Sweetpeas! My parents are in town (their original visit was rescheduled due to hurricane Sandy), so this will be a quick one. So many of you had asked for more formal versions of a Thanksgiving dinner outfit, and I didn't want to leave you in the lurch. Besides, reader Amy cracked me up:
My family is the Fockers, and my in laws are the same as the movie. I would love a bit more sophisticated option for them ;)
How could I refuse a mother Focker?
The Item: A Sophisticated Fit-and-Flare Dress
The Inspiration: J.Crew's Polka-Dot Ponte Dress, $148
You can wear a dress like this alone with heels, and look amazing. But since you are asking me for advice, and god knows that I rarely go with such put-together looks....I'd add in a few J.Crew inspired tweaks. Personally, I love it as-pictured (chambray shirt, bow-tie, and scarf) but you can scale it back to fit your family's tastes. However, if you go with only the dress, think about including a plaid scarf. It makes the look so coolly irreverent.
A note about shoes: J.Crew had the model wearing some shiny, clumpy loafers....which would work on great legs with the dress hitting 6 inches above the knees. For the rest of us....wear heels.
Cheaper find: I randomly came across this little number for 40% off at Nordstroms. A dead-ringer (in black) for the J.Crew, and now only $88. Also in petite.
The Item(s): A Big Ol' Skirt and Tucked-In Cardi
The Inspiration: Garnet Hill Coterie Lace Skirt, $98 and Merino Cardigan, $88
I love this. Tucking a patterned cardigan into a big skirt (extra points for mixing prints) makes this look a bit artsy....rather than just expected. If you look for cheaper versions of this outfit, be careful about the fabric of the cardigan. Merino wool will be the most flattering, and will tuck much easier than, say, cotton.
The Item: A Pencil Skirt
Inspiration One: With a Peplum Top
Peplum tops are perfect toppers for pencil skirts, and flatter so many different body types. A slim belt and booties, like Natalie from Like Fresh Laundry wears, make the look edgy, but feminine. Swap booties for pumps if you need a more conservative look.
Inspiration Two: With a Big Graphic Sweater
This, I realize, is barely making the "sophisticated" cut. But it's my fav, and what I would probably wear to a Thanksgiving dinner at a country club. I'd pair it with heels and pearls, of course, for a slightly ironic twist on the usual.
The skirt is J.Crew's pencil skirt in double-serge wool, currently on sale for $80, and J.Crew's Heartbreaker sweater, $98 (buy a size up for the best pooch-hiding slouchiness).
Hope this helps, Mamas!! I can't believe were here, almost Thanksgiving.....already??!!??
xo,
S
