Plus Size Dressy Occasions -

Don’t Feel Like Wearing A Dress? Formal Outfits for the Modern Woman


The holidays are creeping upon everyone very quickly! Along with great food and shopping, holidays often bring on many special events, parties and informal gatherings. Many women dread this time of year because they hate putting on an uncomfortable dress and feeling miserable all night. Instead of forcing yourself to wear your trusty old black dress this year, why not try a few new special occasion outfit options for holiday gatherings?

Dresses Fashion & Style Examples:


Do Classic Black Pants
See classic pant styles >>

Shirts Price Range: $19.99 - $199.99




Do a Dressy Skirt
See black skirts >>

Shirts Price Range: $12.99 - $39.99




Do a Top with Sparkle
See special occasion top >>

Shirts Price Range: $35.70 - $59.50




Do a Special Occasion Tunic
See special occasion tunic >>

Shirts Price Range: $9.88 - $49.95



Do Dress up a Sweater
See special occasion sweater >>

Shirts Price Range: $39 - $59



DO a Sweatshirt with Style
See elegant sweatshirts >>

Shirts Price Range: $10 - $29.95



Do a Dressy Jacket
See jacket styles >>

Shirts Price Range: $49 - $129

Do a Dressy Black Pant
You likely have a “little black dress” you use as your wardrobe “go-to” piece for holiday gatherings. If you’d rather steer clear of dresses, you can always choose to substitute the dress for a pair of well-tailored dressy black pants. Dressy black pants should be a staple in any closet and can be adapted to fit almost any social situation. They can quickly go from fall to winter, without missing a beat! Thus, even a pair of inexpensive black pants can be a great clothing investment. Look for flattering styles that fit the widest part of your leg and thigh area. Steer clear of pants with tapered legs. Look for those that flare slightly or fully at the bottom, because they will give you the most slimming look possible. We recommend One Stop Plus for this item.


Dressy Black Skirt
Another wardrobe piece ladies should be sure to keep in their closet for after 5 events or cocktail parties is a dressy black skirt. Plus size women should look for skirts made of sturdy material, in an A-line shape. This will help accentuate the waist area and conceal the thighs. While the perfect length can vary from body to body, it’s always a safe fashion bet to choose an A-line skirt that falls right at the knee or mid-calf. We recommend Woman Within for this item.


Do a Special Occasion Top
If you’re going to an informal holiday event but don’t want to look sloppy, think about pairing a dark pair of straight legged jeans with a special occasion top. You don’t need to spend loads on designer jeans. Just pick a pair which is very dark in color because the dark color will instantly give them an updated and more elegant look. Consider pairing the jeans with a sleeveless silk halter top in red or another vibrant color. If it’s chilly outside, grab a coordinating wrap and your favorite pointed toe heels and you’ll be ready to party! We recommend Lane Bryant for this item.


Do a Evening Tunic
For a very informal event, you can always go comfortable and chic. Many women steer clear of leggings because they think they add weight to the lower half of the body. However, when coordinated with proportion in mind, leggings can be a great way for women of all sizes to stay warm and comfortable. Instead of pairing leggings with an oversized shirt, think about finding a special occasion tunic. Tunics are longer than shirts and flair more at the bottom (like an A-line skirt almost). Sleeveless tunics, three quarter sleeve tunics or short sleeve tunics are all great for any womens body shape. Be sure the tunic hits at least mid thigh on the leggings. To define the waist more, throw on a wide belt around the smallest part of your waist area and wear matching pumps, flat ballet shoes or even tall boots!. We recommend Avenue.com for this item.


Do an Elegant Sweater
If you think of yourself as being modest and classic, consider skipping a cocktail dress or evening wear and go for a more reserved look with a special occasion sweater. Don’t fall into the trap of wearing one with snowmen, snowflakes or a Christmas tree on the front. Instead, look for a solid sweater in red, black, gray or green to celebrate any special events you’re attending. For a more festive look, browse for a sweater with fine metallic threads weaved throughout the knit. We recommend Silhouettes for this item.


Do a Fancy Holiday Sweatshirts
Pair a sweater or even an elegant holiday sweatshirt with a pair of velvet wide legs pants, coordinating boots and a scarf for a modern low-key look. Just be sure to go for holiday sweatshirts that don’t overwhelm anyone with tacky detailing. Forget about the sweatshirts with lighting effects! Instead, go with a holiday sweatshirt in a lovely red or green color, to celebrate the holidays while maintaining style. We recommend Avenue.com for this item.


Do a Dressy Jacket
If you want to look your best in cold weather, it’s all about finding the right dressy jacket for your shape. Jackets can do wonders for any woman by defining the waist area and creating a more proportionate look overall. For holiday events, consider buying a jacket in a plush velvet or corduroy fabric. Look for fine detailing like interesting clasps or a ribbon closure. Jackets should nip at the area below the bust a bit and flare slightly out at the natural waist and hip area. Beware of choosing a jacket that hits much lower than the waist, or else your leg length will appear shortened. Pair a dressy jacket with a pair of smart pants and a silk camisole (found in the plus size intimate apparel department) for the ultimate holiday look. We recommend Ulla Popken

 

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