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What to wear to a holiday party? 8 Festive Plus Size Outfit Ideas 2023

A holiday season style guide

A pleated gold clutch, stud earrings that look like wreaths with red bows, a model wearing a red plaid suit, a model wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, and a pair of green satin heels with ribbon bows on the back. Credit: Reviewed / Loeffler Randall / Baublebar / Lane Bryant / Target / Sam Edelman

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The holiday season is in full swing, and you know what that means: Twinkling lights, jingle bells, and ugly sweaters can be found everywhere you look. You might even find that your calendar is looking a bit more full with holiday celebration after celebration just around the corner. The holidays are a perfect excuse to pull out all the bells and whistles with your ensembles, so we’re putting together some smashing holiday plus size outfits that’ll make you the belle of the ball.

Our top plus-size holiday party outfit picks of 2023

Read on to find a smashing Christmas plus size outfit for every occasion, from your office holiday party, to looks for the family shindig, gatherings with friends, and even a look to wear for beloved holiday traditions like checking out the Christmas lights.

1. Holiday Work Party Outfit Idea

Collage of a woven gold bag, a model wearing a plaid blazer, and a cream loafer.
Credit: Reviewed / Lane Bryant / Naturalizer / Anthropologie

Keep your look festive and professional with a plaid blazer and loafers.

Just because there’s a party doesn’t mean you should forget about your office’s general wardrobe guidelines and suggestions. A great way to look both festive and professional is with a holiday-colored plaid blazer, like the Lane Bryant Perfect Drape One-Button Blazer, which is sold in sizes 12 to 28.

Product image of Lane Bryant Perfect Drape One-Button Blazer
Lane Bryant Perfect Drape One-Button Blazer

A plaid blazer is an easy way to add a festive touch to your typical workday look.

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at Lane Bryant

While you could absolutely pair your blazer with the matching pants (available in regular and petite sizes 12 to 28) (which we've included lower down on this list), for a more office-appropriate ‘fit, consider a high-rise fitted flare, like the Spanx Hi-Rise Flare The Perfect Pant, which is sold in regular, petite, and tall sizes XS to 3X in five classic colorways. The front-seam flares elongate the appearance of the legs while the stretchy fabric hugs curves for a tailored look that feels as cozy as your pajamas.

Product image of Spanx Hi-Rise Flare The Perfect Pant
Spanx Hi-Rise Flare The Perfect Pant

Pair the blazer with a pair of classic flared pants that you can wear long after the holiday season has finished.

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at Spanx

With flares, pumps are your best friend, and the Naturalizer Callie Loafer Pump, which is sold in medium and wide sizes 6 to 12, is a great choice given its block heel and on-trend chunky loafer style.

Product image of Naturalizer Callie Loafer Pump
Naturalizer Callie Loafer Pump

Reach for this chunky loafer-style heel to add a stylish but tasteful touch to your office holiday fit.

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at Nordstrom

Whatever you do, don’t forget to accessorize! A shimmer clutch-crossbody, like the Anthropologie Frankie Clutch in gold will add a hint of glam while still keeping your overall look more refined.

Product image of Anthropologie Frankie Clutch
Anthropologie Frankie Clutch

Finish your look with a glamorous and versatile woven gold bag that easily converts from a crossbody to a clutch.

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at Anthropologie

2. Family Holiday Party Outfit Idea

Collage of a white ankle boot, a model wearing a red Fair Isle sweater, and a model wearing boot cut jeans.
Credit: Reviewed / Croft & Barrow / Good American / Journee Collection

A festive sweater is always a holiday gathering go-to.

Spending time with family doesn’t require getting as dolled up. As such, you can plan for a casual and comfy holiday outfit. It’s as simple as pairing a holiday sweater, like the Croft & Barrow Knit Crewneck Sweater (available in sizes 0X to 5X), with a pair of dark denim, like the Good American Classic Slim Boot Fit Jeans (available in sizes 00 to 32 Plus). By opting for a darker wash, you’ll be able to elevate your overall casual look, which is always a good idea when holiday photos can be snapped at any moment.

Product image of Croft & Barrow Knit Crewneck Sweater
Croft & Barrow Knit Crewneck Sweater

This festive Fair Isle sweater is fun, classic, and will pair beautifully with any number of holiday-friendly looks.

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at Kohl’s
Product image of Good American Classic Slim Boot Fit Jeans
Good American Classic Slim Boot Fit Jeans

A good pair of dark-wash jeans can be one of the most flattering and versatile garments in your closet.

