FashBlog.com

Ah, romance...your first Christmas season together, and the possibilities are endless and the joy is overwhelming. Your gifts for each other have been carefully selected and beautifully wrapped, awaiting opening on that glorious morning. The only remaining hurdle is the dreaded holiday dinner with your partner's family...and if this will be the first instance you're spending a significant amount of time with them, you'd best be sure you dress for success.

That first holiday meal at the partner's house is very much like a job interview...and it's for the most important job you'll ever have. Whether or not they mean to, they'll judge you the second they open the door and see what you have on. So how in the heck do you decide what's appropriate, since for some folks shorts and sandals are fine...but for others nothing but velvet and lace with high collars will do? Research, my dears, RESEARCH!

If you're already very open with your partner, ASK what most folks wear to holiday gatherings. If you don't feel comfortable talking about it, or feel like you should just KNOW these things...ASK ANYWAY. You're in a relationship, and unless you're Miss Cleo, you and your partner will need to speak to each other about the most minute details of life that you could have never imagined as time goes by. Of course, there's a good chance your partner might be clueless about or fashion challenged when it comes to fitting in at the homestead...that's when you start breaking out the family photo albums. Look to Christmas Past to get a solid indication of what you should wear to Christmas Present so you're permitted to be in attendance for Christmas Future.

Don't be fooled by the photos...closely examine the actual shots from the gathering, not the family glamour shot. Pay closest attention to what the parental units are wearing, as well as the grown siblings. These are the people who will be judging you the most...Grandma may be wearing a sweatshirt with Christmas kitties on it, or perhaps one with Santa crashed into an out house and saying 'I said the SCHNITT HOUSE', but unless the whole family is dressed as such steer clear of quirky. You can still be yourself to some degree, but if Mama is wearing a prim and proper dress you know jeans won't do, not at all. Also, keep an eye out for patterns from year to year. Does anyone always wear the same color? Is it a favorite color? Ah, if you turn up in it you'll score some big points. Pretend it's a complete coincidence for maximum effect...'oh wow, you like peach TOO???'. Fun!

But Rowan, you ask, what if my partner doesn't HAVE any photo albums and can't help me choose something his family will find acceptable? Golly, you're on your own, kid...but there are some fashion basics you should adhere to, for sure.

What NOT to wear:

• Keep in mind that this for most is a religious holiday...don't dress as if you're going out for a few drinks. It's easy to misconstrue your favorite lowcut top or very tight pants as disrespectful.
• Gals, refrain from wearing too much makeup or overdoing your hair...a nice ponytail or a bun is ideal. Fellows, SHAVE, unless a beard or moustache is part of your regular attire.
  
• Leave the shirts with characters in the closet, unless it's part of some wacky family tradition in your partner's home.
• No jeans. You'll probably be wearing them next year, but since this is your first go round err on the side of caution.
  
• No T-shirts. See above. If you MUST, make it an upscale sort, in a quality fabric such as satin or velvet for the gals. They're a complete no-no for the fellas.
• No sneakers. Unless you have a specific disability that forces you to wear them all the time, don't do it. And no, needing comfort is NOT a disability.
• Ladies...no short skirts or dresses! Anything that's more than two inches above your knee is simply out, period. And for the love of god, please wear underwear!
• Men...no pimp bling. If you must wear a necklace, stick to ONE. Again, if you can be sure the family is into this sort of thing, knock yourself out...even still, it seems a bad choice to me.

What you SHOULD consider wearing:

• Ladies, break out those black slacks you usually wear to funerals, or those corduroys you've had in the closet that you got on sale six years ago but have never worn. No whites, please...blacks and neutrals work best. Gentlemen, the same rule applies to you...just be sure that the clothing isn't from more than a decade ago.
• For the women, nothing says elegance like a satiny shirt, be it short or long sleeved. Choose one in the colors of the season and you're good to go...festive, comfortable, and perfectly acceptable. Sweaters are lovely too, and comfy. While white is out for pants, it's fine for shirts!
  
• Men, satin shirts are fine for you too...if you aren't so inclined, just make sure it's a non-flannel button shirt with a collar, or a nice sweater.
• Shoes should be reasonably dressy, loafers and the like. Women feel free to wear a bit of a heel or a boot, but stay away from the porn pumps.
• Sparkly jewlery is fine, in moderation...think Christmas bulb earrings, as long as they're small. It's a great way to express some of your quirkiness without being at all offensive.
  

I'd tell you to relax and have fun, but that won't happen a few hours into your visit if you're lucky. So dress as if you're seeking employment, go easy on the cocktails, and hope for the best. And remember, your smile is always your best accessory!