Invented by Coco Chanel in the 1920s and made popular by Audrey Hepburn in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the little black dress is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. It is always chic, classic, elegant and appropriate for almost any occasion, season and also flattering on every figure.

For office and day wear, I recommend finding a simple one with a cut that flatters your body shape, the less detail your LBD has, the most versatile it will be.

6 ways to wear a Little Black Dress in the office

Here are 6 chic ways to wear your dress in the office this winter, whether you are working in a corporate or a creative environment (or anywhere in between):

1.Ladylike Luxe

#1: T By Alexander Wang Black Twist Pique Mesh Dress, $260, Anna Sui bouclé-tweed jacket, $710, Lanvin tweed jacket, $3115, Giambattista Valli tweed jacket, $2525, Saint Laurent High Heels, $710, Chanel Tote, Glass Pearl Stud Earrings, $15, ALDO Drochia bracelets, $19

#1: Wear it with a tweed lady’s jacket. This certain jacket has a luxe “lady-who-lunches” feel to it and does not need too much accessorising. Add simple, good quality pumps and a handbag, tiny pearl or diamond stud earrings and stack some gold/silver vintage or new bangles on your wrist for a modern finish.

2.Monochrome

#2: T By Alexander Wang Black Twist Pique Mesh Dress, $260, Witchery Wool Jacket, SLY 010 Blazer, $600, Zara Black And White Heels, $83, Zara Vamp Shoe With Ankle Straps, $50, Celine Tote, Megan Hess Silk Scarf, $295

#2: Monochromatic looks are super-trendy this season plus black and white is always timeless. Team your dress with a white or cream jacket and keep the rest of your accessories in black and white. Wearing too many accessories in the same bright colour could be a bit overwhelming and gives a “tried-too-hard” look, but with black and white you are pretty much safe to play around.

3.Dash of colour

#3: T By Alexander Wang Black Twist Pique Mesh Dress, $260, Black Boyfriend Ponte Rolled Sleeves Blazer, $49, Saint Laurent Suede Sac de Jour Carry All, $3050, L.K. Bennett Court Shoe, $270, Oasis Bright Court, $51, Manolo Blahnik Blue Suede Pump, $465, Dalilah Necklace, Hermes Scarf, Pearls Bowknot Belt, $18

#3: Add a dash of colour to your black dress and blazer combo. The easiest and safest way is to use only one accessory in a bright colour which has the biggest impact (just think of an all-black outfit with a pair of red high heels). If you decide to wear a couple of accessories (e.g. shoes, belt, silk scarf, statement necklace) in the same colour, I suggest choosing two or maximum three pieces to keep your ensemble sophisticated. Otherwise your outfit can look “too coordinated”. Coloured shoes look the best with nude tights.

4.Two-tone shoes

#4: T By Alexander Wang Black Twist Pique Mesh Dress, $260, Neude Blazer Indressme, Black Boyfriend Ponte Rolled Sleeves Blazer, $49, Casadei two-tone pump, $420, Cartier Watch, Zara Shopper Bag, $83

#4: Wear it with a pair of two-tone shoes. Another classic and a great investment; the two-tone shoes in a classic style (a pump, a stiletto or a ballet flat) will always look sophisticated and chic. Let your shoes do the talking and keep the rest of your outfit in black and neutral colours by adding a black smart jacket or a beige/cream cardigan to your outfit.

5.Smart Casual

#5: T By Alexander Wang Black Twist Pique Mesh Dress, $260, Valentino cardigan, Salvatore Ferragamo Fun Patent Flat, $245, Zara Shopper Bag, $83, Cartier Watch, Cole Haan Skinny Belt, $50

#5: On those casual days in the office, a light knit cardigan and a pair of ballet flats will compliment your dress beautifully. You can also add a belt to wear under or over the cardigan for a different look.

6.Creative

#6: T By Alexander Wang Black Twist Pique Mesh Dress, $260, Iro Ashville Leather Jacket, $1280, Gerbe Black Tights, $47, Emilio Pucci Suede And Patent Ankle Boot, $840, Givenchy ‘Nightingale’ crocodile tote

#6: If you work in a creative environment, throw a statement leather jacket in a bright colour over your LBD. Keep the rest of the outfit simple to gain a modern and sophisticated look by adding a pair of black opaque tights and black suede high-heel ankle boots.

Have fun getting dressed every morning, stay warm and chic this winter!

Agnes Villanyi

Agnes is a professionally qualified personal stylist, owner of PAPER DOLL Personal Styling, based in Melbourne.

She is offering personal shopping and styling services for both women and children. She worked as a senior consultant in executive search and management audit projects for corporate companies in Europe for 10 years. After moving to Australia and having her first child she started her own styling business.

Her passion for being well dressed is matched by a genuine commitment to help others to feel good about themselves. She is firm believer that dressing should be fun. Find her at PAPER DOLL Personal Styling