When Coco Chanel introduced the world to the little black dress in 1926, she predicted that it would become “the uniform … of good taste.” A century later, it’s still hard to imagine an article of clothing more elegant, enduring, and versatile.What, exactly, defines a little black dress? It’s open to interpretation, and surprisingly tough to nail down. For our purposes, we decided that any black dress that’s meant to hit above the ankle — and has a little oomph — qualifies as an LBD.Our eight favorites come in a variety of cuts and styles — from slinky slip dresses to tailored sheaths to festive fit-and-flares — that suit different seasons, moods, bodies, and budgets. These are the little black dresses that we’ll be wearing to work, weddings, and lots of occasions in between for many years to come.