For many of us, Dec. 31 can be a tumultuous affair. It is, all at once, a time for reflection and quiet contemplation, for dancing until dropping, and for resolutions meant to make the following year one of personal growth and optimism. That's a lot to pack into one day of the year, but a plus-size New Year's Eve dress may just make it feel a little bit less daunting. As a lover of style, I'm a firm believer in the notion that an outfit can make a mood. If I'm not feeling especially bold, productive, or creative, then I try to choose a look that makes me feel otherwise. Thankfully, the plus-size market is finally diverse enough to allow for more sartorial experimentation, and New Year's Eve is the perfect time to do just that.
Whether you're hitting the club, a basement party, your bestie's extravagant soiree, or a delicious dinner with friends and fam, there's no reason not to have fun with your NYE ensemble. Consider departing from the classic LBD, and try on a bright color, a glorious texture, or a sequin dream on for size. In something eye-catching and statement-making, you may just begin to feel like 2018 won't be yet another pain in the ass. Heck, maybe things can only go up from here. These dresses are certainly inspiring, anyway.
The Joan Dress (Sizes 10-28 & Custom), $86.73, Plus Equals
The puffed sleeve on this one-shoulder dress is very '80s and very extra.
Club L Plus Cami Strap Midi Bodycon Dress (Sizes 14-20), $40, ASOS
If Curvy Barbie were to hit the club this NYE, you know she'd be rocking something like this.
Draped Bodice Peplum Dress (Sizes 14-28), $139.90, ELOQUII
This peplum dress is absolutely timeless, and will undoubtedly serve you well for NYE and beyond.
Joanna Hope Metallic Maxi Dress (Sizes 6-28), $157.49, SimplyBe
All eyes will be on you this New Year's Eve, since every step you take will sparkle.
Plus Size Studded Bodycon Dress (Sizes 1X-3X), $58, Forever21
OK, so the core hue on this one is definitely black. But those silver studs mean it's not your old-school LBD.
Baby Blue Pastel Sequin Baseball Dress (Sizes 2-24 & Custom), $146.77, Isolated Heroes
For something a little more airy but no less statement-making, try this color-blocked sequin jersey dress on for size.
Metallic Mesh Dress (Sizes L-6X), $65, Premme
The metallic blue hue of this mesh dress is sure to stand out among all the blacks, reds, and greens typical of NYE.
Christine Dress Mintcream (Sizes L-2X), $99, By Nadia Aboulhosn
This "mintcream" piece is a little more subdued than some of this year's options, but it's no less glorious as a result. You'll look like the coolest snow queen on the block.
Velvet High Slit Maxi Dress (Sizes 10-30), $76.23, Torrid
Remind the world that you're an actual mermaid in this high slit gown.
Rachel Roy Sequin Swing Dress (Sizes XL-3X), $179, Addition Elle
In this swing dress, you'll be able to dance the night away without feeling constricted.
Give Affection Flare Dress (Sizes L-3X), $49.99, Fashion Nova
A faux fur mini dress? Who could resist?
ASOS Curve Crepe Wrap Front Bardot Midi Dress (Sizes 18-24), $64, ASOS
Ditch the forest green color so beloved through the month of December and opt for that Nickelodeon slime hue instead.
Plus Size Cowl Neck Dress (Sizes X-3X), $15, Forever21
Because you're the long-lost curvy Spice Girl and you know it.
SimplyBe Night Velvet Ruffle Bardot Maxi Dress (Sizes 8-22), $57.50, SimplyBe
Ever wished you were a 1950s starlet? Now's your chance.
Plus Denise Long Sleeve Dress With Choker (Sizes 12-24), $27.45, Pink Clove
If gold's your color (and preferred accessory), look no further than this mini dress.
Nude Sequin Slip Dress (Sizes 10-22), $42.73, Elvi
It's easy, breezy, but totally glam.
Paisley Print Velvet Dress (Sizes 12-26), $149.53, Navabi
Your velvet styles needn't be limited to burgundy and royal blue colors. This paisley dress is a totally unique take on a seasonal must-have.
Sugar Free Dress (Sizes L-3X), $32.99, Fashion Nova
If you adore attention, you'll be sure to want this mega plunge mini. Rock your VBO with pride, babe.
The Minnie Dress (Sizes 10-38 & Custom), $80.11, Plus Equals
The sleeves on this Plus Equals piece are unbelievably on-trend, but the beautiful pastel pink hue will mean you can wear it across the seasons.
The Lynn Embroidered Mesh & Ribbon Dress (Sizes L-6XL & Custom), $115, SmartGlamour
If you love vintage-inspired silhouettes, this adorable mesh and ribbon dress is likely to steal your heart.
Sequin Off-The-Shoulder Flare Sleeve Dress (Sizes 14-28), $139.90, ELOQUII
Warning: This may just become your favorite dress of all time.
ASOS Curve Color Block Satin Midi Dress With Tie Detail (Sizes 12-24), $60, ASOS
Craving something a little different? Why not opt for a satin spaghetti strap number this NYE?
Plus Size Cutout Sequin Mini Dress (Sizes 0X-3X), $37.90, Forever21
This dress will definitely make you feel like an extra in the live action rendition of The Little Mermaid.
