Help. - YouLookFab Forum

Brand new to the site as of today and desperate for a bit of advice.

Some info on myself: I'm 32, 5'9", and have a thin build but am packing some extra curves right now since my son was born this past June. Very fair complexion with freckles. Sandy blonde hair with strawberry tones. Hazel eyes. Born and raised in small town USA where fashion is not a priority.

My wardrobe is in crisis right now after dealing with fluctuating weight, maternity wear, and a tight budget. That being said, one of the biggest moments in my life is fast approaching and I am severely unprepared.

Going to London in February to MEET MY HUSBANDS FAMILY IN PERSON FOR THE FIRST TIME. My God I'm freaking out. I've spoken to them quite often over skype and the phone but this is much different. I have parents to meet, two new step daughters, sisters-in-law, etc. , not to mention all of his friends.

What do I wear?!

It will be bone chilling cold I'm sure.. so boots, jeans, sweaters, etc are in order. But what about the first time I meet his parents? What about the night we go to the local pub to meet all of his friends? First shopping trip with my teenage step daughters?

Any and all advice is super welcome and appreciated.

12 years ago

rute

Veteran

I agree, boots, jeans and sweaters are a must for winter!
Have you checked this post?
http://youlookfab.com/2013/12/.....-sweaters/

It's a great capsule for a winter trip, casual but stylish, you can always add an extra color sweater and a dress for a more fancy dinner.

mchap310

Member

Thank you so much, I'll check it out right now!

rachylou

Out of curiosity, since you've *seen* your husband's family over Skype... what do they wear? I'd maybe start there, so you're ready to join in. Nothing worse than high heels on a pig farm, right? In that vein, my checklist would be plain (no crazy-making pattern), simple, and comfortable. Really everything to maximize comfort. When you feel uncomfortable, everyone feels uncomfortable with you.

Also: wool socks for the boots. Maybe a nice medium weight, fairly thin, but warm! I'd probably go with a pair of jeans, a more wintery-wool straight skirt, some thermals, a jumper, a knit tee, and a blouse. And a jacket on the long side. I always like to take a London Fog trench with me, with a removable lining. Some kicks (I'd say Converse, but they might be a little thin for Feb) and low court shoes (should you go anywhere more dressy).

Travel light, you'll have the baby bag too to carry. And save room for purchases (!!)

That's my two cents...

ironkurtin

Black cashmere turtleneck and jeans. Boots. Warm jacket. Scarf. Brolly. You'll knock 'em dead.

MovingFashionForward

Active Member

Speaking as a Brit myself, I can't imagine that there would be much of a difference between what would be appropriate here and what would be appropriate if the family you were meeting were American, so I would forget about the fact that they are British. If it were me, I would ask my (your) husband what might be appropriate, to see if he says anything unexpected that you might want to take into account.

If I were meeting the family for the first time, I would err on the side of modest, formal dress, but you should only do that if you won't feel uncomfortable dressed in such a manner. I think it is far more important that you feel comfortable and confident in whatever you are wearing. If you will feel self-conscious in anything other than jeans, say, please please wear the jeans! Maybe you could team them with a nice top?

If you are going to a pub to meet his friends, I would make sure that he likes what you are wearing. You can wear just about anything to a pub and not feel out of place. But he will want to feel proud of you, so try to find something that he loves, but do be sure you feel good in it too. It's no good wearing something you don't feel confident and good in, no matter how much he might love it, because it is much more important that you feel able to relax and enjoy yourself than that you are wearing precisely the right outfit.

But really, you don't need to worry at all that you might offend someone by wearing the wrong outfit. They won't expect you to be in the know about British culture, and frankly, I'm not sure that we have much of one when it comes to style. There is a huge diversity of acceptable styles here compared to places I have spent time in in America and Canada. It is YOU they want to meet, not your clothes, so just wear whatever makes you feel happy and confident and comfortable.

Best of luck, and ENJOY yourself!

Sarah

Caro in Oz

I'd be buying clothes for my life that will still be appropriate for the trip.

So well fitting, warm clothing that makes you feel fabulous You don't need much they just need to work together.

K. Period.

What is the climate like where you live now? It will influence how cold or not cold you actually find London. I haven't lived there, but I've been there for vacations at various times of year, including February, a number of times. (My BFF lived to the south for many years). I think of the weather as pretty equivalent to where I live in the Pacific Northwest. My suggestion would be to pack things that can be layered. A warm wool jacket with a sweater plus jeans and boots and a hat will be plenty warm, actually possibly too warm.

Are you worried that your style won't fit in? I was the first time that I went, but I quickly learned that I dressed perfectly well and fit in fine. Lots of what you see here is what you'll see there. People dress anything from extremely smart and fashionable to frumpy to sloppy, just like they do here. You've skyped with your husband's family and my guess is that you will again as you get closer to the trip. Check out what they are wearing and see if it gives you any clues. My guess is that you'll see that they dress pretty much like someone here in the US does.

Jeanie

Skinny jeans that you can dress up with heels and down with boots for walking. Pair the jeans with a sweater compliments your complexion.

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