Self-styled authority on all things fashionable and sartorially worthy, Nina Garcia, author of The Little Black Book of Style, recently released a book detailing the one hundred must have items of every fashion savvy woman’s wardrobe…among them is the veritable holy grail – “The Little Black Dress”.

Since the moment Audrey Hepburn stood, cigarette holder in hand, on the set of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, in her inimitable Givenchy-clad glory women the world over have sought solace in the consistently reliable LBD.

Now, I could probably count on one finger the number of women I know without one, but the challenge isn’t the finding one, but seeking one out with that seasonal edge. I’m beginning to sound like a hopeless fashion victim so I’ll get to the point… The two-birds-one-stone effect is a rare but beautiful thing in the world of fashion but it has been brilliantly achieved by the Marc by Marc Jacobs Fiona Cotton dress. A little black dress with a nod to the architectural embellishment of the season? Hurrah!

With fan pleating and folding this dress is bang on trend, but because it is little AND black it will take pride of place in the wardrobe staples department. Mr Jacobs – I salute you! With a fitted bodice, band around the waist and delicate but not fly-away straps this dress is flattering for every LBD lover. £275 available at net-a-porter