It is the simple classic that is the staple of every woman's wardrobe -- the one piece of clothing that every lady reaches for when she just can't find a thing to wear.

The little black dress is a favourite around the world for its elegance and ability to make every woman look chic without requiring much effort.

In addition to its flattering colour -- no hue can make a woman feel slimmer -- the little black dress can take a woman from the boardroom (paired with a blazer) to dinner (throw on a pair of heels and sprinkle on some jewellry).

With the festive season well underway, most women are rummaging through their closets trying to decide which outfit to wear to which party.

Inevitably, there are usually more parties to attend than `new' frocks in your closet, and unless you have extra money to spend and the patience to battle hundreds of holiday shoppers, circumstances will demand that you pull out `old faithful' and sport it to at least one soiree.

Fear not about committing a fashion faux-pas and bumping into the same people you wore the same dress with last year -- and the year before that -- because stylist Zina Edwards offered many ways to update an old favourite.

"This is the year of decadence,'' explained Ms Edwards. "Everything is sparkling and glamorous this season. The emphasis is on richness and femininity. Last year the emphasis was on minimalist.

"The holiday party season is what it is all about, it is the only time most of us get to really dress up.'' And she pointed out that nothing creates the ideal backdrop for this season's lavish accessories than a black dress.

"A simple black dress is the perfect background for feathers, fur, sparkle and diamonds.'' To update a basic black tank dress, Ms Edwards suggested adding a splash of colour or a little glitter.

"Buy a pair of strappy red shoes and the cutest, tiniest handbag that you can find that has beading or sequins.

"If the dress has spaghetti straps, you can get a feather boa to add some glamour or wear a sparkling choker. Boas are going to be strong this Christmas.'' A sleeveless black dress can also be jazzed up with a pair of long gloves, a splash of fur or an exotic animal-print scarf.

Ms Edwards also had some tips on how to reinvigorate a long-sleeve black dress.

"If your prefer the understated look, several strands of pearls, real or otherwise, is a classic foil.

"If you are a little more adventurous, throw on a big sparkling, oversized bangle made of crystals,'' she said. "Put your hair up and wear some sparkling, dangling earrings.

"A.S. Coopers and Smith's carry Swarovski which produces some wonderful diamond-look jewellry.'' Ms Edwards said hair and makeup were simple, easy ways to add spice to long-sleeved black dress.

"Stick feathers or flowers in you hair or use some dazzling rhinestone hair clips to put your hair up,'' she explained. "They are inexpensive and fun but make a great impact and are relatively easy to find.

For those who want to push the envelope a little further, Ms Edwards suggested taking the regal route and don a tiara.

"Tiaras are fun and with a long, simple dress they are fabulous.'' But the most important accessory is the person inside the dress -- and a little bit of attention to detail can make an enormous difference.

Ms Edwards said: "Try something new with your makeup, perhaps wear lipstick a shade brighter than you normally would.'' If you don't think accessories are enough to revamp your favourite dress, then think about having the garment altered.

An ankle length dress can get a new look by shortening it to a trendy knee-length. If you are more daring have it cut so it falls above the knee.

Long sleeves can be shortened to the three-quarter length which is currently in vogue.

Even something as simple as removing shoulder pads can change the drape and look of a dress, giving it a more relaxed feel.

There are a number of good seamstresses on the Island who can work wonders on dresses -- just remember to give them plenty of time to work with because they are usually very busy.