Q: I want to buy a little black dress, but my friends tell me I need to step outside my comfort zone and get something colorful. Is the LBD really passé? — Leah, Charlotte, SC

A: I love color and print, but a black dress is a perennial. It can have a cool edge with some kind of tone-on-tone detail or textural pattern. I especially like the idea of a long sequined sleeve or velvet devore dots. A bold shoe, statement jewelry or a chic envelope clutch is an easy way to make it fresh and different. Navy is also chic and modern for evening. — Tory