Get over last year's faux pas of empire waisted frocks and tailor your holiday dress to flatter your body.

By: Mitra Asgarinik

This year, throw out those unshapely, short baby doll dresses and slip into something classy and chic.

I'm over the sleazy dresses that women seem to be so fond of nowadays, and so are designers. I'm aware that women are trying to look and feel younger; however, I don't need two pairs of cheeks smiling at me. Especially with the holidays around the corner, it's essential that we're looking our best. The December month is when we socialize with friends, family, and co-workers, and we need to be representing ourselves as elegant women who can still be fashionable and sexy. Not only do the holidays signify for social gatherings, but it means we're going to be stuffing ourselves as well. Currently, we're trying to work off those few extra pounds we might have gained over the Thanksgiving weekend in order to fill our tummies once more for the December holidays. Lela Rose, the society designer of Kirna Zab?te says, "People want things that are a little more form-fitted. I love the idea of the slim-downed slack dress, which is something that allows you to eat and still show off your legs. You just don't look like a tent" (NYTimes.Com). Greater words of advice were never spoken. Say bye-bye to restricting dresses where everything is about to pop out and hello to a posh dress like Martin Grant's charmeuse cocktail dress, pictured to the left. With an attractive, bold color and uptown beat, this dress is sure to make you a hit at any holiday event and allow you to eat all that delicious tuna tartar.

Not only do you want to look good for those who see you every day, but you also want to impress your family as well as your fiancee's. The holidays are a time for picture taking and visiting family. You want to especially make sure you're giving off your best impression at these instances as well. Again, use caution when choosing a dress for a gathering; too much thigh or too much cleavage does not make for a pretty picture nor good impression. Sue Stemp, a quirky designer with fun designs comments, "When dressing for this holiday season, I think 'up the glamour' with a chic little cocktail dress that incorporates an interesting print. Then, if you end up in the kitchen or on the dance floor, any spills will just blend into the pattern" (NYTimes.Com). The Bill Blass dress pictured below would be another good choice for evening holiday dress as well.

Above all, you want to be comfortable in the dress you're wearing, and thats what Fall 2007 collections are trying to accomidate for. Not only will they make you feel stunning, but they can adapt for different events. Make sure you have a flattering trench or fur coat to go over your dress to keep you warm traveling to and from your holiday events. Also, have fun; you're going to be the talk of the party in your chic dress, so make the best of it.

Purple Martin Grant cocktail dress photo courtesy of NYTimes.Com

Red and black Bill Blass Hilary Rhoda dress photo courtesy of Style.Com