Ahh, the holidays. Known to be the best of times, the worst of times, and everything in between, November and December can often be jam-packed with family get-togethers, awkward dinners, office parties, and outdoor wintry activities. (Hello, disastrous attempts at iceskating.) Whatever you're getting up to this season, however, it's very likely that you'll need a plus-size holiday dress to get you through it. Thankfully, the plus market is more diverse than ever before. It is by no means perfect, folks, but there'll still hopefully be an ensemble out there that fits your every fancy.
Whether your to-do list includes one or several holiday dinners at the homes of various relatives or upscale parties and galas in the trendiest city near you, a dress can sometimes be the easiest thing to wear. After all, it's just one piece of fabric. All that's left to choose thereafter are the shoes, the accessories, and the tights. Or, you can keep it all minimal because why the heck not?
Some of the season's style staples include velvet textures, deep burgundy and forest green hues (or the more elf-like fire truck reds and Crayola greens), and a whole lot of sparkle. You'll find all of this in the selection below, as well as some more unique alternatives that can be worn year-round. Your plus-size style needn't be boring this holiday season due to a lack of selection. So find your sartorial muse and grab the candy canes.
Mixed Media Dress With Bow Detail (Sizes 14-24), $119.90, ELOQUII
This dress takes color-blocking to a whole new level. Slightly reminiscent of peak MTV aesthetic, it's a look for the books.
Sol Satin Dress (Sizes L-6X), $119, Premme
Take some sartorial cues from OG bloggers Gabi Gregg and Nicolette Mason with this piece from their fashion line. You'll shine just as bright as the star on any evergreen.
Applique Outlined Long Sleeve A-Line Dress In Black (Sizes L-4X), $99.99, ModCloth
True to ModCloth's style, this dress is vintage-inspired but so easily wearable. You can rock this one all season long, not just for special occasions.
Silver Crush Dress (Size OS), $98, Zelie For She
If "comfortable glam" is the style you're aiming for, look no further than this Zelie For She original.
Polka Dot Mesh Overlay Tafetta Dress (Sizes L-6X or Custom), $79.95, eShakti
Dreaming of spending your holidays in a snow fort with Marilyn and Marlon? You can at least look the part.
JIBRI Oversized Sweater Dress (Sizes 14-28), $180, JIBRI
Forest green doesn't have to be the only type of green in your holiday arsenal. Take this lime-colored beauty out for a spin instead.
Jasmine Dress Red (Sizes L-3X), $38, By Nadia Aboulhosn
Cate Blanchett in Carol was a sight to behold. If the character existed in 2017, this gem would definitely be in her wardrobe rotation.
Unique Vintage Plus Size 1960s Emerald Green Velvet Stretch Knit Cap Sleeve Holly Wiggle Dress (Sizes 2X-4X), $58, Unique Vintage
In this, you will bring some serious pinup vibes to the dinner table all season long.
Halley Lace Maxi Dress (Sizes 1X-3X), $59.99, Fashion Nova
Hitting up a holiday gala or country club dinner extravaganza? Pretending to do so, even if you're not? Let this gown guide you.
Wheaton Sweater Dress (Sizes 10-28), $160, Universal Standard
There's no reason dressing up for the holidays should mean boxing yourself into scratchy, taffeta-lined styles that you hate. For something a little more minimalist, opt for this high neck, lightly sheer, and totally memorable sweater dress.
Mustard Drop Hem Crushed Velvet Dress (Sizes 10-22), $49.65, Elvi
If you adore the A/W season's penchant for velvet but find yourself bored of the reds and greens, try this golden mini on for size.
ASOS Curve Ultimate Gingham Smock Dress With Ruffles (Sizes 12-24), $39.48, ASOS
A smock dress screams, "I want to look cute, but put no effort into doing so." It's definitely a good look, as this piece proves.
Manon Baptiste One Shoulder Velvet Dress (Sizes 10-24), $137.77, Navabi
This one-shoulder royal blue beauty will make you the star of any show. Thankfully, it's airy and flowing enough to let you eat an extra few pieces of gingerbread cake, too.
Abby Off Shoulder Floral Print Dress (Sizes XL-3X), $38.43, Fashion To Figure
Floral prints do not have to go as soon as the sun does. Mix it up this holiday season, and rock this Beauty And The Beast-inspired dress.
Plus Size Metallic Bodycon Dress (Sizes 1X-3X), $35, Forever21
Sparkly, high-necked, and stretchy. What more could you need?