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at Good American

For an unexpected shoe pairing, go with a white bootie, like the Journee Collection Haylinn Booties, available in sizes 5.5 to 13. Yes, you can wear white shoes after Labor Day—we promise. Finally, add in a classic handbag like the Coach Cassie Crossbody 19 to bring along all of your Christmas essentials.

Product image of Journee Collection Haylinn Booties
Journee Collection Haylinn Booties

Paired with the bold red sweater, this white bootie will give you a subtle candy cane-inspired vibe.

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at Macy’s
Product image of Coach Cassie Crossbody 19
Coach Cassie Crossbody 19

Phone, keys, wallet, letters to Santa—this timeless bag has room for it all.

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at Coach

3. Casual Holiday party outfit Idea

Collage of a model wearing a pink sweater that reads "Warm Fuzzies," a pair of wreath earrings, and a model wearing wide-leg pants.
Credit: Reviewed / Target / Baublebar / Old Navy

Wow your friends with a cheeky sweater and high-waisted trousers.

Celebrating with friends is another time when you don’t have to get totally glammed up. For your group’s much-anticipated White Elephant party, consider a fun, festive sweater, wide-leg pants, and a trendy Mary Jane pump to give it a little pizazz. Instead of buying an argyle sweater like everyone else, take the cheeky route with Target’s A New Day Women’s Crewneck Warm Fuzzies Sweater. The pink crewneck sweater is made with the softest recycled polyester and looks particularly great when worn with a French tuck. It’s available in sizes XS to 4X.

Product image of A New Day Women’s Crewneck Warm Fuzzies Sweater
A New Day Women’s Crewneck Warm Fuzzies Sweater

Don this sweater for a bright pop of one of the year’s hottest colors.

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at Target

Pair it with a high-waisted, wide-leg trouser, like the Old Navy High-Waisted Pull-On Pixie Wide-Leg Pants, available in sizes XS to 4X, for an incredibly cozy but totally put-together end look.

Product image of Old Navy High-Waisted Pull-On Pixie Wide-Leg Pants
Old Navy High-Waisted Pull-On Pixie Wide-Leg Pants

The proportions of these stylish pants will balance out the slightly oversized look of the sweater.

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at Old Navy

Tie your look together with a pair of cute holiday earrings—we love the Baublebar Mini Holiday Motif Earrings. These sweet studs are available in four designs including wreaths, Christmas trees, presents, and stockings. Two words: Picture perfect!

Product image of Baublebar Mini Holiday Motif Earrings
Baublebar Mini Holiday Motif Earrings

Shop these glittering studs in four holiday-ready designs.

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at Baublebar

4. Holiday Cocktail party outfit idea

Collage of green heels with satin bows, a model wearing a green velvet dress, and a pair of emerald earrings.
Credit: Reviewed / Naturalizer / Eloquii / Kenneth Jay Lane

Celebrate the holidays in style with a trendy velvet dress from Eloquii.

Headed out for a cocktail soiree this holiday season? Skip the little black dress and consider a green velvet one instead. The Eloquii Velvet Mini Dress with Wrap Skirt is drop-dead gorgeous and available in sizes 14 to 28.

Product image of Eloquii Velvet Mini Dress with Wrap Skirt
Eloquii Velvet Mini Dress with Wrap Skirt

Velvet is already a beloved holiday fabric, so reach for this emerald-hued wrap dress.

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at Eloquii

Since the dress is your statement piece, let it shine by pairing it with subtle-yet-chic accessories. The Amour Heels by Pnina Tornai for Naturalizer—available in four colors in sizes 5 to 11—looks like a classic open-toe heel from the front but features an oversized, feminine satin bow detail on the back, perfect for gift-giving season. Add a touch of glittering glamour to this monochromatic look with emerald-colored drop earrings, like the Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Teardrop Clip Earrings.

Product image of Amour Heels by Pnina Tornai for Naturalizer
Amour Heels by Pnina Tornai for Naturalizer

Don’t be afraid to make a statement with your shoes.

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at Zappos
Product image of Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Teardrop Clip Earrings
Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Teardrop Clip Earrings

Big, bold, and beautiful—these clip-on drop earrings are glamorous and timeless.

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at Neiman Marcus

To complete your chic cocktail-themed look, ditch your regular purse and grab a luxurious pleated clutch, like the Loeffler Randall Rayne Pleated Lamé Bow Clutch, which can easily hold your phone, wallet, keys, lipstick, and more.

Product image of Loeffler Randall Rayne Pleated Lamé Bow Clutch
Loeffler Randall Rayne Pleated Lamé Bow Clutch

This pleated clutch will add an elegant touch to any holiday outfit.

