As we approach summer and cocktail party season, there is one thing on every girl’s mind: find the perfect dress. Like I always say, “the simpler the better,” and this is usually the case with any cocktail dress. You can’t go wrong with a classic, so this week’s column is all about “the little black dress.”

No one really knows who came up with the first little black dress, but it is common knowledge that the little black dress as we know it was first popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1920s when she introduced the “ford” dress. Because of its simplicity, comfort and sex appeal, almost every woman today has some version of Chanel’s original little black dress.

The little black dress can be found at most boutiques and comes in every fabric under the sun, but before you buy that black cocktail dress by Galliano, there are a few things you should consider:

1. If the dress doesn’t fit you in the hips and chest (depending which is bigger) don’t buy it. Any dress worth having can be tailored to fit smaller, but if you buy it too small there is little chance of letting it out more than an inch or two.

2. Think about the length of the dress. A dress that is too long can distort your proportions, and, even worse, a dress that is too short makes you look like a cheap prostitute. When traveling to many European countries, the rule of thumb is if you dress like a whore, you will be groped and treated as such-something to think about the next time you have to pull down what can only be described as half a dress.

3. Nearly as important as length is the fabric the dress is made of and the occasion it needs to be worn to. A delicate lace might be perfect for a dressy-casual party, but for those formal occasions you can’t go wrong with black chiffon, assuming that it is not completely transparent. No one buys a cow when they can get the milk for free. Also, if you plan to travel with the dress make sure it stores well and is wrinkle resistant.

4. Depending on the simplicity of the dress and the formality of the occasion, wear accessories accordingly: You don’t want to look like last year’s Christmas tree.

5. Concerning undergarments, you should wear what you feel most comfortable in, as long as your bra straps and panty lines are not visible. The best solution to the first problem are “cups;” they support, can add a little extra and look great in any strapless, backless or thin dress. As for the latter problem, wear a thong-simple as that.

6. If you get those pesky little white marks, don’t worry. Let the deodorant dry, then rub the fabric over the spot together – do not wet. The friction will remove the white mark, but water could ruin the fabric and make the stain worse.

When you find that perfect little black dress, cherish it. It could be the one that lasts you a lifetime. The little black dress, not a diamond, is truly a girl’s best friend. And when you get that deodorant out of your dress and your man tells you how good you look, feel free to toot your own horn and say, “I know, right?”