Festive but practical outfit ideas?

Anonymous

The season is over, but looking at sales and thinking of next year, I could use some suggestions for what outfits work at festive family gatherings where you want to look fab for those you seldom see and because of all the photos being taken. However, you will also spend time with food preparation and cleanup and maybe with babies and small children with sticky hands. The need is for an outfit that can take spills and spatters without being ruined yet looks great. In the past the dreaded Christmas sweater (or even sweatshirt) was acceptable. What has worked for you in these situations recently?

16 years ago

Dressing

8 replies

Latest reply was from

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

For Thanksgiving, I was doing the cooking at home, and I went with a soft jersey dress and some thick sturdy tights (or leggings). It was great!

Christmas I went with jeans and a nice top, but if I had decided to dress up I probably would have gone with a cute skirt and sweater (with extra layers that I could remove if it got too hot or if my niece spit up on me). I kind of wish I had gotten a little more dressed up at Christmas this year; my husband's family usually dresses like slobs but this year they threw a curve and were all in dress pants and buttondowns.

16 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I wore a graphic tee with a dressy skirt, I added a boyfriend blazer but removed it when playing with the kids. I would replicate the look.

16 years ago

shana

Veteran

Maybe you could focus on picking up dressy accessories - statement necklaces, blingy brooch or earrings? Like the ones that were part of the holiday collection at Ann taylor. These can really dress up a simple sweater or jersey dress or slacks and sweater and make it more holiday appropriate. I also think cashmere sweaters are great to pick at the post-xmas sales. They can be hand-washed at home and feel luxurious.

16 years ago

garmenta

Active Member

Whatever I wear to be festive, I also have a smock (not an apron) that I cook in that covers everything else. Saves a lot of grief!

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote sheath dress, cardigan, flat boots, fun tights and a huge removable apron.

16 years ago

cciele

Veteran

Festive with kids -- I would echo others' suggestions of a dress + tights/leggings + boots. And the apron! To make your outfit festive, rather than a typical MOTG outfit, I'd either go with a bright, fun color or pattern (e.g., a red dress), or a statement piece of jewelry (for practically, something like a short chunky necklace).

16 years ago

taylor

Veteran

I was going to say...APRON...over whatever you wish:)

Edit to say...i know that sounds so GRANDMA...but I wore one while i was at the stove this year and promptly took it off when i was finished because I didn't want to muck up my outfit or compromise on what I wore:)...and yes, I am a Grandma:)

16 years ago

Anonymous

Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions. I will be on the look out for dresses, especially bright sheath dresses, comfy flat boots that will fit narrow calves and a great smock or apron. I've tried bib aprons but don't especially like them showing up in all the snapshot photos. Jewelry is also a good idea. This year I did get lots of mileage out of a pair of sparkly snowflake earrings although they are really too much with my specs. I'll keep these ideas in mind when shopping. You are the best!

16 years ago

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