By That Girl Whitney Team
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Holiday party season is here, and the invitations are piling up. The office party, the friends’ white elephant night, the family Christmas Eve dinner, and maybe a New Year’s Eve celebration if you’re lucky. Each one calls for a slightly different outfit, and none of them should require you to suffer in shapewear that pinches or heels you can’t stand in.
Plus size holiday party outfits have come a long way. Velvet and sparkle now come in extended sizes, and there are plenty of cute options beyond the little black dress.
This guide helps you figure out what each kind of party calls for, which dress styles shine, the best options if you’d rather skip a dress, and the shoes and accessories that make it festive. Your calendar is full, so let’s get you dressed.
Read the Party Before You Dress
Each holiday party has its own vibe, and matching it makes you feel confident from the moment you walk in.
Office party. Keep it polished and a little festive. A velvet midi dress, a satin skirt with a knit top, or dressy pants with a sparkly top all work. Skip anything too short or too sheer.
Friends’ party or white elephant. Have fun with it. A sequin top with jeans or a bold color feels right at a casual party.
Family dinner or Christmas Eve. A pretty sweater with a midi skirt or a knit dress with boots is comfortable enough to sit through a long meal and nice enough for photos.
New Year’s Eve. This is the time for sparkle. Sequins and satin all feel celebratory.
If the invitation lists a dress code, follow it. When in doubt, ask the host.
If you’re unsure how dressy the party will be, ask the host or a friend who’s attending. Landing somewhere in the middle, like a velvet top with dark trousers, works for almost any holiday event.
Dress Styles That Shine at Holiday Parties
Holiday fabrics make even simple shapes feel special.
Velvet dresses feel luxurious and keep you warm. A velvet wrap or A-line dress in a jewel tone like emerald or sapphire looks rich and festive.
Satin midi dresses drape softly and catch the light. Choose a style with a bit of structure or a lining so it doesn’t cling.
Sequin and metallic dresses are perfect for New Year’s Eve. A sequin dress with long sleeves and a midi length feels glamorous and gives you coverage.
Sweater dresses keep things cozy for daytime or family parties. Our guide to plus size sweater dresses has styles that skim without clinging.
Wear a bra that works with your neckline, and consider soft shapewear if it helps you feel smooth. Our plus size shapewear guide covers comfortable options.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size velvet midi dress or plus size sequin dress
Festive Options Beyond the Dress
Not a dress person? You can still look completely party-ready.
Velvet or satin wide-leg pants with a silky cami and a blazer feel dressy and are so comfortable.
A jumpsuit is an easy one-piece outfit. Choose velvet or a dark satin for holiday parties. Our plus size jumpsuits guide explains how to find a good fit.
A sparkly top with dark jeans works for casual parties. Pair it with heeled boots for an instant upgrade.
A festive sweater with a satin skirt is a fun mix of cozy and dressy. The plaid bow sweater from Whitney’s Walmart haul would look adorable this way.
A satin blouse with a velvet skirt mixes two holiday fabrics for a rich, festive look.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size velvet wide-leg pants or plus size sequin top
Shoes and Accessories That Make It Festive
The right finishing touches turn a simple outfit into a holiday look.
Choose shoes you can stand in all night. Block heels and embellished flats are all festive and comfortable. If you’ll be dancing, bring a pair of foldable flats in your bag.
Add one statement accessory. Sparkly earrings or a metallic clutch is enough. Too many statement pieces compete with each other.
A red or berry lip is the easiest holiday beauty look, and it works on every skin tone.
Bring a layer for the trip. A faux fur jacket or a long coat keeps you warm between the car and the party. Our plus size winter coats post has budget options.
Bring a small bag that holds the essentials without weighing you down. A clutch or a mini crossbody with room for your phone and a lipstick is all you need for most parties.
Party Season, Sorted
Holiday parties are a chance to have fun with fashion. Match your outfit to the party, choose a festive fabric like velvet, satin, or sequins, and don’t be afraid to skip the dress if pants feel more like you. Finish with shoes you can stand in and one sparkly accessory, and you’re ready for every celebration on your calendar.
Shop Whitney’s favorite holiday finds on her Amazon storefront, and follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.