Question

http://jsfiddle.net/nUcXQ/

How to get dynamic height on the main (black background) I’m using image so I can’t use repeat-y-
Additionally the height has to be 0px if main doesn’t have any list elements

Has to work in IE8

Answer 1

Updated Fiddle

Try removing any height declarations and floating .main

.main{
    background: black;
    width: 300px;
    float: left;
}

li {
    float: left;
    margin-left: 4px;
    background: lightblue;
}