There are few fashion items more timeless than the little black dress.

Karl Lagerfeld once famously praised them for being well suited to any occasion: the one thing to wear without worrying about being overdressed — or underdressed.

There are, however, some unspoken rules if you want to rock the LBD with style.

The Royal Gazette asked women on the city streets for tips on how to get the most from this classic piece. (None of them were wearing their LBD at the time, we imagine they’re saving those for all the holiday parties coming up.)

Erika Denbrook, 27,

accounts administrator

Describe your style. I have a five-year-old so right now I wear whatever is easy. I tend to dress based on whatever mood I’m in really that day. Today I wore flats because we were running around, but I also like classic pieces like a good pencil skirt or a dress because they are easy and fit my shape better than some of the other things that are fashionable right now.

Where do you get fashion inspiration? Probably online. Mostly on sites like Instagram and Pinterest. In passing if I notice something I like, I’ll think of if I have anything in my closet that’s similar to that and try it out to see if it works for me.

How do you rock a LBD? I actually just bought a little black dress for my Christmas party. It’s short and has a velvet polka dot print on it. I fell in love with it because it’s fun and I like the texture. It spoke to me in the store. It said “Buy Me”. I’ll probably pair it with colourful shoes, probably something sparkly or maybe red because that’s festive, and maybe a colourful lipstick. Adding colour makes a statement, which is important when wearing all black.

Carmilyn Hermosura, 30, senior analyst

Describe your style. I think I am more traditional and classic, but at the same time I try to be trendy. What I wear usually depends on the weather. For instance it was windy the other day I chose to wear pants instead of a dress because I’m travelling on the bike.

Where do you get fashion inspiration? Usually on the internet. I try to go to blogs and check those out from time to time. It helps me to be well-dressed, which is important in your overall appearance and how people perceive you.

How do you rock a LBD? I just wear one statement piece. If it’s a plain black dress I will pick a statement necklace that will stand out, or a fashionable shoe. I would probably wear strappy heels because it’s more sexy and I think it’s perfect for the occasion if you wear red or cheerful colours.

Wendy Davis Johnson, 62,

communications

consultant

Describe your style. My number one objective when it comes to style is to be comfortable so I’m always looking for something simple, streamlined and low fuss. I don’t want anything that needs lots of ironing or that’s a real hassle in taking care of it. I really like simple, straightforward pieces that are elegant and timeless. I often wish I could take the time to put more thought into what I wear, but generally speaking I just grab something that I feel I look reasonably good in and that I’ll be comfortable in.

Where do you get fashion inspiration? Often I will see someone who looks wonderful and really stylish, perhaps someone walking down the street or in a meeting. I take notice of the cut and brand and how they pair accessories with it. I’m hopeless with accessories so I am always really impressed with people who are able to pull a look together that way.

How do you rock a LBD? I would try and wear it with a pair of earrings or a necklace or a pashmina that’s in a bright red or gold colour. Black dresses can be pretty simple so I like to add in a colour. But they are great because they’re really easy to work with. They go well with my hair, are easy to add any colour to and can be worn casual in the day or dressed up at night.

Melissa Ferrer, 32,

accountant

Describe your style. I would say it’s classic. I don’t go with the trends. I buy clothes that aren’t really trendy at the moment and can be worn all the time.

Where do you get fashion inspiration? I like looking at magazines and get inspiration from there. If I do see something I like to try and find a way to pull in my personality as well. I’m pretty simple, but also try to be a little elegant.

How do you rock a LBD? I like little black dresses. I am actually planning to wear one to a Christmas party I’m going to. I’ll probably wear it with bold shoes, maybe silver or metallic, and a nice bag and simple jewellery. With black you need to find some way to stand out and add a pop of colour to your outfit.