Outfit of the Week: holiday dinner with the family

Christmas for me has never been a time to go skiing, or taking a vacation in a warm place. Christmas has always been a family holiday. As an expat, I am more than used to living away from my family, but the holidays are one time a year when I actually want to have them around.

I may not be into cleaning, but I really enjoy cooking. So if there’s a holiday lunch or dinner, you can expect to see me in the kitchen at some point during the night – even when I’m a guest, I’m always happy to jump in.

This year Christmas is at our place, with my parents, my godmother, my brother-in-law and his girlfriend. You can bet I will be doing ALL of the cooking, because no one is allowed to cook in my kitchen except moi

So what do you wear when you want to be the perfect hostess, looking pretty and relaxed and perfectly organized, while also doing your best to cook a lovely meal?

I may be able to wear heels for an entire day if I’m a guest, but if I have to cook, serve drinks, run around to fetch things etc, flats are a much more likely choice. Add to them a pair of straight-leg, can’t-go-wrong black pants, and the comfort side of the outfit is covered.

But it’s a holiday, so the outfit needs a bit of glitz. That’s where the sequin tank comes in. I know what you are thinking: “Sequins?” I know. I am not a sequin person, really. But in this case, a sequin top is perfect: it adds some sparkle, needs no additional jewelry, and adds a touch of elegance and fun to an otherwise simple outfit.

Add a short-sleeved black cardi, to make it even more casual and cover your shoulders, while still allowing you to cook without getting too hot.

The outfit doesn’t need much else, but if you like you can add a few black bangles, maybe with a touch of silver. A subtle smokey eye and a touch of lip gloss will make you look polished without being overdone.

There! You are set. Glamour and comfort, and an outfit that’s just festive enough

Items pictured:

• Magenta sequin tank, John Lewis
• Sweater bolero, Forever 21
• Christopher Blue Kayla straight black pants, at Zappos
• Tory Burch Reva ballet flat in Mouse
• Bangle set, Buckle
• BadGal mascara(my fave!) in black, Benefit Cosmetics
• Juicy Tubes lipglossin Simmer, Lancome
• Stila smoky eye talking palette, The Platinums, Sephora

Do you normally wear sequins, ever? Would you?

What is your idea of a comfortable, fashionable and festive outfit?

Happy Holidays everyone!

Tagged as: who said I wasn't practical?, wishing you a sparkly Christmas