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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Listen — I'm always looking for a reason to get new party dresses, and the holiday season gives PLENTY of reason alone. We've got sequins and velvet on our brains, but we want everyone to look — and feel! — their best. So, here are some of the best plus size options because there's so many stylish pieces out there that deserve to be highlighted. From mini to maxi, these 15 plus size dresses are going to make someone jealous during the holiday party you're attending.
The Best Plus Size Party Dresses for Birthdays, Holidays & More
Sequin Plus Size Dresses
Target
Eloquii Mini Cowl Sequin Dress
Whoo, you'll be one hot mama in this pink sequin dress! It's worth noting that sequins and the holidays go together like hot chocolate and winter, so this is our way of saying this dress deserves a spot in your closet.
Torrid
Torrid Mini Sequin Mesh Dress
Want to go a little shorter and vibrant without going the pink route? Feast your eyes on this mini dress! It's designed to hug your curves and give you your own personalized version of Jessica Rabbit's dress. Don't lie — we know you've always wanted to wear something sultry like she did in Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Boohoo
Boohoo Sequin Wrap Dress
As always, leopard print remains the easiest fall/winter trend that anyone can wear. We never thought we'd see it in sequin form, but we've immediately fallen in love with this wrap dress. You can keep the rest of your accessories simple because it's sure to make a statement!
Macy's
Macy's Kiyonna Starry Sequined Lace Dress
Have a winter wedding to attend and want to wear something that feels black-tie without distracting from the bride (huge faux pas)? Dance your way into this sequined lace dress that has — gasp! — pockets!
PrettyLittleThing
PrettyLittleThing Asymmetric Sequin Maxi Dress
OR, wear this form-fitting maxi dress that is as sleek as it's sexy. It's bound to make you walk with your head held high and when paired with a pair of sexy stilettos? Whew, our hearts go out to the ex that happens to see you at the wedding reception.
Lane Bryant
Lane Bryant Lurex Shimmer Dress
Not all holiday parties are meant for you to expel an intoxicating amount of sex appeal. If you're attending a family-friendly event, keep it very demure with with this shimmer dress. It has a silhouette that'll flatter your frame and pockets in case you don't feel like carrying a clutch or wristlet.
Midi Plus Size Dresses
BloomChic
BloomChic Velvet Ruched Midi Dress
Skip the sequins and drape your body in this velvet ruched midi dress. This luxe emerald shade will immediately make you luxurious along with a pair of jewel-encrusted heels.
Eloquii
Eloquii Lurex Midi Dress
This dress is making us blush because it's so pretty. All you have to do is pull it over your head and shoulders without fretting over a back zipper. It has an elastic waist so you'll have room to breathe even though your waist may look cinched in.
ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Velvet Midi Dress
Still want to wear something that gives you a little more breathing room? Wear this deep burgundy dress instead. It's the color of the season and comes with an asymmetrical neckline that's hard to ignore.
Amazon
SCOMCHIC Short Sleeve Wrap Dress
Love burgundy, but can't stand velvet? This dress will give you everything you're comfortable with. It doesn't feature a pesky zipper and feels lightweight. It'll look like you're floating on the tides of Christmas if you choose to wear it to your family's annual winter party.
JCPenney
Jessica Howard Sweater Dress
Sweater dresses can be worn to parties, especially if they look like this! The red color is the perfect shade for Christmas gatherings and the flouncy hemline makes it the perfect piece to dress up or down. Just add your footwear of choice and you'll be good to go!
Maxi Plus Size Dresses
Ashley Stewart
Ashley Stewart Hi Low Lurex Mermaid Gown
Excited to bring your S.O. or plus-one along with you to job's holiday party? You have to show up in this mermaid gown. The color alone is fit for a queen, meaning it'll automatically make you look regal. Isn't that what getting dressed up for holiday parties are all about?
Forever21
Forever21 Tiered Tie-Strap Maxi Dress
Honestly, this dress could serve as the perfect wedding reception option too, but you're more than welcome to wear it to a holiday party! The tiered hem gives it a playful appeal while the color balances that with chicness.
Anthropologie
Anthropologie Fleur Strapless Satin Maxi Dress
Take a break from sequins and velvet by wearing satin. It's the kind of fabric that immediately elevates any look which is why we're adding something similar to our winter wardrobe.
