Plus Size Picks: Three Party Dresses, Three Ways

With only a few weeks to go until Christmas, what else could I cover in my plus size column other than party dresses? At this time of year you can pile on the sequins, metallics, jewellery and accessories, so that's exactly what I've done here. You all know how to team a simple black dress with a nice pair of shoes, so there's no point in doing that even if it's what 80% of us will wear to the office party. Instead, these outfits take festive sparkle to another level! To tone down, just remove the accessories piece by piece - not everyone wants matching rings, bracelets and belts...but if you're going to get away with them at any time, it's at Christmas!

Look One: Going For Gold

Gold looks great against jewel colours, so if the dark red is not for you then green, blue or purple would work just as well. Just makes sure you contrast the gold with something, even if it's black, or the head-to-toe look could wash you out. At this time of year you're probably going to need tights, so switch out the sandals for something with a closed toe if you prefer (sparkly ballet flats would be just as pretty as heels).

Koko gold mesh stripe dress £49 (sizes 16 - 26) | Coast satin clutch bag with bow £45 | Topshop crystal spike collar necklace £24 | ASOS Curve plate and ring waist belt £15 | Louche multi stone ring £8 | New Look gold glitter sandals £19.99 (wide fit)

Look Two: Flapper Girl 

Despite not being big on the catwalks, flapper dresses have been high street's most popular party trend this season. I blame Baz Luhrmann and Leonardo DiCaprio (*sigh*). This 20s inspired dress from Project D for Simply Be isn't cheap, but it is beautiful, and the shape is so easy to wear. Because of all the beading, it doesn't need much in the way of accessories, but a jewelled headband and art deco earrings will keep the Great Gatsby vibe going if (like me) you like your outfits to be more like costumes.

Project D Buckingham dress £130 (sizes 14 - 32) | Accessorize baroque pearl hard case clutch £45  | Boohoo gold spike drop earrings £4 | Clarka Azizi Iris ankle strap shoes £69.99 | New Look gold leaf headband £2.99 

Look Three: Lady in Red

I am currently obsessed with the word 'tippet', so I had to include one somewhere here. The furry black monster from Coast allows you to wear a dress with a more revealing top half without freezing to death. And people will want to stroke you, making it a great ice breaker. Add some Poetic Licence heels (the only ones I can wear all night without suffering) and the requisite clutch, and you're done. The bling is entirely optional, since nobody's going to look at your wrists when you have a Sesame Street character around your neck.

Scarlett & Jo lace prom dress £65 (sizes 14 - 18) | Coast ostrich feather tippet £65 | Aftershock Francis lace clutch £40 | Cubic zirconia ring £12 | Poetic Licence Midnight Rose shoes £63.74 | Miss Selfridge box wrap bangles £15