Amina Dress Baby Blue (Sizes L-3X), $35, By Nadia Aboulhosn
If blue's your color, look no further than this mini dress by style blogger and model Nadia Aboulhosn. It's as pretty as a sunny winter sky.
JIBRI Velvet Boat Neck Maxi Slouch Dress With Cuff (Sizes 10-28), $220, JIBRI
JIBRI is one of the ultimate destinations for high end plus-sizes. This velvet maxi dress deserves a spot in any NYE arsenal.
Petra Faux Leather Dress (Sizes 1X-3X), $138, Monif C.
Because you're a bold, take-no-BS femme and you make no apologies.
Michel Studio Lace Slip Dress (Sizes X-4X), $120, Addition Elle
If you can wear a slip dress this NYE without succumbing to frostbite, consider opting for this lace detail beauty.
Red Sequin Dress (Sizes 10-22), $42.73, Elvi
A square neckline always screams sophistication.
Plus Bonnie Metallic Shift Dress (Sizes 12-24), $27.45, Pink Clove
If bodycons aren't your thing, this shift dress might just be your saving grace. Moveable and light, it's a dancing queen's best friend.
Sequin Cape Dress (Sizes 14-24), $149.90, ELOQUII
Bring on all the glamour this NYE.
The Kylie Dress (Sizes 10-38 & Custom), $113.49, Plus Equals
Shine bright like a diamond in something with a lot of re-wearing potential.
Junarose Leopard Print Dress (Sizes 10-24), $45.38, Navabi
Maybe sequins and velvet aren't for you. This leopard print dress is suitable for any special occasion, be it NYE cocktails or your bestie's engagement party.
SimplyBe Sequin Disc Bardot Dress (Sizes 8-28), $114.99, SimplyBe
If you didn't know you needed multicolored sequin discs in your life, you will now.
Lynn Dress (Sizes L-4X), $140, Courtney Noelle
Designer Courtney Noelle is queen of impeccable tailoring, as this red number clearly proves.
Stupid In Love Dress (Sizes L-3X), $32.99, Fashion Nova
Show off every lump and bump with pride in this skintight mini dress.
ASOS Curve Plunge Twist Front Midi Dress (Sizes 12-24), $60, ASOS
It's all in the details. The plunge neck and twist front make this midi a total winner.
The Sonia Pleather Colorblocked Shift Dress (Sizes L-6X & Custom), $65, SmartGlamour
Craving some minimalism with just a touch of boldness? A leather accent is just the thing for you.
Gena Scuba Dress (Sizes 1X-3X), $138, Monif C.
When dystopian details and timeless glamour mix, you get this excellent dress.
Pastel Iridescent Deep V Feather Dress (Sizes 2-24 & Custom), $166.80, Isolated Heroes
Feathers, sequins, and a deep V neckline? You'll be the star of any NYE show.
Frock & Frill Plus Allover Premium Embellished Fluted Hem Detail Skater Dress (Sizes 14-24), $253, ASOS
Not particularly interested in overt sex appeal? Try this gorgeous skater dress on instead. It's timeless and oh-so-pretty.
Plus Krystal Wrap Frill Hem Dress With Kimono Style Sleeve (Sizes 12-24), $32.94, Pink Clove
This dress is sure to be comfortable, but it's no less glam as a result.
Mascara Embellished Chifon Dress (Sizes 12-24), $122.81, Navabi
Diamonds are a girl's best friend, no?
The Amber Dress (Sizes 10-38 & Custom), $73.39, Plus Equals
Why not get your crushed velour in a gorgeous purple color this year? You're sure to look memorable.
Plus Blue Bardot Bodycon Midi Dress (Sizes 14-24), $110, River Island
If only Joan Holloway could see this midi dress.
Rita Hayworth Dress (Sizes L-3X), $34.99, Fashion Nova
If you blend a traditional Rita Hayworth style with modern BDSM looks, the end result may just be this groundbreaking piece.
Ombre Sequin Swing Dress (Sizes 8-22), $124.99, SimplyBe
Struggling to pick which color of sequins you'd like to wear this NYE? Why not rock them all?
L&L Printed Dress With Sequins (Sizes 12-26), Addition Elle
Sequin leopard print? You've got to be kidding me.
Plus Fiona Velour Long Line Hooded Dress (Sizes 12-24), $32.94, Pink Clove
There's no shame in wanting to prioritize comfort, babe. This velour sweatshirt dress will shine without making you feel suffocated.
Club L Plus Cami Strap All Over Sequin Dress (Sizes 12-22), $56, ASOS
This look screams "classic" in the best of ways.
Vivienne High Neck Dress (Sizes 1X-3X), $138, Monif C.
This high neck and asymmetrical hemline are subtle details that make all the difference.
Plus Nayla Wrap Hem Velour Dress With Choker Detail (Sizes 12-24), $27.45, Pink Clove
Let's call this one: slouchy star material.
Club L Plus All Over Glitter Long Sleeve Maxi Dress (Sizes 14-24), $103, ASOS
For upscale NYE festivities, look no further than this all-over glitter gown.
Sahara Lamé Dress (Sizes 1X-2X), $148, Monif C.
Gold hues are the perfect way to feel like a queen on NYE, or at any other time of year.
While there's no reason not to allow yourself to feel like royalty all 12 months of the year, New Year's Eve is the perfect excuse to go over-the-top with that precise vibe. So shine bright, and resolve to live just as brightly come 2018.
