Deck the halls this holiday season with dazzling picks and tips from our plus-size style star, Meredith Shaw.

Full disclosure: my favourite colour is sparkle. Sequins, rhinestones, beading and appliqués aren't just for the likes of Las Vegas showgirls (hello, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez!); they're also available for us mere mortals to delight and dazzle in. I realize not everyone is a fan of the more-is-more approach to holiday dressing, but maybe that's because of some absurd notion that having a curvy body relegates you to a life on the sidelines in a boring LBD. That's rubbish! No matter your size, you deserve to be in the spotlight—and the holidays season is the perfect time to dip into twinkling embellishments and gilded trimmings. From subtle sparkle to full-on shine, here are my steadfast ways to add twinkle to your outfits this season. 

1. Sparks Fly

Keep your blazer or blouse looking cool, not corporate, by choosing one with a bit of draping—and a whole lot of sparkle. Wear it with dark skinnies and neutral heels, and you'll slay at any holiday soiree.

2. Tailor made

A-line skirts and dresses used to be my go-to because they highlight the waist and slide over lumps and bumps. Oh, how wrong I was. A pencil skirt is super flattering; the trick is to find one in a thick material with enough structure so it acts like shapewear. If skirts aren't your thing, try glittering trousers.

3. The party dress

When it comes to office parties, keep the silhouette sophisticated with a sheath dress—glittering, of course—that hits just below the knee. But if the bash is with friends or out on the town, let your sexy self roar by rocking a plunging neckline. Either way, all eyes will be on you!

4. That bling thing

You can go from frumpy to festive with a few carefully chosen accessories: an embellished clutch, a sequinned scarf, metallic pumps or a twinkling belt. Don't play it safe with just silver and gold tones; look for navy-, magenta- or hunter green-hued sparkles and chromed finishes. 

Get the look

Necklace, $65, aldoshoes.com. Love & Legend blouse, $78, additionelle.com. Embellished dress, $145, gatsbylady.com. Junarose dress, $100, gussiedup.ca. Studio Kady jacquard pant, $125, eloquii.com. Rose-gold pumps, $52, justfab.ca.