Celeb Styles: The timeless black evening gown is the ultimate in Hollywood glamour.

Everyone knows that the little black dress is a wardrobe staple. But, the black gown is the ultimate when it comes to glamour and elegance. With its figure-hugging shape and floor-skimming length it is both sexy and demure.

The picture that comes to mind when I think of the classic black evening dress is Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Lately, actresses are wearing their black gowns strapless with just a few special touches like embroidered flowers (below on Joy Bryant), a simple empire-waist gathering (below on Jennifer Aniston) or beading.



To get a look like Jennifer Aniston and Joy Bryant, these beautiful strapless gowns are perfect. The BCBG Max Azaria Strapless Gown is very similar to the Oscar de la Renta gown worn by Jennifer Aniston (below,left). Another excellent choice is the Jessica McClintock Strapless Dress (below, right).



Another trend is the split-neck opening, seen below on Naomi Watts and Gwyneth Paltrow.



This look is very now, but it is very difficult to find a dress like it. The Kay Unger Split Neck Dress ($189, reg. $330)(below, left), the David Meister Keyhole Dress ($129, reg.$215)(below, center), and finally the Black Evening Gown by Dina Bar-el (below,right) are three similar looks.



As you can see, the simplicity of the black gown requires no additional adornments. You can wear this look without a speck of jewelry and still look amazing.

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