Her Universe Marvel Loki Velvet Embossed Dress Plus Size (Sizes 12-30), $44.17, Hot Topic
This is how you wear your love of Marvel and the Thor franchise on your sleeve for that family dinner without pissing off your grandma.
Cotton Plaid Button Jumper Dress (Sizes L-6X or Custom), $59.95, eShakti
This little number looks like a trendier, more contemporary spin on some of the costumes we saw in An Education. The green and red hues also make it perfect for any holiday occasion.
Flare Sleeve Dress With Pearl Detail (Sizes 14-28), $129.90, ELOQUII
Channel your truest ice queen in this truly remarkable, impeccably constructed dress by ELOQUII. Hell, you may never want to take it off.
Glamorous Curve Embroidered Velour Smock Dress (Sizes 8-24), $79.99, SimplyBe
With a pair of knit tights and your favorite Doc Martens, you'll look a bit punk surrounded by all that extended family.
Frock & Frill Allover Premium Embellished Velvet Skater Dress With Peplum Hem (Sizes 14-24), $228.97, ASOS
Frock & Frill is known for its supremely well-crafted embroidery and embellishments. If you haven't converted to the brand already, this velvet skater dress may just make you the latest devotee.
Banned The Era Of Your Ways Sheath Dress In Emerald (Sizes L-4X), $79.99, ModCloth
So retro, yet so perfect for any festive meal or activity.
The Meredith Wrap Dress (Sizes L-6X or Custom), $80, SmartGlamour
This one's got the seasonal velvet, the floor-length hem needed to tackle cold winter days, and the added bonus of color customization so you can choose your favorite hue. It's undoubtedly a winner.
JIBRI Velvet Boat Neck Slouch Dress With Cuff (Sizes 10-28), $220, JIBRI
If you want to look like something out of the Elder Scrolls games, but still feel comfy and cozy come tea-time, this JIBRI piece will likely call to you.
Lola Jade Embroidered Tulle Dress (Sizes 12-20), $295.56, Navabi
When wintry flowers meet chic sheer and festival-ready frills, you get this dress. The combination may sound peculiar, but it's actually damn fine. Damn fine, indeed.
Maxine Cold Shoulder Ruffle Dress (Sizes XL-3X), $38.43, Fashion To Figure
Bodycons used to be a rare sight in the plus-size market, but the tides are (slowly) changing. If you want to rock a dress that hugs your curves and beloved lumps, this Fashion To Figure beauty will have you sorted.
Shayni Dress (Sizes L-3X), $29.99, Fashion Nova
They say "green and red must never be seen," but this unique Fashion Nova dress has something else in mind. Athleisure for the holidays? It sounds so odd that it might just work.
The Dani Sweater Dress (Sizes 10-28), $190, Universal Standard
Danielle Brooks and Universal Standard have teamed up for a collection, and the end result is a kingdom of comfortable yet impeccably-constructed basics. This sweater dress will allow you room to eat all that your heart desires, and you'll never catch a chill.
SimplyBe Foil Print Maxi Dress (Sizes 8-18), $47.99, SimplyBe
Elsa would be so proud. So proud.
Willow Dress (Sizes L-2X), $120, By Nadia Aboulhosn
The little black dress can get boring fast — but not this one, guys. Not this one.
Special Occasion Red Velvet Cutout Gown (Sizes 10-30), $108.90, Torrid
You've got the holiday red, the velvet fabrication, and the totally trendy cutout. It's a keeper, y'all.
One Shoulder Puff Sleeve Velvet Dress (Sizes 14-24), $139.90, ELOQUII
Don't be afraid to be a little extra this holiday season. Or any season for that matter. You'll be the coolest, most interesting thing in the room in this work of art.
Black Mesh Beaded Dress (Sizes 10-22), $60.68, Elvi
Hate leaving your alternative, punk roots behind in the aid of appeasing all those relatives?
You don't have to! Just wear this studded dress and you'll slay.
Banned Girl's Got Punk A-Line Dress (Sizes L-4XL), $69, ModCloth
Some may say that the "schoolgirl" look has been done one too many times in fashion. Others may disagree. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
Religion Plus Maxi Dress In Leopard (Sizes 12-20), $166, ASOS
Just because the skies are gray and the forecasts are grim doesn't mean you have to leave your love of kitsch aesthetics behind. In this dress, no one will doubt the power of leopard print again.
Arched Eyebrow For Navabi Belted Shirt Dress (Sizes 10-24), $137.72, Navabi
This dress may just be the perfect shade of holiday green, but not so much that it couldn't be worn year-round. And look at those triangular buttons!
