Little Black Dress Is Back In Vogue

The little black dress is now more than a wardrobe necessity. This season, it's been modified to fit your personality and figure needs.

In an Early Show "Chic on a Shoestring" segment Wednesday, Redbook magazine Beauty Editor Cheryl Kramer showed that you don't need to blow your holiday budget to get the perfect dress.

In "Chic on a Shoestring," expensive "splurge" outfits are shown along with much more reasonably priced combinations, called "steals." It's often hard to tell the difference.

Women have been told for years that, if there's one thing they should own in their wardrobes, it's the little black dress. It can be used to dress up for an evening out, or women can put a blazer over it to make it perfect for work. It frequently helps solve the "what should I wear?" question.

But this year, the black dress is back "in," and not just a wardrobe staple. It's being modified so it's not just the classic shift, but a variety of other styles to fit your taste.

It's truly a classic-but-modern piece.

LOOK ONE: HIGH-NECK LITTLE BLACK DRESS

This accents great legs, covered up but still very sexy. It's a great way to look leggy without being tarty.

Splurge:

Jill Stuart at edressme.com: $485
Recognizable designer name; 100 percent wool; working covered buttons; great fit, great design; great tailoring. A real show-stopper

Steal:

Urban Outfitters: $58
100 percent cotton; just-for-trim (non-working) buttons; fun and trendy; great for layering — but not as strong alone.

LOOK TWO: TUXEDO SHIRTDRESS

This offers the best of both worlds: It's tailored yet dressy for day to evening, desk to dinner. Very practical.

Splurge:

Parameter at girlshop.com: $388
High-quality tailoring and intricate details; all-natural expensive fabric; timeless shape; a real keeper

Steal:

Express: $59.50
Synthetic fabric; cheaper construction; great of-the-moment find for real life — but it's not going to last in your closet forever

LOOK THREE: THE BABY DOLL

Yes, the baby doll look returns. It plays up the upper half of your body while camouflaging the lower half, balances out your figure and hides a tummy pouch.

Splurge:

Development at shopbop.com: $326
Wool and silk; higher-end workmanship and production quality; cache of designer name

Steal:

Bebe: $149
100 percent silk; great value; figure-flattering and wallet-flattering!