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at Saks Fifth Avenue

5. Chic Holiday Party Outfit Idea

Collage of a model wearing a black feathered jumpsuit, a black ankle boot, and a crescent-shaped beaded purse.
Credit: Reviewed / New York & Company / Sam Edelman / Kelly & Katie

Keep things simple with a fun and feathered look.

Hoping to look festive without wearing an explosion of color? The season’s beloved feather-trimmed styles will keep you on trend. New York & Company embodies the part Hollywood glamour, part cozy one-and-done look with its Lena Feather Trim Wide Leg Jumpsuit. The luxurious jumpsuit features a feather-trimmed bodice and wide leg pants.

Product image of New York & Company Lena Feather Trim Wide Leg Jumpsuit
New York & Company Lena Feather Trim Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Take all of the guesswork out of putting together a minimalist holiday look with this feather-trimmed jumpsuit.

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at New York & Company

Since the goal here is to let the feathers stand out, pair the set with simple-yet-chic black boots, like the Sam Edelman Irie Square-Toe Dress Booties, available in sizes 5 to 12, and a beaded clutch, like the Kelly & Katie Staci Wristlet, for a touch of subtle flair.

Product image of Sam Edelman Irie Square-Toe Dress Booties
Sam Edelman Irie Square-Toe Dress Booties

Keep your footwear simple with these black booties from cult-fav footwear brand, Sam Edelman.

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at Macy’s
Product image of Kelly & Katie Staci Wristlet
Kelly & Katie Staci Wristlet

Complete the monochromatic look with this beaded clutch bag, just big enough for your essentials.

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at DSW

6. Maximalist Holiday Party Outfit Idea

Collage of a feathered yellow-green shoe, a black leather quilted bag, and a model wearing a silver sequin dress.
Credit: Reviewed / Sam Edelman / Michael Kors / Eloquii

Sparkle your way through the holiday gala season with a sequined dress.

Prefer to go all out with your style? You’re not alone! Maximal home design and dressing have continued to dominate trends in 2023. To rock a maximalist holiday ‘fit this season, you’ll want to mix and match colors, textures, and prints in a way that just works. One way to do so is to start with a maximalist dress, like the Eloquii Dolman Sleeve Sequin Dress, which is sold in emerald, Plum Perfect, and silver in sizes 14 to 28.

Product image of Eloquii Dolman Sleeve Sequin Dress
Eloquii Dolman Sleeve Sequin Dress

Reach for this sequined midi dress to make an unforgettable, sparkling statement this holiday season.

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at Eloquii

To complete the look, step into a pair of strappy sandals—we love the Sam Edelman Layton Embellished Pom Pom Ankle Strap High Heel Sandals, which is sold in five colors, including a great Grinchy green shade called Dark Pear—and put on a pair of statement earrings, like these beautiful Bow Drop Dangle Earrings.

Product image of Sam Edelman Layton Embellished Pom Pom Ankle Strap High Heel Sandals
Sam Edelman Layton Embellished Pom Pom Ankle Strap High Heel Sandals

With a bold dress, you’ll need a shoe that’s just as exuberant.

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at Bloomingdale’s
Product image of Lokliffai 925 Sterling Silver Bow Drop Dangle Earrings
Lokliffai 925 Sterling Silver Bow Drop Dangle Earrings

Reach for these sweet bow earrings to add a soft touch to this flamboyant look.

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at Amazon

Complete your look with a classic quilted bag—the Michael Kors SoHo Large Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag is made from buttery soft leather, with a classic and timeless style that you can wear time and time again.

Product image of Michael Kors SoHo Large Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag
Michael Kors SoHo Large Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag

This fashionable bag will go with your maximalist looks, as well as your most refined outfits, all year round.

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at Michael Kors

7. Mature Christmas Party Outfit Idea

Collage of a model wearing plaid pants, a model wearing a cream-colored turtleneck, and a black mule shoe with a silver buckle.
Credit: Reviewed / Lane Bryant / Ralph Lauren / Sam Edelman

Keep things classic with plaid trousers and a modest mock neck sweater from Ralph Lauren.

Hoping to get dressed up for the holidays without showing quite as much skin, balancing on high heels, or trying to fit all your belongings in a smaller clutch-sized purse? More mature holiday outfits can be had without sacrificing style! Stay warm and fashion-forward at your holiday party by pairing a pair of plaid trousers, like the Lane Bryant Slim Ankle 4-Season Pant (available in regular and petite sizes 12 to 28), with a coordinating sweater like the Ralph Lauren Lauren Women Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater, which is available in sizes 1X to 3X.

Product image of Lane Bryant Slim Ankle 4-Season Pant
Lane Bryant Slim Ankle 4-Season Pant

You can pair these plaid pants with the accompanying blazer listed in the first outfit on this list for a complete look.