City Chic
City Chic Forbidden Love Maxi Dress
Not ready to part ways with summer's bardot trend? We hear ya and agree that you shouldn't have to when plus size party dresses like this exist. Known as the 'Forbidden Love' dress, it may make someone fall in love with you once they spot you wearing it from across the room.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Major Outer Banks season 4 spoilers ahead!
ICYMI, Outer Banks season 4 dropped its second half on November 7, and fans have a lot of very strong feelings about it. Despite the fact JJ's entire character arc is about defiance, hope, and being the ultimate Pogue, Outer Banks season 4 ended with his biological dad, a kook named Chandler Groff, killing him in cold blood.
It's an absolutely devastating ending for everyone's favorite character, and fans are having a hard time coping with the loss. The fact we only got 10 episodes of JJ and Kiara together (a relationship written into the show after viewers picked up on the chemistry between Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey) makes it even worse — and a lot of fans are saying they won't watch the show again.
"I can’t even watch the previous seasons anymore knowing how it all ends," viewer Jordyn Bruder says in an email. "JJ was the literal heart of OBX and he was the glue that held the Pogues together. There is no OBX without JJ."
Outer Banks Fan Reactions To JJ's Death
In which episode does JJ die?
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
JJ dies at the end of Outer Banks season 4 episode 10, "The Blue Crown" after rescuing Kiara from his father Chandler Groff. "I feel mad, betrayed, disappointed and heartbroken to say the least," Bruder adds. "JJ went through a lot of crap through the show and he was the one character who deserved his happy ending the most. When the series first came out, people fell in love with JJ and [Kiara]."
While the cast obviously found out about the ending while filming, fans are frustrated with how they chose to promote the show. "Obviously the cast can’t spoil a character death, but to blatantly lie and mislead fans by saying that Jiara was 'evergrowing' and fans would be happy with how the season plays out?" Bruder says. "Jiara fans deserved so much better than what we got, ESPECIALLY when they knew they were killing JJ off."
Why are Outer Banks fans so upset?
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
The show is the kind of phenomenon that made instant stars out of its cast, but it also made waves because of how the first season portrayed issues like classism, substance abuse, and domestic abuse. "As someone who has been around domestic abuse, I think the handling of the character JJ was detrimental culturally," another fan (who would like to remain anonymous) says. "The character suffered abuse at the hands of a man who was not even his biological father, and the writers almost framed it as if that was okay because in the beginning, his father loved him. Instead of telling a story to victims of abuse about hope and making it through trials, the writers went the opposite way. I also find it interesting that they stated this was a planned death. I think writing a character who is suffering from anxiety and clear mental health issues as well as abuse who is very young like JJ only to let him fall in love and kill him right when he starts to feel happiness doesn’t necessarily make a lot of sense narratively."
Another viewer adds that ending JJ's story that way felt "disrespectful...especially when in an interview following the episode, one of the creators literally referred to his death as pointless." She even says "it feels almost like the show died along with him."
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
Actress Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron) called JJ the "heart of Outer Banks"and for a lot of fans, JJ also became a beacon of hope, a reminder that you can endure, persevere, and come out stronger on the other side. Since the first season of the show dropped during April 2020, it's been one consistent, fun thing for TV fans since the COVID-19 pandemic began, which makes the loss feel even greater.
"Seeing him die at the hands of another abusive father was honestly kind of sickening," the viewer adds. "It’s also unfortunate that his death didn’t seem to mean anything. A character death like this would be one thing if it meant something. If he had died protecting his friends or actively protecting Kiara, rather than having already saved her and then getting killed afterward, it might’ve be easier to get past."
"It’s like a connection to something good and steady was just broken," X user @onlykiep4l says. "Killing a character that has literally gone trough so much trauma and was finally happy just doesn’t make sense. It’s not just the character that’s gone — it feels like a part of the show has ended too."
Why does JJ get killed off?
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
Rumors have been circulating for years about behind-the-scenes drama between actors Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey, which has fans believing Rudy asked to be written off the show(for the record, Outer Banks creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke have said it was the plan from the beginning). With Rudy's exit, the writers had a difficult choice in front of them. JJ isn't the kind of guy to abandon his friends, meaning the writers obviously felt like killing him was the only option. But according to an additional viewer, "Outer Banks hasn't been that type of show."
