For people who enjoy entertaining, dinner parties can be a lot of fun. But they can also be a tad stressful. You have to figure out what to cook, what drinks to serve, how to set the table, where to seat your guests, what to do with the kids that night—the list goes on. But possibly the most stressful part occurs shortly before the guests arrive, as you stand in your closet asking yourself, “What am I going to wear?!”
Fear not! You can look great and serve in style with these plus-size outfit ideas for your next dinner party.
It’s no secret that plus size leggings are arguably the most-loved item in most women’s wardrobes. But feeling confident in them is another story. While leggings are often reserved for the gym or for lounging around the house, a good pair of quality-made leggings can hold its own in other situations. Wear a tunic or knee-length dress over them for a stylish look without sacrificing comfort.
When things heat up in the kitchen, dressing in layers is key. If you feel more comfortable in a silk or satin tank top, you can always have a blazer nearby to put on at the table or when greeting guests. In the absence of a blazer, a plus size cardigan sweater works just as well. It can be long or short, open or closed—it all depends on the overall look you’re going for.
A plus size skirt is a highly versatile piece of clothing that goes with practically any type of top. You don’t have to wear nylons underneath, either, if you don’t want to. You can look just as stylish with a pair of booties or boots and some no-show socks.
Plus size jeans should not be ruled out when you’re trying to look good hosting a party. First of all, it’s your house, so you probably don’t want to dress up like you’re going to a five-star restaurant anyway. Second of all, jeans can look quite polished with the right shirt. And with black jeans, you sometimes can’t even notice that they’re not dress pants unless you look closely.
Pair those jeans with a plus size cashmere sweater for a smart look that’s also comfortable. A thinner cashmere sweater also has just the right amount of warmth, so you won’t overheat as you’re moving between the kitchen and dining room and back again.
An outfit isn’t just the tops and bottoms you’re wearing; it also includes the accessories. That means the shoes, the jewelry, and whatever else you use to add a bit of style to the outfit. Just because you’re hosting a dinner party in your home doesn’t mean you won’t want to look good doing it. Put on those heels if you like. Wear the diamonds. Do whatever it takes to make sure you both look and feel like the “hostess with the mostess.”
The little black dress is a closet staple. It can be flattering and stylish, yet simple and comfortable. And because it is black, it is also forgiving when it comes to stains and wrinkles (which are risks that accompany hosting a dinner party). If you’re struggling with ideas for what to wear for your next dinner party, you can’t go wrong with the LBD.
You’re going to be on your feet a lot, and nobody looks good limping around the house like they’re in pain. So, don’t be afraid to simply wear a pair of slippers or some cute socks as you cook. When your guests arrive, then you can put on the heels or some nicer flats for a bit. But don’t suffer! When it comes to footwear for hosting a dinner party, function trumps fashion.
Even if you’re all dressed up with nowhere to go but your own house, hosting a dinner party is a great excuse to get fancy for the night and feel a bit stylish. You’ll want to look good for your guests, too, so don’t be afraid to put on some of your nicer clothes while you entertain. And you don’t have to sacrifice comfort, either. As mentioned earlier, dressing in layers is a great way to stay cool in the kitchen and stay covered in the dining room. By applying the ideas mentioned here, you can spend less time worrying about what to wear and more time focusing on your guests.