PARTY season should be a time for fun, relaxation and feeling great, but if the thought of getting dolled up leaves you feeling down, you're not alone.
The average woman in the UK is now a size 16, but most high street shops continue to focus their designs on the so-called 'perfect 10', neglecting the 45 per cent of women who are size 16 and above.
The good news is that the plus-size brands – and lines from mainstream retailers – are better than ever, so shopping for a festive outfit (or five) needn't be a chore.
Read on for our top picks, plus expert advice on how to make the most of your figure, and get set for your most confidant Christmas yet...
SMOOTH YOUR SILHOUETTE
The right underpinnings can make the world of difference to your ensemble, so it's worth investing in shapewear to form the foundation of your festive wardrobe.
"It sounds obvious but make sure your bra is the right size and fits well," says Lucy Hewitt, head designer at Pepperberry, which caters to women of all sizes who have larger busts.
"Finding the right bra can quite literally transform your wardrobe and body shape, so make sure you get professionally measured."
"I would recommend an underbra slip or thigh slimmers under partywear," says stylist Rebekah Patterson of Yours Clothing, which stocks sizes 14-36.
"You can then wear your own bra to give you a good shape up top, and avoid VPL at the same time."
:: Black & Nude Lace Panel Underbra Smoothing Slip Dress With Firm Control, £30 (www.yoursclothing.co.uk)
:: Silver Wave Long Shorts 'Strong' Anti Cellulite Shapewear, £41 (MicroMassage.co.uk)
ACCENTUATE YOUR ASSETS
If you're blessed with a large bust, get to know the styles that work with your curves.
"Generally speaking, V-neck tops and dresses work well as the 'V' creates an optical illusion, which forms an elegant shape around the bust area," Hewitt advises.
"A wrap dress helps to separate your boobs, enhancing their appearance and escaping the 'mono-boob', which often makes them appear larger than they actually are."
And when it comes to separates, fit is everything: "Jackets and blazers that are cut to flatter boobs are really worth investing in. Clever tailoring makes such a difference to an outfit."
:: Pepperberry Embellished Maxi Dress, £85 (www.bravissimo.com)
:: Studio 8 Lexi Jacket, £95 (www.studio-eight.com)
WHITTLE YOUR WAIST
It may be tempting to take comfort in capacious clothes that skim over the bits you like least, but that's often not the most flattering approach.
"Accentuate your curves by wearing little belts around the highest part of your waist," Hewitt recommends. "These work particularly well with fitted shift dresses, revealing a fabulous hourglass shape that looks amazing with big boobs and curvy hips."
Similarly, look for dresses that have belt detailing that sits high on the waist - and if the frock also has slimming panels down the sides, you'll be in curve-enhancing heaven.
:: Pepperberry Beaded Panel Dress, £85 (www.bravissimo.com)
:: Studio 8 Darcey Maxi Dress, £280 (www.studio-eight.com)
HIDE YOUR HIPS
If fitted styles leave you feeling exposed in the hip area, look for looser skirts and styles that draw the eye upwards.
"Skater style dresses are great for disguising larger hips, as they nip you in at the waist and then flare out, skimming the hips and creating a flattering shape," says Patterson. "And showing a bit of shoulder with a Bardot neckline is a great way to distract from your bottom half, without giving too much away."
:: Manon Baptiste Sequin Front Dress, £167.90 (Navabi.co.uk)
:: Scarlett & Jo Black And Gold Lace Prom Dress, £65 (YoursClothing.co.uk)
LOVE YOUR LEGS
"The easiest way to cover your legs has got to be with a maxi dress," Patterson says, adding that a side split helps to up the sex appeal.
But that doesn't mean trousers are out of the question - just avoid heavily tapered styles: "Try some wide-leg palazzo trousers or harems. They look great with a fitted top or a floaty blouse and heels."
Metallic or velvety fabrics are the perfect foil for a stunning statement necklace, to keep the focus of your outfit further north.
:: Navabi Zip Detail Blazer, £187.90; Wide Leg Creased Trousers, £94.90 (www.navabi.co.uk)
:: Black & Gold Metallic Thread Palazzo Trousers, £26; Black Sleeveless Top With Curved Dipped Hem, £12 (Yoursclothing.co.uk)
GET THE LOOK
Looking for new ways to style your AW15 essential pussy-bow blouse? Take a tip from Lucy Watson, who looked stylish as ever at a Champneys spa event recently. The Made In Chelsea star teamed her Poppy Lux Rinda Bow Blouse, £32, Sugarhill Boutique, with an embroidered waistcoat and leather skirt, boosting the boho vibes of the black and white blouse (www.sugarhillboutique.com).
BUY IT NOW
Shoptiques.com, the US-based site that brings small, independent retailers to an online audience, has launched in the UK, giving you access to 2,000 international fashion stores, like Babel Fair in New York. The store's Striped Faux Fur Coat, £144, qualifies for free shipping and comes with complimentary 'I got it in NYC' bragging rights (www.shoptiques.com).
FASHION FLASH
:: POCKET THE DIFFERENCE
There's a plethora of fashion apps out there, but new player Pocket Wardrobe is the only one in the UK focused solely on finding sartorial solutions for sizes 14-36. Users can post their clothing conundrums and get shopping suggestions from stylists, retailers and other app users. It's like having your own plus-size stylist, just in time for party season (www.pocketwardrobe.com).
:: STYLE STEAL
If you're on a tight budget in terms of festive fashion, a jumpsuit is the way to go, because you can style it with jackets, tops and knitwear to suit every occasion – from the office party to drinks at the in-laws'. Try the Erica Gold Glitter Wide Leg Jumpsuit, £30, from Missy Empire (www.missyempire.com).