"To attempt to turn this fun, summer, boat show into some dark, depressing story where the heart of the show is gone destroys everything that the show started out as," she says.
Another anonymous fan calls the choice "a character assassination," adding other moments from the season that feel like a different character than the one fans have come to love: barely reacting to John B. and Sarah's pregnancy announcement, or to the fact Rafe had come to talk to Kiara — especially after his reaction to Rafe catcalling Kie in the first season is a moment that led fans to ship them in the first place.
The fan continues by calling JJ's treatment a "lack of respect" toward the character. "The fact that the writers tried to make us dislike him, to soften the blow of him dying. It didn’t work. It has everyone distraught because many people’s favorite character ended up dying after 'finding happiness' for about 10 minutes in Episode 10."
Does Sarah get pregnant in Outer Banks season 4?
Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix
But JJ's death isn't the only moment that has fans reeling. In addition to the fact viewers are saying the Pogues barely reacted to the death of their lifelong best friend, Pope is now a murderer and Kiara makes an absolutely chilling vow to get revenge on Groff — a far cry from the characters we fell in love with in season 1.
"Outside of the JJ of it all, a lot of plot lines/dynamics in part 2 felt off," one of our anonymous fans continues. "Sarah’s pregnancy plot line, especially when coupled with the quote from a creator about ‘giving her a baby specifically because she wasn’t ready’ feels incredibly tone deaf given the current state of things here in the US. The fact that there wasn’t even a conversation of if she wanted to continue with the pregnancy felt very icky. Overall, episodes 1-4 of this season did feel like Outer Banks, but everything after that felt like it was from an entirely different piece of media."
Jackson Lee Davis/NetflixYep, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Just Killed Off THAT Character
However, some fans are excited to see where the show goes from here. "JJ was such a strong character and his presence will obviously be missed, [but] I am excited to see how the Pogues react and what they do to get revenge on Groff," Virginia McGrew says in an email. "I also think that the scene of JJ dying with Kiara was extremely well done and emotional, making his passing even sadder. I ultimately believe that JJ’s passing serves as a reminder of the themes the show."
"JJ made the group even more aware of friendship, the importance of chosen family, and loyalty, which was seen throughout the season and especially in the finale," she continues. "Now that he is gone, the other Pogues will have to step up even more, creating a shift in their dynamic. While many believe that Outer Banks might not be worth watching after this finale, I truly think that it is only going to get even deeper and more interesting."
Let us know your thoughts on the Outer Banks season 4 ending on TikTok. And check out why This Heartbreaking Outer Banks 5 Theory Makes THAT Death Even More Emotional.
Forget what Big Internet is telling you: you don’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars for a single dress. Target has tons of dress styles that rival that of Nordstrom and Reformation, available for way less. In fact, all of these Target party dresses are on sale right now through November 9. These luxe-looking designs will ensure your look is the talk of the party, no matter what you’re getting up to. From company Christmas parties to a New Year’s Eve night out, you’re most definitely going to find a dress fit for the occasion.
Our top 14 favorite Target party dresses for the 2024 season:
- Universal Thread Tie-Waist Midi A-Line Dress
- A New Day Midi Lace Trim Dress
- A New Day Sequin Midi A-Line Dress
- A New Day Drop Tier Maxi Dress
- Wild Fable Rosette Tube Maxi Bodycon Dress
- Wild Fable Long Sleeve Flocked Mini Fit & Flare Dress
- Future Collective Bubble Mini Tank Dress
- A New Day Mini Velvet Ruched Dress
- Wild Fable Tiered Bow Mini Lace Dress
- Wild Fable Satin Flutter Cap Sleeve Mini Bubble Dress
- A New Day Maxi Sundress
- Ava & Viv Long Sleeve Rosette Midi A-Line Dress
- Wild Fable Slip Mini Tank Dress
- Wild Fable Open Work Sequin Midi Dress
Target
A New Day Midi Lace Trim Dress
The chic v-neck on this silky midi dress is lined with a lace trim that make it all the more elegant. Pair this pick with a contrasting clutch and your favorite tall boots to totally rock the look!
Target
A New Day Drop Tier Maxi Dress
This is a dress style I gawk over all the time, thanks to none other than Sex and the City. The dramatic drop-waist helps elongate and flatter your figure, so you'll be feeling uber-confident the moment you walk into any party. Plus, this sultry burgundy color is such a perfect fit for winter functions.
