Holiday galas. Sometimes it's like getting ready for the prom all over again. And that's a good thing, because as you'll remember, getting ready was the most fun part.

If you're invited to a dressy event this holiday season and want to wear a long gown, this is the time of year to go for it. And that's what many customers are doing.

"They're liking long. They want that feeling of glamour," says Gay Muenchrath, owner of GM Clotheshorse.

"It got so you would put on a sparkly top with jeans and that was dressed up, but that is changing."

New York-based trends consultant David Wolfe says that as people are trying to bring order to their often chaotic lives, "dressing appropriately for occasions seems like a natural reaction."

"That means evening gowns for some occasions, tailored suits for others and a continuation of the 'dress cycle' where women really want to dress for a role in society that may be a bit of a throwback to the days before women's lib," he said.

Whatever the reason, selection meets trends with gowns ranging from sleek, one-shoulder dresses, to those ruched from top to bottom, to billowing dresses fit for a princess.

Jewel tones, shades of brown and rust, and brights such as turquoise and holiday red are some of the favorites.

Of course, black is back, but many black dresses are anything but simple, with intricate details. Others offer a sleek background for a variety of accessories perfect for the holidays.

If you have an elegant holiday affair ahead of you, make it more memorable with a gown with fluttering ruffles, a sprinkling of rhinestones and crystals, or a dramatic silhouette.