what to wear: meeting husband’s boss

We *just* got this in and couldn’t resist holding off on our regularly scheduled post to help out one of our readers.

Reader Question of the Week

In a couple of days I’m meeting my husband’s bosses for the first time when we’ll all go for drinks and to see a Broadway musical. What to wear?? I know that dressing for the theater is not as dressy as it used to be, but what is appropriate? I’m in my early 40′s, an hourglass, with about 10 pounds I’d love to disguise.

Wardrobe 911′s Style Prescription

The most appropriate thing to wear is something that makes you look fantastic!

For hourglasses with a few pounds to disguise, you want to veer from the thin jersey styles and go for a bit more substance in your fabric choice.  By wearing something with a bit of structure such as a thicker jersey gabardine or thin cotton that isn’t stiff, you’ll still follow your curves but glide over the lumps and bumps.

You also want to choose a style on top that has either a wide-scoop neck, deep v-neck or a surplice (mock wrap style) neckline where the waistline hits above your waist such as an empire waist or inset waist.  This way, there is a bit of fabric that flows over your tummy and hips effortlessly.  Not all empire waistlines are created equal so be careful that ‘the girls’ stay in.

Here we show you a Nanette Lepore sheath dress with these requirements.  The ruching at the waist is ultra-flattering and the color is sophisticated yet appropriate for the warm weather.  Add some New York edge with your accessories.  I know this isn’t a must-have wardrobe essential but this open front, draped leather jacket is beyond cool.  I’d wear it with everything.  Same with these Christian Louboutin platforms — as long as you don’t have to walk far — actually, I find his shoes very comfortable.

A budget alternative is to pair it with these killer Donald Pliner heels (under $120 at 6pm) and add a trendy  black gabardine boyfriend jacket — keep the jacket open and wear a multi-strand long necklace to balance it. As always, another simple alternative for an evening out is cashmere fringe wrap.

There are also other dress options to consider if you’re not into this particular style:

• Suzi Chin twist tab dress – if you want to disguise your arms, this 3/4 sleeve style in a beautiful blue is perfect.
• Textured silk-blend dress – the style is simple and the color sophisticated.
• Printed silk dress – prints hide a multitude of sins and this one is a perfect alternative with the gray accessories.