10 best holiday dresses

Believe it or not, it's that time of year again. It's time to dust off your dancing shoes and prepare for another festive season. If you're shopping for something new to wear to your holiday events, then heed a fashion pro's advice before you hit the malls. Robin Keeler, fashion director at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre, offers helpful tips for finding your perfect holiday dress this year.

"Designers are currently having a love affair with dresses," says Keeler. And for every body type, she says, there is a flattering dress. "A fitted garment reveals the form of the body while loose garments disguise the shape underneath." But no matter what, nothing makes a dress look richer than a great fit.

Holiday dresses 2008/2009: The styles
This year, dresses remain strong, says Keeler. The looks are classic and confident, harkening back to times gone by.Drawing inspiration from dresses from the '50s and 60s, 2008 holiday dresses have a retro flair but are updated with modern touches, details and embellishments. "Styles are curve-conscious and ultra-feminine," says Keeler. "Think fuller skirts, classic lines, refined."

Holiday dresses 2008/2009: The trends
According to Keeler, short, knee-, mid-calf- and full-length dresses are all on trend this season. "The most popular length will be just above or just below the knee," she says. "This length seems to complement the majority of women. However dresses will go from the floor right up to mid thigh."

Popular fabrics run the gamut from silk and satin to chiffon, crepe and organza -- the usual holiday suspects. And when it comes to colour, Keeler says elegant jewel tones, shimmering metallics and claret red will all dominate, however black is still a party favourite.

Click to continue to the little black dress and 7 dos and don'ts for finding your best holiday dress...

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The black dress
The versatile black dress is a holiday classic. "Day to night, the little black dress can be classic, elegant, sleek, sexy and slimming," says Keeler. But before you decide on any old black outfit, she offers the following advice:

-Look for details that flatter your body, such as waist details to optimize an hourglass shape, and pick a length around the knee for the most versatile look.

-Keep your legs bare or wear very sheer hose for the dressiest look.

-The little black dress carries accessories well so don't be afraid to embellish.

-The black dress is the perfect choice when you don't know what to wear or can't decide!

10 holiday dresses we love

Sateen dress with jeweled neckline Available at: Cassis Price: $129

Together® strapless silk dress Available at: Sears or online at sears.ca Price: $104.99

Brian Bailey off-the-shoulder sarong dress Available at: theshoppingchannel.com Price: $229

French silk twill vionette tank dress Available at: J Crew Price: $295

Silk asymmetrical dress Available at: Banana Republic Price: $175

Dark green dress with full skirt Available at: Melanie Lyne Price: $210

Flutter-sleeve dress Available at: victoriassecret.com Price: $138

Women's sequined racerback dress Available at: Old Navy Price: $49.50

Slate blue sateen pleated v-neck dress Available at: bluefly.com Price: $249

Red satin dress with ruching Available at: Laura Price: $165

Complete your new look with pro tips for pretty party makeup.

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