Holly Golightly wore hers while breaking fast in front of a famed jewelry store. The late Princess Diana favored an off-shoulder style that accentuated her figure. And more recently, women like Emma Watson, Diane Kruger, and Jennifer Aniston turn to the LBD for walks down the red carpet.

A love for the little black dress, it seems, is universal among women. What makes it so appealing? Below, we give five reasons why the LBD will always have a special spot in our closets.

1. THEY'RE TIMELESS.
When you invest in a well-fitting black dress, you can count on being able to wear it for years. The LBD is a classic—you only need to look at its generations of fans to confirm this.

2. THEY'RE SLIMMING.
It's a commonly known fact that dark colors are ultra slimming. You can make your way down the buffet line, indulge in a slice or two of cake, get your fill of alcohol, and still look good in your LBD. Can you say the same of the LWD? We think not.

3. THEY'RE LIKE A BLANK CANVAS.
A bold gem-encrusted statement necklace one evening, dainty pearl earrings the next. Strappy metallic sandals for cocktails with the girls, low t-bar pumps for dinner with the family. Your accessorizing may be fickle at best, and yet the LBD won't judge.

4. THEY'RE VERSATILE.
The LBD's ability to act as a blank canvas means it's also extremely versatile. Dress it down for a round of shopping, or dress it up for a meeting with your boss. You can wear the same frock every day of the week and no one will be the wiser—provided you accessorize differently each day.

5. THERE'S A FLATTERING CUT FOR EVERY FIGURE.
The myriad styles available in stores and online mean you only need to know what looks good on your body to find the one LBD that feels like it's been tailor-made for your frame.

(Breakfast at Tiffany's promotional photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures)