You've heard of the Little Black Dress, a staple in place largely because Coco Chanel put it there.

But she's also responsible for another staple -- the Little Black Jacket.

Yours doesn't have to have a Chanel label to fit the bill. Mine happens to be a pseudo biker-jacket, but the function is the same. To me, the LBJ is a stylish shell, a form of sartorial protection. No matter what you're wearing, when you put it on and you instantly feel chicer, more pulled together.

Naturally, a lot of work goes into the couture renditions, so let's see how they do it!