Sophisticated Chic

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, January 1928

Joan Bennett kept with traditional flapper style—a drop waist and a paneled hem—but the black color makes it timeless Lauren Bacall, December 1944 Lauren Bacall dresses up her v-neck LBD with a four-strand pearl choker—and, of course, her killer stare.

Elizabeth Taylor, January 1950

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.

Sophia Loren, 1955

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, July 1956

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

Audrey Hepburn, June 1961

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, October 1962

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

Sophia Loren, 1965

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.

Jaqueline Kennedy, September 1970

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

Madonna, November 1985

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.

Princess Diana, June 1994

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

Naomi Campbell, February 2006

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

Meghan Markle, January 2019

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. –Elle