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57 Plus-Size Holiday Dresses You'll Look Forward To Wearing At Family Dinner

by Marie Southard Ospina
Courtesy ELOQUII

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.

01MTV Queen

Courtesy ELOQUII

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.

02Golden Star

Courtesy Premme

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.

03Delicately Embroidered

Courtesy ModCloth

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.

04Metal Dreams

Courtesy Zelie For She

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.

05Timeless Creature

Courtesy eShakti

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.

06Alternative Green

Courtesy JIBRI

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.

07Modern-Day Carol

Courtesy By Nadia Aboulhosn

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.

08Emerald Deity

Courtesy Unique Vintage

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.

09Seasonal Regalia

Courtesy Fashion Nova

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.

10Keep It Casual

Courtesy Universal Standard

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.

11Shine Bright

Courtesy Elvi

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.

12Sk8er Grl

Courtesy ASOS

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.

13Deep Blue

Courtesy Navabi

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.

14Wintry Florals

Courtesy Fashion To Figure

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.

15Simple Statement

Courtesy Forever21

Plus Size Metallic Bodycon Dress (Sizes 1X-3X), $35, Forever21

Sparkly, high-necked, and stretchy. What more could you need?

16Subtle Nerdery

Courtesy Hot Topic

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.

17An Education

Courtesy eShakti

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.

18Ice Queen

Courtesy ELOQUII

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.

19Classic Smock

Courtesy SimplyBe

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.

20Next Level

Courtesy ASOS

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.

21In A '50s Picture

Courtesy ModCloth

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.

22Quiet Elegance

Courtesy SmartGlamour

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.

23Velvet Mage

Courtesy JIBRI

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.

24Winter Wonderland

Courtesy Navabi

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.

25Show-Stopper

Courtesy Fashion To Figure

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.

26Christmas Athleisure

Courtesy Fashion Nova

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.

27'Tis The Season To Be Cozy

Courtesy Universal Standard

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.

28Elsa

Courtesy SimplyBe

SimplyBe Foil Print Maxi Dress (Sizes 8-18), $47.99, SimplyBe

Elsa would be so proud. So proud.

29Ruffled Vixen

Courtesy By Nadia Aboulhosn

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.

30Bodycon Babe

Courtesy Torrid

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.

31Extra, Always

Courtesy ELOQUII

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.

32What A Stud

Courtesy Elvi

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.

33Too Cute

Courtesy ModCloth

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.

34Snow Leopard

Courtesy ASOS

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.

35A New Take On Holiday Green

Courtesy Navabi

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!

36Vintage For Life

Courtesy Unique Vintage

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.

37Black & White 4L

Courtesy Forever21

Plus Size Stripe Trim Maxi (Sizes 1X-3X), $35, Forever21

Easy, breezy, and budget-friendly? You need this one in your life, babe.

38Never Too Mini

Courtesy Fashion To Figure

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.

39Royal Blue

Courtesy SmartGlamour

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.

40The Supreme

Courtesy SImplyBe

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.

41Wear Florals In Winter

Courtesy Torrid

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.

42Time To Lounge

Courtesy ASOS

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.

43Shimmer-Time

Courtesy Fashion Nova

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.

44Take Up Space

Courtesy ELOQUII

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.

45Blue Velvet

Courtesy Navabi

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.

46Strike A Pose

Courtesy Addition Elle

Michel Studio Sleeveless Metallic Dress (Sizes 12-26), $120, Addition Elle

A unique neckline and flouncy hem make for a very cute look, TBH.

47She's A Looker

Courtesy Lane Bryant

Fast Lane One Shoulder Sheath Dress With Zipper Hem (Sizes 14-28), $137.99, Lane Bryant

Allow sophistication and timeless glamour to define you.

48Hogwarts-Ready

Courtesy Torrid

Harry Potter Multi-Color Great Hall Border Skater Dress (Sizes 10-30), $68.90, Torrid

There's nothing quite like Christmas at Hogwarts, right?

49Pine Tree

Courtesy ASOS

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.

50So Light & Free

Courtesy SimplyBe

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?

51Bundle Up

Courtesy Addition Elle

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.

52One For The Books

Courtesy Fashion Nova

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.

53Plunge

Courtesy Forever21

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.

54For The Ages

Courtesy Lane Bryant

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.

55Easy Peasy

Courtesy ASOS

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.

56Luxe Loungewear

Courtesy Addition Elle

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.

57The Perfect Gentleman

Courtesy ELOQUII

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.