Last night had me running (actually bumper-to-bumper commuting) to Beverly Hills to catch a Prada-sponsored screening of The Great Gatsby, of which I watched 45 (dazzling!) minutes before having to dash off to Mr. Chow for a dinner in honor of designer Haider Ackerman, where I came across a longtime friend looking particularly striking in a little black dress. It was vintage, she explained, something she just threw on at the last minute. But its distinct detailing, a deep V-neck with a lace panel, made it a standout--i.e., not just a basic black dress. This encounter inspired me to hunt down the very best LBD's out there, and here's what I've come up with: a Parisian chic, dress-up-or-down , this draped, seductive , a strapless, ruffled (on sale!), this short and snappy (and nicely priced) , a sleek leather, and a forever-elegant shift. I also rounded up some snaps of a few inspirational LBD's, above (by Gucci, which can be found ) and below.

Photos: Pinterest, , ,