ROBERT RODRIGUEZ (USA) Embellished Little Black Dress

Womenswear designer Robert Rodriguez—who splits his time between L.A. and New York—gives the LBD an artisanal update. With incredible beading work made up of matte black and silver-tone beads and classy exposed zippers, this directional piece needs little by way of accessories.

A leather clutch and pin-thin heels will complete the look for your next cocktail event!

(RRP US$695 / £555)

ALICE + OLIVIA (New York) Silk Dress with Leather

A supple leather panel balancing out the feminine, fluttering high/low-hem defines this impossibly chic city style from NYC label Alice + Olivia.

Add colour with bright lips and heels and be the best-dressed guest at your next special occasion!

(RRP US$640 / €510)

REBECCA TAYLOR (New York) Lace Sleeve Dress

If you have a black lace dress, now is the time to wear it! If you don't, this classic one from Rebecca Taylor would be a wonderful introductory piece for you. Not just because lace LBD are so trendy at the moment, but also because they look romantic, feminine and glamorous.

You’ll love this dress with pointy heels, simple gold jewellery, a sleek clutch, and bright red lips. :-)

(RRP US$323)

Trend Alert: Black lace. Margot Robbie (the fashion world's new girl crush), Sandra Bullock (at BFI London Film Festival premiere of 'Gravity') and Michelle Dockery (aka Lady Mary Crawley of Downtown Abbey) are just a few of the stylish stars spotted in beautiful black lace this season.

ACNE (Sweden) Draped Little Black Dress

ACNE’s playfully elegant line is defined by a signature bold-yet- never-trying-too-hard aesthetic.

Taking the staple little black dress, the label puts its artful yet modern spin on with a draped overlay. A little bit form-fitting yet totally effortless to wear, this style will let you shine both at work and that upcoming cocktail fete.

(RRP US$400 / £290)

One dress, multiple ways to style.

BY MALENE BIRGER (Denmark) Maxi Dress with Embellishments

Made for the spotlight, this stunner from Copenhagen collection By Malene Birger oozes understated old-school glamour and will make you look and feel like a woman with star quality.

The skirt is full enough to conceal flaws, yet the wrap-front style also offers a discreet, fleeting glimpse of an exposed thigh as you walk.

Wear with old Hollywood style jewels and heels.

BY MALENE BIRGER

Award-winning Danish designer Malene Birger creates pieces inspired by the classic styles of the ’50s and ’60s and infused with signature Scandinavian cool. By Malene Birger the label has a mega following around the globe, including celebrities, Denmark's Crown Princess Mary (aka the world's most stylish royalty), and Duchess Of Cambridge (and new mama!) Kate Middleton.

ALEXANDER WANG (New York) Gathered Dress with Cutout

Alexander Wang gives the classic LBD a typically fashion-forward twist with artful gathers and a titillating cutout detail at the waist.

Team this beautifully draped style with and a glossy clutch for an elegant cocktail/dinner date look with added attitude.

Give it a glamorous finish with either pointy red pumps, or sky-high metallic heels.

(RRP US$745)

ELIZABETH AND JAMES High-Low Dress

Step out of the box and sport a non-traditional LBD for your next soiree. Featuring a dramatic longer back-hem, this knitted, lightly speckled Elizabeth and James piece is destined to shake up your evening repertoire.

Pair with statement heels to exude your sexy side, or step out in military-style boots for a luxe-tough look. (RRP US$395)

THEORY (New York) Ruched Dress

Who says style has to be fussy? Certainly not Olivier Theyskens, the Belgian-born design star behind New York label Theory. Boasting gloriously soft fabric and a flattering cut, this slightly asymmetric dress is so versatile yet classic, we can definitely picture wearing it under a cardigan to work, to lunch at an outdoor café, to cocktails poolside, to a dinner date, and so many places in between.

Comes with handy slash pockets, too.

For drama, try adding drop earrings and jewel-tone pumps.

(RRP US$315)