Email
Print
Dressing for excess: Preparing for holiday feasts
MGNS photo
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: November 25, 2008
The holiday season is almost here, and you're probably already preparing yourself for the onslaught of feasts and buffets.
Maybe this year you've vowed to show restraint, starting with Thanksgiving: no seconds on Aunt Edna's sweet potato pie, thank you very much. The only thing stuffed this year will be the bird.
Yeah. Well, good luck with that.
But just in case you decide to go for it (good gravy, are you really capable of resisting that big bowl of buttery mashed potatoes?), you may want to consider how to contend with the inevitable belly bulge.
This is no time to be showing off your new skinny jeans or that oh-so-snug pencil skirt, that's for sure. And who wants to squeeze into an industrial-style girdle, or suck it in all night?
Whether you're dressing up or dressing down, if ever there was a holiday to opt for function over fashion, Thanksgiving is it.
"When you are planning for a holiday party that will involve lots of eating, always make sure you think comfort," says T.J. Maxx spokesperson Sonya M. Cosentini. "Go for pieces that won't constrict you while you eat."
Dresses are the perfect way to look stylish without forsaking abdominal comfort. Empire-waist, sheath and A-line styles will let you breathe after that second helping of pumpkin pie.
And don't rule out the wrap dress. If it's made of a soft cotton jersey, it will drape beautifully and offer a little stretch. If you overdo it in the buffet line, you can always sneak into the bathroom and rewrap it just a little looser.
Tunic- and flapper-style dresses are also holiday winners, says Pim Sukhahuta, a designer for Sretsis, a fashion line based out of Thailand. They are always chic and "perfect to hide a full tummy," she says. "Combining silk and chiffon pieces with prints or texture is a great way to hide any trouble areas."
"Personally, when I know a day of eating and drinking is ahead of me, I would wear a simple lightweight, flow-y dress," Sukhahuta says. "Something that is really comfortable, but still flattering to me."
Stay away from stiff fabrics, cautions Gregg Andrews, a fashion director for Nordstrom.
"Soft, fluid textures that skim gently over the body can disguise that extra slice of pie, and they look good on a variety of figure types, from small frames to fuller figures," Andrews says.
Another tip: Stay away from that outfit with the super-long or billowy sleeves. You don't want them to wind up in the gravy.
Darker colors such as black, navy and eggplant are always slimming and perfect for hiding a little post-meal indulgence, says Ella Moss designer Pamella Protzel.
If your plans are more casual, jeans and slacks are always a good choice; just make sure they have a little wiggle room. Another best bet when you're going to get your grub on is a track suit. We're not talking terry cloth or sweats, but something chic in velour or cotton. The pieces are soft, there's some give in the fabric, and, most importantly, there's that blessed elastic waistband.
Make sure you wear a T-shirt underneath, so if it gets too hot in the house, you can loosen the jacket and not miss out on an extra serving of dressing.
As for your feet, swap the stilettos for flats. A ballet flat is festive and comfortable, Andrews says. Look for styles in satin and velvet in black or a metallic. Dress them up with such embellishments as faux rhinestones and jewels.
For men, it's all about the jacket or vest, Andrews says.
"If you wear a jacket, you can lose the vest, or vice versa. And if it's not too warm, a man can always wear a nice roomy sweater to cover any extra tummy bulge."
Whatever you decide to wear, try the outfit on before Thanksgiving, Andrews advises.
"Sit in it and see how it feels," he says. "The minute you try it on, you're going to know if it's comfortable enough to wear for a day of eating."
Oh, and one more thing: You don't have to have a turkey or Christmas tree on your shirt to convey the holiday spirit, Andrews says.
"The key is to be comfortable and still look chic and festive. And make sure your investment will have a life after the party."
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
› Census 2000-2008 Subcounty Population Estimates
› Last Name Rankings
› Public Payroll 2008
› Business Bankruptcies Database
› How-To Home Improvement Database
› Texting Library Database
› Toy Recall Database: 2008 Edition
› IRS Stimulus Checks Database
› Environmentally-Friendly Cars
› U.S. Foreclosure Database
› FBI Crime Database
› County Census Estimates
› Golf Course Finder
› Worst Nursing Homes
› NASDTEC Sanctioned Teachers
› FBI Hate Crimes Database
› Recipe Swap
Advertisement
