Since it’s certainly not consistently warm enough here to spend time outdoors yet, now is the perfect time of year to hang out with friends or family at your place. Perhaps you’re thinking of hosting a wine and cheese party, a movie or game night, or even a girls’ night in. You’ll need to think about what to wear for such an event. Probably sounds like a no-brainer, right? Not so fast. You’re in the comfort of your own home, so you might be inclined to throw sweats on. However, you are entertaining people at a party, so you should make every effort to look as nice as your guests. “So does that mean I have to get all dressed up?” you ask. I get it…you’re probably doing all the work, so now on top of that, you don’t want to be uncomfortable too. You don’t have to don formal “hostess” attire, but there are ways to still look good while being completely comfortable. Below are some wardrobe Do’s and Don’t’s when hosting a party. If you follow them, you’ll be sure to have a fun time while still looking good!
DO take advantage of the latest, comfortable yet stylish trends. One of today’s hottest styles is the legging. Use this to your advantage and pair them with a long tunic or dress. Here’s a super-cute knit glittery dressyou could wear with boots or flats. The leggings will be way more comfortable plus the blousy nature of the dress or top will provide you extra breathing room and keep you cool under pressure. Another comfortable option is the harem pant. This pair is a hybrid between legging and harem, so they’re not too baggy, but definitely roomier (especially with the elastic) in the waist. Being they are silk, you can dress them up or down to get multiple uses out of them as well.
DO stick with short sleeves or layering. If you’ll have the oven on (or other heating devices – toaster oven, warming tray, etc.) during the party, it will tend to get warmer in your place, especially once you add in your guests. Also if you think you’ll be moving around a lot, preparing things, changing courses; this will tend to raise your internal temperature. You can put both the 1st and 2nd “Do’s” into effect with this studded short sleeve tunic or long asymmetrical tank. Wear either with leggings or skinny jeans, if you prefer. The elastic waist and flowy bottom will provide you breathing room, and the short sleeves will keep you cool. If you think you might be cold, start off with a ¾ or long sleeve top underneath, which you could always remove at a later time. Need to look dressier, but still be comfortable? Try this studded pocket dress or this charmeuse rainbow burst halter tank top. You can still wear either with leggings, or layer up with a jacket or sweater.
DON’T wear clothing that hangs toward your waist. This silk tie-dyed tunic is sexy and cute; however, I would encourage you to buy it for another occasion, as the sleeves hang too low. Just think about it: you’re either preparing or eating dip and your sleeve drapes down into the dip; or you’re trying to spoon sauce out of a pot and your sleeve goes into the pot. Similar situation with loose, drapey ruffles in the front, or even tops with built in necklaces like this one. At least with this top, you can take the necklace off and wear the top alone or with a shorter necklace. But anything that can hang lower while you’re leaning forward can get into food or whatever you’re preparing, and start to become really frustrating really fast. Trust me, I’ve been here before…you don’t want to be dealing with getting messy…it’s stressful enough entertaining as it is without fussing over your clothes. Of course, if you know none of this will be an issue (perhaps you’re catering so you don’t have to lift a finger), then these would be totally fine.
DON’T wear clothes that are too constricting or necklines that are too low. At first glance, this lightly beaded striped tee might seem great. It’s comfortable, casual, nothing hanging off of it…but it’s also very fitted. You know where I’m going with this: It’s why most women generally don’t like sitting up in a bikini…everyone likes their mid-section to look trim, not like there are rolls around it. And if you are repeatedly bending down or leaning over to prepare things or clean up, you’re going to encounter this issue and obsess over it (although the stripes will detract from this slightly vs. with a plain top). Likewise, with a low cut top. This drapey racerback tank looks stylish and comfortable, but the neckline is quite low, so unless you’re planning to wear a bandeau underneath, bending/leaning over is probably going to make you self-conscious.
What do you normally wear when you’re entertaining at home? Do you follow any of the “do’s”, or wind up wearing the “don’ts?
Thu, Mar 11, 2010
Style Tips