It may just be October, but it doesn't take much to get Kay Unger thinking about what to wear to upcoming holiday parties, charity galas and the inaugural balls.

The New York-based dress and gown designer will be in Raleigh on Saturday at Saks Fifth Avenue for the store's Key to the Cure event that includes a fashion show with cancer survivors as models. The show, which starts at 1 p.m., is free.

If you have extra time for some one-on-one style advice from Unger, be sure to take it. Unger says in her many years in the business, she's never met a woman she couldn't find a dress for. And not just any dress. One that fits right and feels right, too.

If you can't make it, here's a Q&A with Unger on what to look for when shopping for a gown, what's hot for fall and what to do if you can't spend much this year.

Q: We have plenty of reasons to get dressed up in the next few months, from holiday parties to inaugural balls. What should women look for in buying an evening dress this season?

A: We've come up with a whole series of colorful dresses with jackets or interesting sleeves, but not long sleeves. One thing you'll need to think about is how freezing it's going to be. You don't want to end up wearing your husband's jacket. So you definitely don't want to pass up a shawl or a jacket that goes with a dress. Another thing to remember is: Can you sit? Consider wearing tiers. We make some gorgeous tiered dresses that look gorgeous when you dance and they're fine when you sit. If you can't sit, you are going to be uncomfortable. You won't look as good as you can. Trains are beautiful too, but make sure you can hook it up. When possible, wear color. If you are going to wear a black dress, then accessorize with some kind of color, a rhinestone necklace or colorful long gloves.

Q: What are some of the big color trends in your gowns for fall and into spring?

A: The most important colors are red and berries. We have an amazing red and black printed dress and printed skirt, dresses with printed boarders. For spring, the colors have more sherbet tones than from last spring. It's as if they've been washed down with white. It's toned down a bit. Lots of watermelons, softened orange and pink.

Q: How about styles?

A: We have a lot of off-the-shoulder. We also have this really great knit that makes your body look amazing, no matter what. We have amazing prints for fall, on the borders of skirts. There is a real excitement for prints this fall.

Q: Do you have any tips that more mature shoppers should consider when buying a new evening gown?

A: Don't think if you are going to a ball [that] your gown has to be full. You might look slimmer and more striking if your gown is straight. You might want to think about a gown with sleeves. We have some fabulous gowns with sleeves. And with sleeves, you don't have to think about the jacket. Always show off the best part of your body. There are a lot of illusion tops that look like you have on a strapless gown but you're not.

Q: How about tips for trying on gowns?

A: If you are going to buy a ball gown, make sure you have the right shoes to try on with it. Bring your Spanx. Bring your undergarments. It's really not fair to yourself to try on gowns with bad socks or bad underwear.

Q: If you can't afford a new gown, any tips on making an older dress dazzle?

A: We do sell separate belts with our evening gowns. You can do a black velvet belt with a red dress. You might want to put a rhinestone pin on it. You could buy a jacket, a little short jacket, to make a dress look interesting. If you have a pant or skirt, buy a new blouse. They're not expensive. It will make you feel good.

Unger will meet with customers by appointment from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 4 p.m. Call 792-9100, ext. 5336, to reserve a spot.

Calling all designers

Charleston Fashion Week is looking for hot new designers for its Emerging Designer Competition.

The group has opened the contest this year to all designers living in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. A panel of five judges will pick nine designers to show their collections during Charleston Fashion Week March 24-28. The top designer will be recognized at a gala March 28.

Apply online at www.charlestonfashionweek.com. The deadline is Nov. 17.

Deal or no deal?

If you're looking for a good deal on designer bags, belts, shoes and jewelry, don't miss the winter sale of Still in Style Consignment Friday and Saturday at the Fellowship Hall at Capital City Christian Church on Garland Drive in Raleigh. Go to www.stillinstyleconsignment.com for more information. ... Check out a trunk show Thursday at Kannon's Clothing on Main Street in Wendell with Molly Anderson from mollybeads, David Richter from Joseph Ribkoff clothing and Nancy Ilderton from Anteprima Nueve handbags.

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