Target
Wild Fable Rosette Tube Maxi Bodycon Dress
A tube dress is gonna get me every time. The strapless look is simply iconic because you can show up to the party covered up in a cardigan, then make the big reveal once things start to turn up. The statement rosette on this pick's neckline is a whole accessory in itself, so all you need is a good pair of statement earrings to complete the ensemble!
Target
Wild Fable Long Sleeve Flocked Mini Fit & Flare Dress
Want a bit of coverage, but still want to feel sexy? This off-the-shoulder party dress is for you! The long sleeves and textured velvet material make it feel much more winter-appropriate, but you still get to show off your neckline.
Target
Wild Fable Tiered Bow Mini Lace Dress
I am still thoroughly obsessed with bows, which is why I'm definitely snagging this style for any upcoming holiday shindigs. The tiered styling is undeniably flattering, and the black trim qualifies this party dress to be a good match with other black pieces, from jackets to boots.
Target
Ava & Viv Long Sleeve Rosette Midi A-Line Dress
When it comes to wintery fabrics, velvet reigns supreme. This playful square-neck mini dress is super soft to the touch and has the perfect amount of personality, thanks to the lil' rosette decal up front.
Target
Wild Fable Open Work Sequin Midi Dress
Yes, yes, and yes. This is my favorite Target party dress of them all. Though simple in its silhouette, the multicolored sequins do all the talking. Since this long dress makes a statement all on its own, I'd style it with some simple heels.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
If you're playing Santa this holiday season, you'll want to pay extra attention to Targetbecause they've got so many goodies for every budget. From what we've seen, you can find a gift in just about any category, ranging from tech to beauty and wellness. Between us, some of our editorial team already has some good gets from this list in their carts — the gifts are that good. So whether you're shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, birthdays, or just because, I've rounded up plenty of options for you!
Scroll down for 22 great gift ideas from Target!
The Best Gifts For Your Beauty-Obsessed Bestie
Target
SLF LED Face Mask
Soon your beauty-obsessed bestie will be able to say she has an LED face mask in her possession thanks to this version that's only $100 at Target! So far it has 8 5-star ratings which means it's going to give you the same benefits as a pricier one. What benefits, you ask?
The 7 different light therapy colors target everything from circulatory to scarring issues over time, leaving one's face refreshed each time it's used. It also makes sure your skincare goodies do their job more effectively.
P.S. It comes with a rechargeable USB and accompanying bag so it can be easily stored when not in use.
Target
Osea Bestsellers For Face & Body Kit
Beauty sets are ever popular this year because they truly make for the best gift ideas! With Osea's bestseller's kit, you can surprise the beauty lover in your life with products designed for their face and body. From the cleanser to the hydrating body oil, someone may fall in love with Osea and look for ways to incorporate more products into their daily routine!
Target
Cantu Sleigh All Day Holiday Gift Set
Give your sister or bestie the gift of slaying the holidays and new year with this cute set! It includes the following:
- Cantu Extra Hold Stay Gel
- Cantu Edges Styler
- Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
- Eylure Luxe Marquise False Eyelashes
- Elegant Touch Press On Nails in Cocoa Crush
Their Christmas hairstyle and nails will be on point if you decide they need this before December 25.
Target
Rael Blemish Essentials Care Gift Sets
Pimples won't be able to crush anyone's holiday plans thanks to this blemish kit. It has 54 pimple patches and two amazing tea tree face masks for anyone who doesn't have time for beauty setbacks. From spot covers to overnight treatments, there's something that tackles breakouts in a cinch!
The Best Gifts For Whoever's Booked & Busy
Threshold Wood Lidded Glass Wellness Calm Candle
An at-home spa day always requires things that will help set the tone. One of the best ways you can help that booked and busy person in your life is to gift them with a candle that smells like lavender & sage. Both are known to invoke a sense of calm which is often needed for the person who's always on the go.
Target
Oura Ring 4
Forget the beloved Apple Watch and surprise your sister or bestie with the Oura Ring 4! It has Smart Sensing that'll provide insights about their health in ways they'd never expect. With 30 biometrics, sleep, activity, stress, and heart health trends will be recorded in real time. Though it looks bulky, it have a comfortable fit for daily wear and can be used with apps like Apple Health, Flo, and more.