Unique Vintage Plus Size Black Brushed Cotton Luna Swing Dress & Mesh Capelet (Sizes 2X-4X), $118, Unique Vintage
Hitting up a fancier venue for your holiday get-together? Slay them all in this capelet swing dress.
Plus Size Stripe Trim Maxi (Sizes 1X-3X), $35, Forever21
Easy, breezy, and budget-friendly? You need this one in your life, babe.
Finley Off The Shoulder Velvet Dress (Sizes XL-3X), $41.23, Fashion To Figure
Some holiday festivities may make you want to amp the sexy factor. In this off-the-shoulder mini dress, you'll do just that.
The Cindy Off Shoulder Belted Velvet Dress (Sizes L-6X or Custom), $85, SmartGlamour
Forget the reds and greens. Royal blue is where it's at this season.
Velour Tiered Dress (Sizes 8-22), $31.49, SimplyBe
A tiered velvet dress is the vintage-inspired yet timeless wardrobe staple you never knew you needed.
Multi Color Embroidered Challis Skater Dress (Sizes 12-26), $74.90, Torrid
Pair this embroidered dress with your favorite lace tights, as pictured, and prove that pattern mixing is always #fashiongoals.
ASOS Curve Mixed Check Shirt Dress (Sizes 12-22), $55.27, ASOS
Maybe dressing up isn't really your thing, but you still want to be subtly festive. This oversized dress is slouchy and laid-back, but the colors definitely call to mind the holiday season.
Wishing Star Velvet Dress (Sizes L-3X), $29.99, Fashion Nova
One of the best things about "holiday dressing" is the free pass to sparkle. Shine bright like a diamond in this mini.
Drama Sleeve Dress With Sheer Detail (Sizes 14-28), $119.90, ELOQUII
Take up all the space and look like a damn queen while doing it. You deserve it.
Ten 21 LTD Ruffle Detail Dress (Sizes 10-24), $106.02, Navabi
Blue velvet is not only a great film, and an arguably even greater song, but also a wonderful sartorial choice to boot.
Michel Studio Sleeveless Metallic Dress (Sizes 12-26), $120, Addition Elle
A unique neckline and flouncy hem make for a very cute look, TBH.
Fast Lane One Shoulder Sheath Dress With Zipper Hem (Sizes 14-28), $137.99, Lane Bryant
Allow sophistication and timeless glamour to define you.
Harry Potter Multi-Color Great Hall Border Skater Dress (Sizes 10-30), $68.90, Torrid
There's nothing quite like Christmas at Hogwarts, right?
Coast Plus Fenya Green Velvet Dress (Sizes 14-22), $203.70, ASOS
Forest green velvet may be overused at this point, but that doesn't mean it can't still be very well done.
SimplyBe Velvet Midi Wiggle Dress (Sizes 10-20), $74.99, SimplyBe
Want to wear the soft velvet in something a little slouchier? Why not opt for this comfy SimplyBe look?
L&L Sweater Dress (Sizes X-4X), $120, Addition Elle
Practicality often goes out the window when it comes to dressing up for the holidays, but it doesn't have to. This one is warm, comfortable, but still oh-so-chic.
Top Level Sequin Dress (Sizes L-3X), $69.99, Fashion Nova
Eschewing the family dinner in favor of the ballet? In this, you'll be just as memorable as any Prima.
Plus Size Metallic Maxi Dress (Sizes 1X-2X), $19, Forever21
If something a little sexier than a turkey dinner is on your to-do list, consider investing $19 in this absolute looker.
Fast Lane Metallic Print Tiered Dress (Sizes 14-28), $137.92, Lane Bryant
There's something so classic about this dress, but the metallic print brings it right up to the modern-day.
ASOS Curve T-Shirt Dress With Mesh Overlay (Sizes 12-24), $55.27, ASOS
That mesh overlay is striking, but you'll still feel like you're wearing your favorite T-shirt.
Rachel Roy Sparkle Knit Dress (Sizes X-3X), $139, Addition Elle
Shimmer and shine in this knit dress, but leave yourself room to breathe, too.
Studio Tuxedo Dress (Sizes 16-24), $139.90, ELOQUII
When menswear and womenswear meet, the end result is often enchanting. The tuxedo dress is in this season, and this one will ensure that you're the coolest thing in all those holiday photos.
So, whether you're having a roast dinner with the fam, hitting up a holiday party in the dorms, attending a Christmas gala, seeing a Broadway show, or lounging in front of Netflix while munching on yesterday's stuffing, there's hopefully a dress in here for you.
