Consider going glam from head-to-toe for fancier events on your holiday calendar. Pop into boutique Artemisia for an impressive array of ultra feminine dresses detailed with decorative lace, shimmering fabrics and flowing chiffon. Tait Boutique carries colourful dresses with cut-out details and fun prints that are perfect for nights when you want to get your flirt on. Over at the European-inspired Meuse Boutique, you’ll find more romantic designs including dark floral print dresses with hourglass silhouettes and metallic stitching. Looking for a dress that’s tailored to you? Local dressmaker, Ric Yuenn creates custom frocks and offers a line of ready-made dresses that can be tailored for the perfect fit.

You can never go wrong with an understated outfit. Simple designs offer ‘effortless chic’, something that’s done well by Vancouver-based brand, Oak + Fort. Their collection features silk blouses and draped dresses designed with clean lines and modern minimalism. Alfie Italia keeps it sophisticated, showcasing fashions by up-and-coming Canadian designers like Travis Taddeo’s line of dresses that fuse basic styles with edgy layering. Local handmade black tulle skirts by Beautullefull are a unconventional wardrobe addition to don on special occasions. You can also make a statement with minimalist pieces found at complexgeometries flagship in Gastown. Designer Clayton Evans creates asymmetrical l tops and intricately draped dresses that can be worn in more ways than one.

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If you’re more inclined to rock a classic look, browse the racks for modern garments that are easier to match. For the environmentally conscious woman, LYNNSteven carries local designer Nicole Bridger’s line of refined frocks made with ethically sourced fabrics. One of a Few has a collection of chic dresses by emerging labels like Creatures of Comfort and Jesse Kamm, each playing with looser silhouettes that are both stylish and comfortable to wear.

Shopping vintage is the best way to make sure you’re wearing a piece that’s one of a kind. Sift through the racks at Community Thrift & Vintage, one of the city’s most affordable thrift shops carrying a full range of retro frocks, from metallic sequin mini dresses to cream-hued lace gowns. An equally eclectic collection of fashion is available at Dream Boutique, a wonderful haven for local made fashion and handcrafted bohemian jewellery.

Instead of classic fashion, you could opt for more daring pieces. Step into Ego Closet for Korean styles that ride on the edgier side of fashion. The street-inspired shop has a stellar selection of party-wear that includes off-the-shoulder dresses, python jumpsuits and form fitting mini frocks. And if you’re looking for bold accessories, Mi Kemistry has a collection of gold ‘rockeresque’ jewellery that will add a touch of glam. Once you’re fashionably adorned, throw on a pair of killer heels and you’ll be ready to rock any party.