I’m having Christmas dinner at my new in-laws and my new boyfriend’s mum is very glam. What should I wear that’s dressy but comfy and not OTT? Help!
What could be more nerve-wracking than meeting a new boyfriend’s mum? Over a Christmas dinner when the stakes are already high? A glamorous mum that’ll almost certainly be judging your outfit? Ah, I feel for you, but this is a situation that is easily styled out, I promise.
An outfit that makes it look like you’ve made a big effort is key, but equally, to be the best version of yourself that day, you’ll need to feel like yourself, so it’s not the time to go for a frilly dress if you normally wouldn’t wear one.
You need something you can put your trust in, something that won’t let you down. So, stay away from that skirt with the high split that always feels a little too high when you sit down, or the wrap top with a tie that you always worry will loosen. Instead, stick to an easy outfit formula you’ll feel comfortable and classy in.
‘Someone who is glam will appreciate others dressing up,’ was one helpful tip from the @eliza.co.uk comments, which makes a great point. If your hostess is likely to pull out all the stops, an easy win is to follow suit. A pair of sparkly earrings, a bold red lip or embellished kitten heels will go a long way – they’ll be a great conversation starter too, and something lovely and fun you can bond over.
More on date looks:
- 4 outfits to wear when you meet the parents for the first time
- I asked my male friends what I should wear on a first date, and this is what they said
- All the first date outfits for your dating phase, beige flags forbidden
- Man-repelling outfits: everything you need to know if you’re a serial dater
‘Velvet, cashmere, sequins and satin all look chic and classy,’ said one of the lovely @eliza.co.uk comments, and I couldn’t agree more. Which is why these four winning outfits formulas are based around just that. Go forth and impress!
The satin skirt outfit
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‘I find that a v-neck jumper and satin skirt is really versatile,’ advised one @eliza.co.uk comment. ‘You can dress it up with a belt, heels and jewellery, and wearing red lipstick is festive and takes it up a notch too – glamorous without being overdone.’
Slip skirts are a super-chic and grown-up option, which is why the outfit formula of knit + slip skirt + boots is such a smart/casual hit. Stick to neutral shades or jewel tones (think mustard, cherry or turquoise), and throw in a smattering of jewellery that’ll catch her eye.
The velvet co-ords outfit
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Anything in velvet is the epitome of comfy luxe. One comment noted that ‘if you don’t want to wear a dress velvet trousers with an elasticated waistband are comfy and look chic,’ so a co-ord in the party fabric is a stylish solution. In emerald, navy or fuchsia, it nods to the festive mood without feeling over-the-top.
The jeans-and-a-nice-top outfit
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Anything considered ‘too fashion’ might raise an eyebrow. You know like when you wear ripped jeans around grandparents and they recommend you buy some new ones as the ones you’re wearing are falling apart? It’s for that reason I’d save any strapless bow tops or lamé shirts for friendsmas with the girls and opt for a more failsafe top on this occasion.
A metallic cardi ticks the comfort and modest boxes and means you can eat to your hearts content without feeling restricted. Jeans keep your look casual, while heeled boots elevate it all a treat.
The velvet jumpsuit outfit
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If pairing separates feels too fussy for you, an all-in-one look will take the stress away. One @eliza.co.uk comment suggested ‘a velvet jumpsuit – comfortable yet luxurious’, and I’m inclined to agree. A jumpsuit is even more practical than a dress (you can easily sit on the floor and open new toys with young children), and with its soft stretchy fabric, it’s ideal for a big festive lunch.
If you’d rather opt for a dress, I’d recommend aiming for balance. If you’re going for a full-sequin midi, pair with black knee-high boots so as not too feel overdressed, or equally, with a long-sleeved black velvet midi, accessorise with parkly flats or a diamante-studded hair bow for extra glitz she’ll be thrilled by.
Dresses to wear to Christmas lunch
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