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at Lane Bryant
Product image of Ralph Lauren Lauren Women Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater
Ralph Lauren Lauren Women Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater

Go for chic sophistication by pairing the plaid trousers with this elegant cream turtleneck.

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at Ralph Lauren

Once you have your base put together, accessorize it with low formal heels, like the gorgeous and comfortable Sam Edelman Brit Pointed Toe Embellished Buckle Mid Heel Pumps—sold in two colors in sizes 5 to 12.

Product image of Sam Edelman Brit Pointed Toe Embellished Buckle Mid Heel Pumps
Sam Edelman Brit Pointed Toe Embellished Buckle Mid Heel Pumps

Reach for a sensible low heel with a glittering buckle to give this outfit a glamorous touch.

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at Bloomingdale’s

To ensure you have plenty of room for your holiday essentials, consider spacious tote bag, like the small but mighty Tory Burch Small Ella Bio Tote, which is available in nine colors. The purse two internal pockets, as well as an included crossbody strap so you can adjust the length to your needs. Suffice to say, you’ll feel very organized wherever your holiday night out takes you.

Product image of Tory Burch Small Ella Bio Tote
Tory Burch Small Ella Bio Tote

Make sure you have everything you need for an unforgettable holiday with this spacious tote from Tory Burch.

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at Tory Burch

8. Ugly Sweater Holiday Outfit Idea

Collage of a model wearing a silver sequin midi skirt, a model wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, and a knit white ankle boot.
Credit: Reviewed / Eloquii / Target / Everlane

Make sure that ugly has never looked so beautiful with a sparkling sequin skirt and knit booties.

If an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party is on your schedule this month, you’ll want to find a balance between garish and glam, and we suggest pairing the Merry And Bright Graphic Sweater from Target with the glittering Eloquii Sequin Shimmer Maxi Skirt With Slit. The sweater uses text and patterns of Christmas trees to add a playful feel to the look, while the skirt adds a bold statement that’s sure to stand out at any celebration. Shop the sweater in women’s sizes XS to 3X, and the skirt in women’s sizes 14 to 32.

Product image of Merry And Bright Graphic Sweater
Merry And Bright Graphic Sweater

This playful sweater is colorful and statement-making.

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at Target
Product image of Eloquii Sequin Shimmer Maxi Skirt With Slit
Eloquii Sequin Shimmer Maxi Skirt With Slit

So long as you’re already wearing a colorful sweater, you might as well commit to the bit with this flashy skirt, dripping in sequins.

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at Eloquii

To complete the ensemble, pair the showy look with a simple and tasteful shoe like the Everlane Glove Boot, that makes excellent use of knit fabric that’s both chic and comfortable to wear. Don’t believe us? This boot has over 1,300 glowing reviews.

Product image of Everlane Glove Boot
Everlane Glove Boot

This is an elegant boot you’ll want to wear long after the holiday season is over.

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at Everlane

9. Going to see Christmas lights outfit idea

Collage of a chunky cream-colored sneaker, a black sweater with a Christmas light pattern on it, and a model wearing wide-leg sweatpants that are dyed to look like jeans.
Credit: Reviewed / Torrid / Good American / Steve Madden

Heading out to see the Christmas lights? Comfort is key.

Whether you’re driving through the neighborhood to see the twinkling lights on each house, or trekking through the city on foot, when you’re off to see the Christmas lights, comfort is key. Rather than something bejeweled and dripping in sequins, instead reach for a sweater with an on-theme pattern like the Torrid Lights Pullover Crew Raglan Sweater, and pair it with the ultimate cozy essential: sweatpants. Good American’s Jeanius Good Skate Sweatpants take the classic loungewear style and updates it with a wide-leg silhouette and fabric that’s been printed and dyed to look like denim.

Product image of Torrid Lights Pullover Crew Raglan Sweater
Torrid Lights Pullover Crew Raglan Sweater

A Christmas light sweater to see Christmas lights? Groundbreaking.

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at Torrid
Product image of Good American Jeanius Good Skate Sweatpants
Good American Jeanius Good Skate Sweatpants

Comfort comes first, especially with these sweatpants that look like wide-leg jeans.

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at Good American

Finally, to prioritize comfort while you walk (while still providing much-needed balance to the wide-leg sweatpants), opt for a chunky platform sneaker like the Steve Madden Possession. These kicks aren’t just stylish, they’ll be perfect for every special moment during your Christmas light walk.

Product image of Steve Madden Possession Sneaker
Steve Madden Possession Sneaker

A wide, chunky platform sneaker will ground the wide-leg of the sweatpants, and also make you supremely comfortable as you walk from house to house.

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at Steve Madden

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