During the 1920s, Coco Chanel brought the little black dress into the mainstream fashion limelight. The classic dress has become a staple for women of every generation since. The power of the little black dress is that it can be worn for various occasions, from casual to cocktail and beyond. When it comes to finding shoes for your black cocktail dress, almost anything goes.

Consider the occasion and decide what fashion statement that you want to make. A black cocktail dress can either be dressed down or dressed up. According to the Emily Post Institute, the black cocktail dress is appropriate even for a black tie occasion. Your choice of accessories and shoes determine the overall look of the dress.

Let's face it, little black dresses are so versatile, you can wear practically any pair of shoes with them. Of course, there are other variables that make some shoes look better than others, such as the shape of the dress and even your own individual shape. Pumps, flats and sandals are all viable choices for a black cocktail dress.

You can pair various materials with a black cocktail dress, including leather, patent leather, snakeskin, animal print, metallic and more. Anything goes, but it's up to you to decide what's appropriate. Since a black cocktail dress is often simplistic due to its color, shoes in an eye-popping shade or design can make a bold statement. You also have the opportunity to play with embellishments. Black cocktail dresses can be adorable with shoes featuring chunky rhinestones or cutesy bows.

If you opt for sandals, look for silver, white or black for polished occasions and make sure to have pedicured feet.

Depending on the weather or the fashion statement you're looking to make, try some boots, from short booties to suede knee-highs with a black mini cocktail dress.

In the end, basics are always safe. Stick with flats or heels in black leather. Patent black is an edgier look, but still remains within the "safe" fashion parameters.