What should I wear to this holiday party?
December 10, 2015 4:54 PM Subscribe
My spouse's company is having their holiday party at a kind of fancy bowling alley. What on earth do I wear?
This is a bowling alley with a restaurant attached -- everything from pub food to sushi -- and cocktails, beer, etc. My partner is one of three execs in the company, and the company's grown since the last time I attended a holiday party. I'm going to need to present much more Boss's Wife than I ever have before.
BUT, I'm a homeschooling SAHM. Most of my wardrobe is inexpensive leggings & tunics. I have a few sundresses, but nothing appropriate for winter; I'm still rebuilding my wardrobe after kid #2.
What should I wear? I'm a size 14-16, pear-shaped with a decent rack. I have good bras. I'm not very comfortable in short skirts. I could use a shoe recommendation, too, for when we're not wearing bowling shoes. My partner will probably just wear a button down shirt and skinny pants. The party is this weekend, but I'm in a city, so I can go most standard US clothing stores.
This is a bowling alley with a restaurant attached -- everything from pub food to sushi -- and cocktails, beer, etc. My partner is one of three execs in the company, and the company's grown since the last time I attended a holiday party. I'm going to need to present much more Boss's Wife than I ever have before.
BUT, I'm a homeschooling SAHM. Most of my wardrobe is inexpensive leggings & tunics. I have a few sundresses, but nothing appropriate for winter; I'm still rebuilding my wardrobe after kid #2.
What should I wear? I'm a size 14-16, pear-shaped with a decent rack. I have good bras. I'm not very comfortable in short skirts. I could use a shoe recommendation, too, for when we're not wearing bowling shoes. My partner will probably just wear a button down shirt and skinny pants. The party is this weekend, but I'm in a city, so I can go most standard US clothing stores.
Nthing nice jeans, cute shoes and a flattering top with a necklace or scarf. Most of these things can be sourced at Target. Remember socks for your bowling shoes!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 5:16 PM on December 10, 2015
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 5:16 PM on December 10, 2015
Dark wash jeans with short/ankle boots (and nice socks...you know, bowling). Wear a flattering blouse and a blazer with some great jewelry - necklace, earrings, bracelet. None of this has to be expensive (nthing Target or Gap or J Crew). Focus on being slightly matchy with colors and rich textures (e.g. Blue/sapphire tone silky blouse/sleeveless top with a black wool blend fitted blazer and fun yellow stoned jewelry). A little extra makeup.
This is my go-to outfit on days in my corporate office when I don't have too many meetings or on a Thursday when I'm working from home the next day.
posted by floweredfish at 6:22 PM on December 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
This is my go-to outfit on days in my corporate office when I don't have too many meetings or on a Thursday when I'm working from home the next day.
posted by floweredfish at 6:22 PM on December 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
I've done this! I went exactly what was recommended above: dark wash/black slimline jeans, solid color shirt with a fun neckline and cap sleeves, statement jewelry, minimalist grey blazer. I probably wore keds with a cool print but you could wear heels if you wanted to make more of a statement; you can always bring socks along since you have to change shoes anyway. Or pointed toe flats with a fun detail. Or Chelsea boots. Basically, something attractive that isn't a jelly shoe or attached to your feet by thirty buckles (looking at you, gladiator boots.)
Jeans: if you don't have any you like, and you want something nice: Paige Denim or AG Jeans. I have found these to have the best combination of flexibility, longevity, and blessedly thick fabric.
Shirt: I don't find button-downs are comfortable enough for bowling, but I think that's a personal thing. Ann Taylor Loft has fun tops with metallic details or lace sometimes; Zara; Nordstrom-- again, whatever will make you feel comfortable.
Jewelry: just be sure you can still bowl comfortably without getting entangled.
Blazer: Zara, H&M, Anthropologie, Gap
Have fun!
posted by jetlagaddict at 7:42 PM on December 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
Jeans: if you don't have any you like, and you want something nice: Paige Denim or AG Jeans. I have found these to have the best combination of flexibility, longevity, and blessedly thick fabric.
Shirt: I don't find button-downs are comfortable enough for bowling, but I think that's a personal thing. Ann Taylor Loft has fun tops with metallic details or lace sometimes; Zara; Nordstrom-- again, whatever will make you feel comfortable.
Jewelry: just be sure you can still bowl comfortably without getting entangled.
Blazer: Zara, H&M, Anthropologie, Gap
Have fun!
posted by jetlagaddict at 7:42 PM on December 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
The advice above is good, but don't go shop at Target unless you really know what you're doing. Mass-market cuts and fabrics have REALLY taken a hit in the last few years, and it won't be flattering.
If you have a Nordstrom near you, just go there. Tell them you want dark, slimline or straight-leg jeans with some stretch, a dark or bright blouse (not silk and preferably also with some stretch or give if possible), a blazer and a scarf. Get some cute shoes or boots if you can, or re-purpose if needed. Make ONE thing on your outfit very snazzy - a beautiful statement necklace, sharp textural blazer, metallic or otherwise interesting shoes, or really light-catching earrings.
posted by barnone at 8:32 PM on December 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
If you have a Nordstrom near you, just go there. Tell them you want dark, slimline or straight-leg jeans with some stretch, a dark or bright blouse (not silk and preferably also with some stretch or give if possible), a blazer and a scarf. Get some cute shoes or boots if you can, or re-purpose if needed. Make ONE thing on your outfit very snazzy - a beautiful statement necklace, sharp textural blazer, metallic or otherwise interesting shoes, or really light-catching earrings.
posted by barnone at 8:32 PM on December 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
I have no recommendations about what to wear, but wanted to make sure you know that bowling alleys will likely have a layer of oil on them that gets on the balls and then on everything you wear. I've found that is usually washed out easily, but keep this in mind while picking an outfit.
posted by Broken Ankle at 8:47 AM on December 11, 2015
posted by Broken Ankle at 8:47 AM on December 11, 2015
Black pants and a cute top -- something from LOFT, Limited, Nordstrom would be easy.
Ideas galore: http://www.thelimited.com/features/top-looks?navid=top
posted by echo0720 at 9:02 AM on December 12, 2015
Ideas galore: http://www.thelimited.com/features/top-looks?navid=top
posted by echo0720 at 9:02 AM on December 12, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
The best advice I can give you was handed to me by a fashion editor and it is, when you are unsure, dress just slightly more casually than you think but in classic, simple pieces with a scarf or necklace. Changed my party life.
posted by warriorqueen at 5:09 PM on December 10, 2015 [5 favorites]