The Hottest Holiday Dresses of 2011

Tis the season for cocktail parties and house parties, office parties and fabulous in-store fashion events — it’s the holiday season! Time to get all dressed up and hit the town for seasonal fun! Whatever do you wear to the festivities? I got your back! I wrote a post on the topic for StyleUnited.com, click here to read “Perfect Plus Sized Holiday Dresses”. That piece speaks to the trends and general looks you may want to go for. And here, I will share my personal picks so you can score yourself a gorgeous gown!

Holiday dress trend # 1 — Sequins!

I think it’s safe to say that Monif C’s Samantha Sequined Party Dress is THE most coveted plus size party dress of the holiday season. I’ve seen this dress tweeted, tumblr’d, pinned and bloggid about absolutely everywhere! And with great reason – it’s sparkly and fabulous and FUN! This is the kind of dress that’s sure to turn heads at any New Year’s Eve event or holiday party. It’s $268, currently marked down to $227.80!

Holiday dress trend #2 – Bright jewel tones!

At your holiday party, if you want to stand out from the crowd and make a statement with your dress, go for a bright, bold, jewel color! I LOVE the Gold Party Dress by Eloquii — $118 for this one!

The cabernet colored pleated cowl neck dress is also $118 and combines three smokin hot fashion trends — bold color, an Obi belt, and pleats!

This smokin hot emerald green dress by Stop Staring is just $142 and comes in sizes up to 3X. Could be KILLER with bold, gold accessories.

Holiday dress trend #3 – Velvet!

I can’t think of a fabric that’s more instantly evocative of the holiday season than velvet. Plush, touchable, and so chic, velvet is so perfect right now!

This Tahari Plus Size Velvet Embroidered coat is fly enough to function as your dress at a glam holiday event. At $398 that’s pretty steep (but it IS Tahari!) and there’s one size left. This is mostly to give you an idea of the kind of look you might want to go for!

A more affordable alternative is this velvet blouson dress, in a rich eggplant color. So seasonally chic! And only $109.

If you can’t find a dress you LOVE, you can definitely find a lush maxi skirt or blazer in a rich velvet or velveteen. Check out One Stop Plus for further options.

Holiday dress trend #4 – Fabulous floor length maxi dress

I love a maxi dress in the summer and in winter it’s a great way to layer! Leggings and boots usually go well with the look if a slit isn’t involved, and if you add a belt and a cardigan, your maxi dress will have shape and seasonal relevance. For holidazzle, I am loving the Rebecca gown in Evergreen, by Igigi. It’s dramatic, sexy, and very evening – and the rich green color makes it a winner for the holiday season.

For those of you who prefer a darker hue, check out the Estrella in black. It’s that rare black maxi dress that isn’t totally boring.

Holiday dress trend #5 – The lace LBD

You can’t go to a holiday party — or dare I say, ANY kind of party — without seeing women rocking the classic Little Black Dress. But now, lace is a huge trend and there are ways to make the look distinctly yours. Consider the convertible lace dress at Lane Bryant — $99.95, and a certified scene stealer!

The slash neck lace dress by ASOS Curve also brings the sexy, and I think the Analisa lace column dress by Kiyonna is a grown and sexy way to wear lace for those who don’t love a shorter dress.

For anyone who’s seeing even more guidance on how to dress, what to wear, and where to shop for the hottest plus sized fashions — check out the e book by Marie Denee, The Curvy Fashionista! Keeping It Curvy. Confident. Chic is a great resource for the curvy woman seeking to maximise her style potential, and it’s full of advice, insight, and incentives to step up your fashion game. CONGRATS to Marie for 3 years in the plus size blogging game, and here’s to many more!

What will YOU be wearing for the holiday season? Any hot Christmas parties or New Year’s Eve celebrations on your calendar?