Ask The Stylist: Holidays With The Soon-To-Be-In-Laws
Monday, December 12, 2011 at 11:38PM
Photo of "Meet The Parents", courtesy of www.friant-movieword.blogspot.comDear Kate,
I'm going to my soon-to-be-in-laws for Christmas. The pressure is on! I have to look polished and put together for 6 days…but get this…they live in the mountains in Utah. I don’t want to look like I’m putting on a runway show. What should I pack that’s warm and polished? THANKS!
Sincerely,
Not-Putting-On-A-Show-But-I’m-Not-Amish-Either-Fiance
Photo of "Meet the Parents", courtesy of www.swotti.com
Dear Not-Putting-On-A-Show-But-I’m-Not-Amish-Either-Fiance,
How lovely! My congratulations to you! I can understand your jitters. Yes, it is true—the pressure is on! Meeting the future in-laws always calls for classic dressing. Trust me, even the most liberal of in-laws, you know, the ones who attended grad school at UC, Berkeley in 1968, the ones who studied Philosophy, the ones who, when they weren’t being groovy studying Philosophy at Berkeley in 1968, spent their free time analysing the deep meaning embedded in the lyrics of Bob Dylans’s Highway 61 Revisited…while dining on hash brownies…even those in-laws want you to dress ultra-classic upon the first few meetings. I don’t care how many daisies your future mother-in-law wore in her hair on her wedding day, you absolutely must er on the side of conservative dress when meeting them. The main focus of this meeting is not about you expressing your individuality through fashion—let’s get real, it’s about impressing them! Even the groovy parents secretly want you to appear wholesome at first. Hey, I didn't make the rules!! Just play along and think Sandy--not Rizzo.
When spending some quality time with future in-laws, Everyday Glamour Chicks, (E.G.C.'s), are able to look casual, polished, and classic all at once. Think about what major activities you will be involved in on this trip. Will you be skiing? Hiking in the mountains? Will you attend a party?
When packing for a party—think 1950s era. Please no poodle skirt and bobby socks, just wear something fitted but not slinky. Knee length. Sleeveless is fine if you have good arms, but if you are not sure, then wear sleeves. Black is fine. Black sheer hose. Black evening pumps. Neat hair.
Milly dress, Holiday 2011, courtesy of www.Net-a-porter.com
When packing for outdoor activities—Save the Lululemon running tights for another time. Perhaps for this trip you can find a looser silhouette for your athletic pants. I know...bummer.
Now fill in the rest of your 6 day wardrobe. 3 bottoms, 3 tops, and 2 sweaters that mix and match together will give you at the very least, 9 outfit options, oh heck, more than that!! You have 18 outfit options!
Marc By Marc Jacobs Cardigan, Fall 2011, courtesy of www.Net-a-porter.com
Keep your clothing choices simple and classic. Here are some suggestions. These are merely suggestions. Pull out what you have in your wardrobe, and I am sure you have most if not all of these pieces already:
Bottoms: 1. Classic blue jeans, 2. Black pants, 3. Dark, fitted cordouroys, (not black)
Tops: 1. White long sleeved t-shirt, 2. Brightly colored top, 3. Printed top or blouse
Sweaters: 1. Long cardigan, 2. V-neck pullover.
Footwear: 1. Cute sneakers, 2. Somewhat flat but polished boots
And....a warm wool scarf, a cute knit cap, and a brown satchel or hobo handbag.
Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful time!
Packing for a trip in Ask the Stylist
Reader Comments (7)
I won't have any issue with in-laws this year, but that dress wouldn't go a miss in my collection. beautiful!
PS - do you know who the shoes (with the Marc Jacobs ensemble) are by?
Milla,
I thought you would like that dress!
The shoes are by Alaia, I think--not meet the parents in Utah appropriate--but aren't they sexy?
It's horrifying to think, but I'm nearing the 'parent to impress' - GASP! It's true Kate, as open minded as I am when a girl comes in looking less than conservative, i'm not impressed and will suggest that to my son. AND it's not just the clothes, it's the attitude - only perky and friendly - no brooding...that's my hubby's pet peeve. I love the Sandy not Rizzo line!
Well done Kate, once again!
moi
Timeless advice. And Milly is always my go to choice for a chic cocktail dress. They stay away from being too trendy and are worth the investment. Excellent feature Kate!!
Ms. Anonymous, the brooding would annoy me too! So glad I don't have to worry about that for a few more years...:)
Thank you so much, Noelani! I like the simplicity of that dress, although it has a little too much volume on the bottom for some figures. And yes, you are right, it is classic.
Keeping it simple yet elegant is the key. These style advices will come in handy when I will also meet my future in-laws.