The dress has to survive the part of the night nobody photographs. Sitting down for dinner. Standing up to hug somebody. Reaching for your coat at the end without having to pull the whole thing back into place. If you’re shopping for party dresses that hide belly fat because you’d like a little more ease through the middle, start with how the fabric sits and moves. There’s room on this list for a close-fitting dress with a gathered front and for the midi you can wear through a long dinner.
For a holiday dinner, I’d start with the Bayden or Santiago. For dancing, I’d look at the draped red mini. The long gowns make more sense if the dress code calls for one. Our everyday dress guide covers more silhouettes if you’re still working out what you like.
1. Petal & Pup Bayden One Shoulder Midi Dress
Petal & Pup
Bayden One Shoulder Midi Dress
$89
Emerald shimmer and one bare shoulder already do plenty for a holiday dinner. The gathered waist gives the front folds some movement, and the midi length works with a heel you can stand in through the whole cocktail hour.
2. Petal & Pup Jaelynn Mini Dress
Petal & Pup
Jaelynn Mini Dress
$89
Plum is a good change from the parade of black minis at a December party. This one is lined, and the short hem is an easy reason to bring out tall boots.
3. Petal & Pup Santiago Off Shoulder Midi Dress
Petal & Pup
Santiago Off Shoulder Midi Dress Emerald
$99
The asymmetric neckline gives the emerald Santiago a different feel from the Bayden. Its attached waist tie lets you decide how close you want the dress to sit. I’d finish it with a small earring and let the shoulder line do the rest.
4. MESHKI Jessy Draped Mini Dress
MESHKI
Jessy Draped Mini DressRed
$115
This is the red mini for the invite that says cocktails and turns into dancing. The draped fabric is what makes it interesting from the front. With that much color, sheer black tights and a black shoe are all I’d add.
5. MESHKI Alison Beaded Sheer Cowl Mini Dress
MESHKI
Alison Beaded Sheer Cowl Mini Dress Charcoal
$145
A beaded charcoal halter feels like New Year’s Eve the second the light hits it. The cowl and front tie do their work up top. If your priority is a looser fit through the middle, check the dress measurements before committing to this short, sheer-look silhouette.
6. MESHKI Poppy Satin Halter Mini Dress
MESHKI
Poppy Satin Halter Mini Dress Chocolate
$94
Chocolate satin is my pick for the dressier dinner where sequins would feel like too much. The halter draws attention to the neckline, and the satin catches light across the whole dress. Check the side view and measurements if you prefer fabric that sits away from your stomach.
7. ZOMVA Plus-Size Sparkly Halter Gown
Amazon
Plus-Size Sparkly Halter Gown
$69.99
Save the cape sleeves and mermaid hem for the invitation that actually says formal.
8. Plus-Size Draped Sequin Mermaid Gown
Amazon
Draped Sequin Mermaid Gown
$104.99
The ruched front is the detail I’d zoom in on here. The fabric gathers across the torso before the skirt opens at the hem, which gives the sparkle more dimension.
9. Floerns Plus-Size Shiny Corset Cocktail Dress
Amazon
Plus-Size Shiny Corset Cocktail Dress
$40.99
A shiny corset-style bodice, ruching and a high slit make this an after-dark dress. It’s bodycon, so it suits someone who likes a fitted shape and wants some texture across the front. A long coat over it makes the trip there a little more realistic in November.
10. TIARALY Plus-Size Off-Shoulder Sparkly Gown
Amazon
Plus-Size Off-Shoulder Sparkly Gown
$89.99
The puff sleeves give this gown a strong silhouette before you even get to the silver sparkle. The draped front and fishtail hem make it a good option for a gala or formal New Year’s Eve. I’d keep the bag small and leave the necklace at home.
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