Pssst, Coco ... Women of the world owe you one!

Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel made costume jewelry and menswear-inspired womenswear so popular that they transcended trend and became fashion mainstays.

But those two influences on personal style pale in comparison to a third look credited La Chanel: the little black dress. Her most enduring contribution to fashion, it's a timeless classic and wardrobe necessity that looks great on women of every shape and size.

Dressed up or down, the versatile frock can take a woman from funerals and formals to weddings, worship and work. And, perhaps best of all, it's widely available and universally affordable.

With the holidays and gala season approaching, many women will find themselves reaching into the closet for one to wear to a special occasion. While a variety of choices is nice, all you really need is one LBD -- and accessories that can make it look like 10.

Socialite Dolores Bold of Shadyside believes in the eternal elegance, loveliness and good taste of the LBD. She owns 12, her current favorite a Mark Heister wool design she recently bought with a matching symmetrical jacket.

The little black dress is "one thing that you have to have in your wardrobe," said Mrs. Bold, who turns 87 next week. "There's always a time for it. It's good either day or night."

A friend of hers, Mary Ann Boehm, recently bought a little black dress to wear to the Civic Light Opera Guild's annual Christmas party Dec. 3. Ms. Boehm bought the long-sleeve, tiered Lourdes Chavez design at Linda Bucci in Shadyside.

Here are some tips for wearing the little black dress to maximum effect:

• Simpler is better. Choosing a style loaded down with lots of bells and whistles decreases its versatility and limits the number of ways in which you can accessorize it.

• Choose silhouettes that complement your figure. There are many styles, from A-lines and shifts to more form-fitting versions.

• Pay attention to necklines, hemlines and sleeves because they can affect how you accessorize with jewelry.

• A pearl necklace, especially classic white, is a jewelry accessory that every woman can wear beautifully with the LBD.

• Stacked bangle bracelets or dramatic earrings can enhance the look. But be careful not to wear too many bold accessories at once.

• A clutch is the best handbag to complement the LBD on special occasions. Patent leather and reptile textures are hot this season, especially in colors.

• Black heels are the easy and comfortable footwear choice for the LBD look. But the black dress is a wonderful canvas for color, from brights and metallics to jewel tones and animal prints.

• For dressing down, slip a cardigan or small jacket over the dress. Or you can drape a sweater over the back and fold the arms in front of you. Boots and flats help dress down the look.

• Watch your nail color. For more formal shindigs, clear polish or French tips are best. Even a subtle shimmer might be OK. Save the bold and trendy colors for more casual occasions.