Party season is just weeks away, and is finally looking something like pre-pandemic times. End-of-year bashes, winter weddings and of course, Christmas parties galore, there’s plenty to celebrate this year.
With all these invites comes an inevitable dose of sartorial panic. Party dressing is an art and can be especially challenging if you’ve got curves to clothe.
Luckily with every passing collection, more and more designers are making their pieces more size-inclusive, not just by sizing up existing pieces but designing specifically for a plus size customer, complete with the right fit models to address concerns and preferences.
Research by Yours Clothing found that searches for “Affordable Plus Size Party Dresses” have grown by 43 per cent since 2019, showing a clear demand for glamorous pieces that won’t break the bank.
Say goodbye to baggy sacks masquerading as dresses, gaping chest areas and tugging hemlines down over hips - the new season squad of plus size party dresses will make you ready to go out-out every day of the week, if you can handle it.
We’ve found the best outfits to accentuate plus size figures and make you feel like the belle of every ball. From sequinned midis to tailored minis, here’s our edit of the best.
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Monsoon Annalissa sequin midi dress black
Sizes: 8 - 24
A sweetheart neckline is one of the most flattering styles, especially for those with bigger busts to think about. This showstopper from Monsoon shows off a comfortable amount of skin, balanced with floaty 3/4 length sleeves and a swishy midi skirt made for twirling across dancefloors. The sleek black stays within comfort zones but is ready to party with gold-coloured sequin embellishments, dotted from head to toe.
This design is part of Monsoon’s S.E.W Sustainable line which uses mindful materials that are kinder to the environment and have a lower environmental impact.
Buy now £130.00, Monsoon
Joanie Nevada Square Neck Tiered Velvet Midaxi Dress - Scarlet
Sizes: 8 - 22
If winter was a fabric, it would be velvet. Get into the festive spirit with this touchably soft design in a rich, cranberry red which comes with the Holy Grail in terms of frocks - pockets. Finish with gold-coloured accessories for pretty Christmassy vibes.
Buy now £75.00, Joanie
Rixo Melanie dress in Leopard Spot
Sizes: 6 - 24
Rixo’s entry into plus size dressing has come just in time for party season - and we couldn’t be happier. The cult dresses are now made for a more inclusive audience and top of our list is this mixed pattern midi, fusing two of our favourites together - velvet and an animal print. There’s no way you can have anything but fun in this frock.
Buy now £335.00, MyTheresa
Karen Millen Plus Size Sequin Velvet Mesh Detail Feather Cuff Jersey Mini
Sizes: 18 - 24
Layers of mesh and sequin panels combine to form this head-turning mini dress, finished with a black feather trim on the cuffs. It’s a short look, so you could pair the piece with tights or wear with bare legs, sky-high boots and a velvety red lip.
Buy now £127.20, Karen Millen
Lovedrobe Luxe Plus pleated satin midi dress with twist back detail in navy
Sizes: 18 - 32
Midnight blue is a winning alternative to black and teamed here with an Empire cut (under the chest, the smallest part of any body), offers an elegant take on party dressing. Vertical pleats help to lengthen the body, drawing the eye downwards. Although it has a slight sheen, it’s a plain look which means you can go to town on the accessories.
Buy now £105.00, ASOS
Atsu Bow Maxi Dress
Sizes: XL - 3XL
The gift of your presence should come gift-wrapped. This fuchsia maxi dress makes a persuasive case for formal events with a jewel tone that’ll help you stand out from the crowd. And just in case it doesn’t, well, that’s what the bow is for.
Buy now £198.00, Anthropologie
Monsoon Zoey embellished star midi dress in recycled polyester black
Sizes: 8 - 24
Channel fireworks at each and every gathering in your diary with this star sequinned party dress available at Monsoon. Featuring a mesh overlay on top of a black slip, the short sleeved dress falls to midi length and will look best paired with heels.
Buy now £150.00, Monsoon
Yours Drop Shoulder Velvet Wrap Dress
Sizes: 16 - 24
Velvet is the star of the show again in this knee-length wrap dress, made to enhance curves - use the self-tie waist to create an hourglass figure. The piece is easy to wear for all sorts of winter occasions; just add sparkly jewellery and some heels and you’re set.
Buy now £45.00, Very
Lovedrobe Luxe Plus rainbow texture mini dress in multi
Sizes: 18 - 32
If you’re unwilling to leave the comfort zone of a black dress, metallic and sequin embellishments can help to take your look up a level. This playful mini is covered in flashes of metallic colours like fireworks against a night sky. The square neckline is repeated on the back and a short length means it will work as well with heels as it will with boots.
Buy now £89.00, ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Curve fluffy mini dress with ruched bust and shirred cuffs in sage green
Sizes: 16 - 30
Party dressing doesn’t have to mean darker colours. Embrace lighter hues at ASOS where this fluffy sage green mini is waiting to jump into your online basket. The Empire cut design is ideal for weddings and Christmas parties alike with long sleeves to ward off chills.
Buy now £48.00, ASOS
Flounce London Plus long sleeve mini wrap dress in hot pink sequin
Sizes: 18 - 22
Stop traffic in this hot pink mini that has party time written all over it. The wrap style cuts across the chest, minimising the look of larger boobs while the full length sleeves offer welcome balance.
Buy now £60.00, ASOS
Rixo Paris dress in gold
Sizes: 6 - 24
Get ready to shine in Rixo’s Paris silhouette, which marries gold-coloured silk with unbelievably soft black velvet for a knockout party look. Bonus; the dark skirt means you can pair the look with black opaque hosiery if it’s particularly cold outside. A perfect piece for New Year’s Eve bashes.
Buy now £265.00, RIXO
