The best black dresses don’t have to be little. Thanks to a deep V neckline and seductive front slit finished in glittering sequins, this floor-grazing gown is ready to compete.

Sequin-trimmed long dress, $379, ILLYRIA, illyriadesign.com. Necklace (as bracelet), $55, and earrings $48, Ralph Lauren,
ralphlauren.com. Peep-toe heels, $458, BCBG Max Azria, bcbg.com.

Beauty bonus: Add edge to any holiday look with M.A.C. Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Matte Military, $14. Its touch of silver shimmer embedded in a matte rubberlike texture is unexpectedly cool.