Impressing the parents
Published: Saturday | December 19, 2009
Attire is one of those defining features your significant other's family will use to understand your style, personality and even intentions.
As the day to meet and greet draws close, so should the grip on your style etiquette. Saturday Life met up with three couples who shared their most memorable experiences of Christmas, meeting each other's parents and took part in a style shoot at one of Kingston's humble hang-out spots, Chilitos.
Clothing and accessories were provided by Xtras, Mall Plaza./Email feedback to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com
Nyasha and Blaine wear outfits that will be best for a formal first dinner with the parents. It's even better because Nyasha likes the fact that Blaine was given a buttoned-down long-sleeved shirt, and he even chose to roll up the sleeves.
What's your most memorable Christmas together?
Blaine: Last year. It was our first Christmas as friends and as a couple.
Nyasha: Definitely, last year! It became official on December 20, 2008.
Do you think the idea of coordinating for Christmas dinner with the parents is appropriate?
Nyasha: Why not! We should do that this year!
Blaine: (looking away) Ah, maybe.
How do you like to see each other dressed?
Blaine: I like to see her in shorts.
Nyasha: Buttoned-down, long-sleeved shirts, with the sleeves rolled up a little.
What's the most memorable event with each other's family?
Blaine: My birthday this year. Ny planned a surprise party.
Nyasha: But (our friend) Dean spoiled it!
Blaine: No he didn't. It was perfect.
Nyasha: (smiles) That's the first time we were with our families - even though I eat dinner at his house all the time.
Gabrielle's one-shoulder asymmetrical dress moves from last evening's cocktail to simple day dress. The look is subtle and sexy. Walter's purple polo complements her by adding a relaxed mood to her festive dress.
How was last Christmas for both of you?
Gabrielle: (blushes) It was great; Walter got me a pair of really nice shoes.
Walter: And she got me a Liverpool jersey, my favourite team, and now my favourite shirt.
How would you dress for dinner at each other's homes?
Gabrielle: Umm, casually elegant.
Walter: Formal - buttoned-down shirt and dress pants.
Gabrielle: That would be way too dressy for dinner at my house. Why not your Liverpool jersey.
Walter: Probably not.
(During the shoot) Which side do you normally sit on?
Gabrielle: I normally allow him to choose.
Walter: I'm always on the left.
Jordan and Tia prove that after many years together, they can still be comfortable sharing styles. Tia's long strapless cotton dress is toned down with slippers and Jordan shows his fashion potential by working this mustard T-shirt.
What's your most embarrassing experience together?
Tia: (looking on Jordan) No! Not that one.
Jordan: (smiling) French Connection, when I ripped my pants.
What is the appropriate style for meeting or having dinner with the parents?
Tia: It just depends. One of the first occasions was dinner at TGI Friday's, and I didn't get too dressy. Normally, I'd say a nice shirt and jeans.
Jordan: For a dinner though? You should wear your ball dress.
Tia: He's just joking because he has an issue with my ball dress because it was very fluffy.
Who has the best style?
Tia: I do, of course.
Jordan: (looks in disagreement)
Tia: (addressing Jordan) What you mean, of course. I influenced your new-found style.
What colour do you like to see her/him in?
Jordan: Brown and gold, because it complements her skin tone.
Tia: Black and white - it makes him look sleek and sophisticated.
