To say D.C. is not known for its fashion sense is an understatement. The people in our fine city get slammed again and again for their inability to dress themselves in anything other than career wear. Luckily this holiday shopping season offers a little incentive in the form of trunk shows for those of us who'd like to look better and help us score some spiffy new duds. As gifts, of course.

Trunk shows are when designers present their designs -- often new ones for the upcoming season -- to the general public at a reduced price. They are a great way to try out a designer that you might otherwise not be able to afford, or indulge in a trend on which you don't want to sink a bunch of money.

>> My Sister's Closet holds an Amanda Uprichard (pictured) trunk show with 25% off all designs. Look for Uprichard's signature silhouettes in bright colors and silky fabrics. Saturday December 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vienna, VA.

>> Held in the home/studio of designer Allison Priebe Brooks, Queen Bee's Holiday Trunk Show & Sale will be December 8 and 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Alexandria, VA. Expect deep discounts on jewelry seen on the likes of Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

>> The Baltimore Holiday Trunk Show will showcase jewelry, silk screened t-shirts and accessories by local designers. Sunday December 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While splurging on a new look for yourself or loved ones, why not give a little something back?

>> Sugar, carrying designs by the likes of Cynthia Steffe and Yumi Kim, is holding a coat drive through December 9. Bring in a gently used coat and receive 30 percent off your purchase. Coats will benefit SOME (So Others May Eat) and The Women's Housing Coalition.

>> Select stores on U St. will be participating in U-Care Shopping Social, where 10% of proceeds will go to benefit the Sitar Arts Center. On December 6 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., individual stores are offering discounts and raffles. Click here for a list of participating stores.