Great ideas for gifts for Christmas and tips on how to make your party dress look extra fabulous

We all know a good-fitting bra can transform the way an outfit looks and for party wear, the correct undergarments are not only essential, but they can make you feel a million dollars! Pretty lingerie lifts the spirits and this time of year there is lots of choice.

Sheer fabrics mean that full-cup bras are now much more feminine. Styling includes detailing and bold colours. This time of year, strapless bras are best sellers, great for creating shape and support for problem outfits.

Best buys for Christmas

Classic black, embellished with lace, ruffles, bows, tulle, ribbon. Black with colour detailing – pink, purple, red Block colours of red and blue Romantic embroidery Sheer detailing Checked prints and animal prints.

Shapewear is an important trend in lingerie for winter 2009, with the focus mainly on fabric type, ensuring comfort with adequate support. Nude is the most popular colour choice, though styles are available in black and white.

Perfect for party dresses are D+ Perk Ups

Basques give a smooth silhouette and are sexier than some shape wear

Look for garments that give you a wonderful natural shape with the comfort you need. Take you party dress with you when trying on shapewear

Nightwear sees a warm theme return for 2009, look out for:

Hooded robes Longer-length robes Pretty pajamas - animal prints, checks, bold colours. Cosy bed soaks and slippers

Style tip

Q&A

I have been wearing corset garments for most of my adult life. My daughter has been recommending that I try the new shape wear garments in place of a pantie girdle. Will they give me the same level of support and where should I start, as I do not want to waste lots of money only to find I return to corsetry?

Corsetry itself has been improved with new fabrics introduced. It really should about the comfort and everyone likes different levels of support. Corsetry tends to be sized while shapewear is normally small, medium, large, etc. I would recommend you go to your local lingerie experts and try the different shapewear garments now available. You can then experience the fabrics used and see if you are comfortable with the support offered. It maybe that for everyday dressing you swap to the shapewear but you decide you stick to corsetry for special days out!