black plaid dress Sail to Sable Blackwatch Long Sleeve Tunic Flare Blackwatch TARTAN / XXS / F25103 Crew Neck Elan Black Green Plaid Button

Whether tucked into vintage denim or layered under a slip dress, it somehow always worked and walked the line between "just a basic" and a full-on signature piece

You were expected to wear such apparel to dine every evening, explains Simon Cundey, managing director of Henry Poole, the storied Savile Row tailor that invented the dinner jacket

Reserve a floor-length style for a more formal birthday event or sit-down celebration

And that high neck, high slit combo

And what would a red carpet be without a pair of tiny sunglasses

The turtleneck neckline means no additional jewelry is needed at the neck focus on earrings and a simple bracelet instead