem to the actress's matching lip and clutch.

Christy Turlington brought things back to the 1920s with her flapper-inspired black dress that she wore to an event in New York City.

Regal as ever, the Duchess of Cambridge added a bit of glamour to her long-sleeved black dress with a crystal embellishment on her shoulder.

Cara Delevingne turned a simple LBD into a rocker chic get-up by simply adding a belt and leather jacket for The Face of an Angel premiere party.

There's no chicer version of the LBD than the tuxedo dress—and JLaw sports the look flawlessly at the premiere of Serena in 2014.

It's a truth universally acknowledged that Beyoncé can do no wrong—hence her looking absolutely fabulous in this short sleeve sequin dress at the Topshop Topman opening dinner in New York City.

Coco Chanel is the mother of the little black dress, and the fashion house continues to create gorgeous pieces today. Julianne Moore models one of their tweed and sequin sheath designs at their fashion show in 2015.

Taylor Swift opted to give the LBD a little length on the back for a dramatic entrance to the Vanity Fair Oscars After-Party.

Dianna Agron adds a splash of color to her silk and sequin negligee-style LBD at the Marc Jacobs fashion show in 2017.

Dior's corset dresses with sheer fabric and an exposed hot pant scream LBD with a twist. These designs had a real moment in 2018 and were worn by some of the most stylish celebrities, including Bella Hadid.

The Duchess of Sussex stayed consistent with her minimalist style when she sported a form-fitting little black maternity dress (LBMD, if you will) under a beige trench.

Kendall Jenner turned the streets of New York City into her runway in a '70s-inspired collared dress, which she paired with matching knee-high boots.

There were a lot of attention-grabbing pieces on Saint Laurent's Spring/Summer '20 runway, but none more so than this abstract body-con number.

Critics' Choice Award winner Renée Zellweger proves that a flattering cut, an elegant fabric, and a timeless color never fails during awards season.

Singer Ellie Goulding shows us that a LBD can come in many shapes, fabrics, and designs with her structured leather ensemble for a BAFTA after-party.