In 1926 American Vogue published a picture of a simple black dress by Coco Chanel. It was calf-length, straight and decorated with only a few diagonal lines. Vogue said the little black dress would become ‘a sort of uniform for all women of taste’.

I can remember my first. It was a plain, black shift dress from Tammy Girl, far shorter than anything I’d wear nowadays. My Mother loathed Tammy Girl, complaining of poor quality and clothes she felt were too grown-up for my then 13 year old self. So, like any sensible teenage girl with divorced parents, I begged my Father to buy it for me instead. He didn’t share her prejudices, and was easily swayed by the promise of adoration from his otherwise grumpy teenage daughter. Sorry Mum.

I wore that dress until it fell apart because each time I slipped it on I felt fabulous. Grown-up, stylish and sophisticated. These were the things I wanted to be when I was 13 years old, not skinny, bespectacled and acne-ridden. I had learnt the power of the Little Black Dress.The way it can transform you. The armour it provides.

I may have made the initial discovery on my own, but it was Audrey who taught me everything there was to know about the art of wearing such a garment. My collection of little black dresses forms the backbone of my wardrobe. They are the hardest wearing items I own, the outfit I don’t even have to think about.

For the second instalment of Audrey inspired fashion finds I’ve scoured ASOS for dresses that reflect the two silhouettes I think the screen icon is most known for. I adore the scene in Sabrina Fair where Audrey’s character sips a cocktail in Linus Larrabee’s office. Her full skirted black dress is the stuff of dreams, worn as it is with elbow length gloves and a chic cocktail hat.

The ASOS equivalent is a little more understated, but you can see the connection. Until I have cause to drink a Dirty Martini in a chic, mid-century office I’ll take sleeves over gloves any day. We’ll brush over the fact the ASOS Midi Dress with Full Skirt is actually navy, not black. Perhaps every girl needs a little blue dress too? 

A pencil dress is essential, that much I know. Especially one with as much wiggle as this. Having seen the ASOS Pencil Dress in the flesh, so to speak, I can attest to how fabulous it looks. It’s only a matter of time before it wings its way into my wardrobe.

Tell me ladies, do you worship at the altar of the Little Black Dress as I do? Are you tempted by either of these?

Love Audrey xxx