Target
Therabody Theragun Relief
Our affiliate writer Meredith Holser gave her honest reviews about the Theragun before so we can vouch for how well it works. If you know someone who does physical labor or complains of intense neck or shoulder pain from sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day, you need to surprise them with this. It's an investment that'll provide them with the relief they're looking for because chronic pain can lead to more stress!
It comes with:
- 3 massage attachments
- Standard Ball
- Dampener
- Thumb
- USB-C charging cable
Target
Sharper Image Portable Sauna
Forget booking another spa day and opt for something that'll always be in reach for the person who needs an intense sweat session. Its spacious design will allow the user to fit comfortably inside and receive the steam treatment of their dreams.
if you've ever been to a sauna then you know how amazing your body feels afterwards, plus it promotes a good night's sleep that rivals the benefits of sleepmaxxing!
Target
Green Inspired Guided Journal Softcover Sewn Today with Intention
Once that person's done pampering themselves, they'll love reaching for this intentional journal that helps them practice reflective self-care. Filled with different journal prompts that encourage practicing gratitude, it's the perfect gift for the person whose mind can't stop filtering from one task to the next.
The Best Target Gifts For The Book Lover In Your Life
Target
WITHit Quad Light LED Reading Light
This is for the book lover who won't stop straining their eyes to read at night when they're supposed to be sleeping. This LED reading light is secure enough to attach to any book and makes it easier to see the words on the page thanks to its 4-level brightness design.
Target
Threshold 2 Pack Marble and Wood Bookend Set
Has your bestie been raving nonstop about bookends to hold her books together? Look no further than this gift idea from Target.
Target
Brightroom Bamboo Bathtub Caddy
And if they insist on reading books while taking a bath, help them keep their latest read dry wit this bathtub caddy.
Target
DesignWorks Inc Book Lovers Journal
If 2025 is the year your bestie has declared she's going to track her reading habits, she needs a cute and compact book journal to help her do it. She can even write her own reviews of everything she's read — for better or worse!
Target
City Creek Prints
For the fun of it, gift your bestie with this canvas tote print and watch their eyes light up.
The Best Gifts For Anyone Obsessed With #FoodTok
Target
Gatherings
We all know that one person who can't stay away from #FoodTok and we get it. Help them start recreating meals in the comfort of the home with this casual-fancy cookbook.
Target
Half Baked Harvest Super Simple by Tieghan Gerard
We love Tieghan Gerard's recipes that she shares on her Half Baked Harvest site because they're flavorful and simple to make! She's got everything from cocktails to holiday-themed desserts that make our mouths water every time we see them.
Surprise the foodie in your life with her Super Simple cookbook in case they're on the hunt for quick and easy meals that'll happily fill their bellies.
Target
Hot Ones Hot Sauce Trio Pack
There's at least one person you know who's seen every episode of Hot Ones by now so we think you should surprise t hem with this hot sauce kit. They'll get to taste the mildest and hottest of flavors which may produce similar hilarious results as seen on the show!
Target
Figmint 7.5qt Enamel Dutch Oven in Blue
Target gift ideas often include a range of things - like this Dutch oven. Needless to say, it's mandatory for the cook in your life to have one.
Target
Hearth & Hand With Magnolia French Press Coffee Maker
Is there someone in your inner circle that won't stop chatting about French press coffee? It's a great idea for anyone who doesn't want to rely on a machine to brew their cup of coffee.
Target
Polder Twist Digital Kitchen Timer with Extra Large Black Display
I know it's seems lazy but a digital kitchen timer simplifies the cooking process.
Target
Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso, Coffee, and Cold Brew
But, you can splurge and surprise them with this Ninja Espresso machine! It has all the bells and whistles that'll make anyone feel like they've been working evening shifts at Starbucks. We can't get enough of the coffee bean grinder and attached milk frothing option that gives us the warmest or coldest foam we've ever tasted!
Target
Threshold 4pk Coupe Ribbed Glass Set
We already know your bestie needs the perfect glassware set for your upcoming Christmas gathering so why not gift her with this fancy set? You'll love looking at your peppermint cocktail recipes floating in these pretty glasses.
Which Target gift ideas are you adding to your Christmas list? Share with us below and subscribe to our newsletter for more holiday inspo!
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.