What to Wear: Inlaws Xmas (Leaving at Noon - help!)

Ahhhh I just wrote a whole post and then hit "Start a Conversation" again instead of submit and wiped it out

Anywho, in a few hours I am heading out to my In Laws' Christmas party and could really use some help with what to wear! It is a smart casual occasion - my older Niece and FIL will probably fall a little more casual, with everyone else somewhere in the range of jeans and a dressy blouse or trousers and a sweater.

Logistics:
-Shoes are removed indoors, so they don't factor in to the ensemble
-DH and I have been asked to come early and entertain our younger Nieces, so comfort is key for playing on the floor
-I have been asked to help with the cooking

Some options from my closet:
#1: What I wore to the last party with that side of the family and was really happy with- green trousers, heart print j.crew blouse, and a cardigan. The green trousers are not an option because they are in the wash, and I am leery of the silk blouse because of cooking duties.
#2: Ah, sparkle bandit!
#3: My floral express blouse
#4: Gingham Blouse + Burgundy Sweater over slim black pants
#5: Sparkly RW&Co Tee: I could wear this with my slim black pants, a nice necklace, and a black Cardigan? I wonder if the black pants + Black Cardi are too business casual, though
#6: Fancy Pants!
#7: White Blouse, Magenta Cardi, Slim Black Pants

I could wear #2 verbatim, or #4? Or #4 with the floral blouse? Or the White Blosue/Pink Cardi with my fancy pants? (Please help..)

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12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sparkle top (#2)!! The little kids will love the sparkle and you will feel festive. But you can easily get down on the floor with them. #4 is also really nice and would work with the other blouse if you prefer. You will look great and feel comfy either way.

bj1111

like suz, i prefer #2 as long as the top is washable...in case of splashes.

the whole thing says festive and comfy...hard to pull off.

Susie

I like 2 and 4 as is, with a slight preference for 2. But I also like the idea of fancy pants!

Elizabeth P

Another vote for #2! You can take the scarf off to cook, if needed. Have fun!

Anonymous

Yet another vote for #2 as first choice. You could wear the sparkly top with your fancy pants too, from what I can tell on the screen.

Krista

My vote is #2 and to pack your boots to wear as well. Just rinse them off or wipe them down before you leave and pack them in a bag to change into when you get there. They really make the outfit! Have fun!

Sveta

#2 as well! I always take shoes to change into when I go to a party in somebody's house: I feel half naked when my outfit is not complete with footwear

Carla

I love #4, but #2 is also very good and might be easier for the time with the kids. If you go for #2 care with the scarf when in the kitchen!

Karie

#2 or #4. With #2, the scarf might get in the way of cooking/playing/just plain get too hot, and the top might get splattered on (is it machine washable?).

gryffin

Emily - really like all your outfit ideas. Love #2 as long as you are leaving off the scarf (that could get messy with cooking). Outfit 4 looks great and would work well for the kids but again, depends how much cooking and mess you except. I (but read the princess of black) think your black outfit sounds fab and I love black for cooking and playing so forgiving. It depends if you will feel too dressed? I don't have an issue with that but it's really important that you are so comfortable you forget what you have on. You can't go wrong with any of the outfits, all stylish & comfortable. (just remember washable). What's calling to you?

carter

I really like #2 and #4, exactly as they are.

Debbie

I love 2 very festive!

ramya

Emily the option 2 looks superb; )
Do you still have the bangs? They look great on you

Elly

2 and 4 are both really nice looks. Two is a little more fashionista and holiday sparkle looking, but only wear if you are comfy cooking with a scarf on. 4 is a great look as well-- the color of the sweater and the ankle length pants on you are very flattering.

LACeleste

2 and 4 are great Emily!

Debra

Don't you just hate when you press the wrong button
I think #2 looks fabulous it's Christmas so a little bit of sparkle is perfect and the children will love it. The scarf looks great, but you can take it off if it gets in the way, you will still look fab.
Have a wonderful afternoon

Emily

Thanks all - I went with #2 and was very comfortable. All the parts are machine washable, but there was no spilling/spattering. I removed the scarf since it got a little warm, but wore the carved pearl necklace my DH gave me for xmas as well. I also skipped the shoes inside - honestly, I would have been the only person in them - I wore black socks to keep from having frozen feet on the tile floor in the basement. I'll be adding a pair of stylish slippers to my holiday party capsule next year, I think.

The party was lots of fun! Thanks again for weighing in.

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