Wardrobe Basics 101 teaches you this: Every woman, at all times, must have the perfect LBD at the ready. Yes, the classic little black dress is chic, elegant and timeless, but it’s also critical to a woman’s life. It’s the one wardrobe essential that covers all the bases — work event to cocktail party to date night to church, then back again. A perfect LBD has unmatched versatility that can be dressed up and dressed down, transitioning from desk to dinner, week to weekend or sweet to sexy in an instant. If you don’t have one, buy one. If you have one but it needs replacing, replace it. Your LBD will save the day (and night) time and time again, so make sure you have a great one that fits, flatters and flaunts your best shape:

1. Hourglass
   The key to dressing hourglass shapes is balance. Keep top and bottom in balance, then accentuate the waist. Bodycon, figure-flaunting dresses are best, so look for fabrics with stretch and shapes that contour every curve. Wrap dresses are also ideal, as are construction details like shaped seaming and three-quarter length sleeves — both draw attention to the waist, which is exactly where you want it.

2. V-Shaped
   If the widest part of your body is above the waist (broad shoulders, round midriff), the goal is to balance hips to shoulders. Shop A-line dress silhouettes with full skirts, pleats or volume like ruffles, flounces or tulle. Also consider peplum-style dresses, which perform double-duty by adding an interesting detail while balancing. Material can be stiff or flowy depending upon dress cut and style.

3. Inverted-V
   If the widest part of your body is below the waist (wide hips, high hips), the goal is the balance shoulder to hips. Try asymmetrical necklines like one-shoulder or cold-shoulder styles to help flatter and balance, or add volume above the waist like shoulder pads or ruffle details. Embellishments add volume too, so consider styles with tone-on-tone appliqués, patterns or brocades above the waist.

4. Straight
   If your body is straight up and down, the goal is to soften the shape and add a waist. Adding volume top and bottom to simulate a waistline is the best magic trick, so consider classic fit-and-flare silhouettes with enhanced volume like shoulder pads and A-line skirts in stiff fabrics. Construction details like Princess seams will add shape, and belted dresses will accentuate the waist. Boatneck styles are another trick for adding width above the waist.

5. Length
   The wrong hemline can make or break the perfect LBD. Too short may not be age appropriate and too long is sure to swallow you whole. For most women the ideal hem length is about one inch below the knee, which is generally a good rule of thumb. If you’re over 50 and want a shorter hemline, consider opaque black tights to keep proportions balanced and maintain a polished, elegant look.

See BestLifeOnline.com press feature here.