Holidays call for light and breezy dresses worn with flats and a barefaced glow.

These ones ($66) from Etsy seller Ramies tick every box. They are custom-made to your digits, feature charming accents (pleats, pockets and pretty buttons) and come in a comfy, breathable linen.

I chose the Summertime dress in sorbet pinks and lilacs, but it is available in every colour you could possibly wish for.

Sadly, my summer will not include a Roman holiday, but this dress will happily take me to Muskoka and back. —Athena Tsavliris

www.etsy.com/shop/ramies

When your bride-to-be bestie asks what you’d like to wear to her wedding, don’t brave the familiar bridesmaid face by answering: “Whatever you’d like me to wear.”

Instead, subtly suggest the recently launched Banana Republic Monogram Collection. The limited edition collection includes a less preppy and more modern BR take on tops, blazers and pants, but the dresses are the real standouts.

Think wedding-appropriate (minus the traditional frill) silk numbers, floor-sweeping goddess gowns and short sequin dresses that won’t break this summer’s bridesmaid, or wedding attendee, bank. —MG

At Banana Republic, 317 Seventh Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-264-8886, www.bananarepublic.ca

Unless your fairy godmother is in town, your rags won’t turn into a ball gown overnight. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck wearing the same old thing to every holiday party this year.

A Badgley Mischka (pictured), Diane von Furstenberg, Catherine Malandrino or Pucci are only a click away at Cakewalk Designer Dress Rentals. Make an appointment for a fitting with a stylist, or simply choose the dress you want shipped to your house online, wear it and return it the next day. Rentals start from $50 depending on the retail price of the dress, and a variety of sizes are available in each style. The Calgary company also offers hair and make-up styling for a head-to-toe transformation.

Head to Hotel Arts this Monday for a three-day open house where you can see the current selection of dresses, try them on and meet the stylists.

Glass slippers and handsome princes not included.

Cakewalk Designer Dress Rentals open house, November 8-11, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at Hotel Arts, 119 12th Ave. SW, Calgary, www.beautyuncovered.ca

So you’re not quite as swift with the Singer as your mom once was.

Thank goodness there’s another mother who’ll whip up a gorgeous handmade dress for your budding fashionista. With au courant details like 1920s drop waists and Liberty of London fabrics, the modern frocks by Vancouver line Mette will have her standing apart from the crowd.

And not because she’s wearing a bright orange polyester shift—that was you at age 4.

Dresses from $40, www.mette.ca

Oh Betsey, how we love your style,
Your whimsical, over-the-top frocks always make us smile.

Your new Fashion Central boutique is finally here,
Where the hanging pink tutus and large lip couch are so dear.

The fur-trimmed parkas, skull clutches and sequined leggings are top picks,
Little black dresses and floral skirts thrown into the mix.

We love how your playful pieces make us feel,
We’re celebrating the launch of your shop with your trademark cartwheel.

Betsey Johnson, 203 Eighth Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-261-8803, www.betseyjohnson.com

Come wedding season a girl can only recycle a dress so many times before the guests start overlapping.

No need to panic over your RSVPs, Azul Couture has plenty of pretty choices for all types of nuptials.

For the garden party, New York designer Tracy Reese’s ultra feminine dresses (pictured, from $475) in bright hues are adorned with ruffles and pleats for a romantic look.

Or for a chic black tie reception go with a sexy long and lean jumpsuit by Black Halo (from $460).

But beware, some wandering eyes may stray from the woman in white when you walk in the door.

Azul Couture, 914 15 Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-695-1320.

Engagements happen like grey hairs: One friend announces she’s getting married and suddenly brides-to-be start popping up everywhere.

But before your gals appear on your doorstep with some God-awful crêpe bridesmaid ensemble for you to wear, take them to the newly opened Frocks.

The Vancouver-based company works with five designers including Charsa and Simple Silhouettes that create made-to-order dresses. You (or, probably the bride) choose the designer, fabric, style and colour.

And who knows, maybe this time, you might just wear the dress again.

Or not.

By appointment only. Frocks, 1006 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, 403-263-5580, www.frocks.ca