What to wear to be the Hostess with the Mostest!

So far this holiday season I've talked mostly about what to wear to all those fun parties and events you'll be attending.  But today I'm going to focus on something else...being the hostess!  For those of you who have hosted a holiday soiree, you know it can be stressful.  It's not just getting the food and drinks right and assuring that all your guests are being paid adequate attention;  it's also about what happens an hour or two into your party when you realize how uncomfortable you are and that you are wearing the wrong thing!

Your strapless bra is falling down, the spaghetti straps are too.  Your feet are dying in those killer heels, your tights have run, and that beautiful duchesse satin dress feels like a straight jacket!  Yikes!  All you want to do now is kick your gorgeous heels off, rip off that bra, and toss that dress off in favor of something you can actually breathe in!  Is it possible to wear something classy & wearable?  Sure it is...with a little planning!

I pulled together some examples of hostess outfits that are sexy, or artistic, bold or just fun (whichever you prefer!). What they aren't is restrictive or uncomfortable, allowing you to be the social butterfly all night long. Think of these basic rules as you view the looks:

• Don't go shorter than mid-thigh.
• Shift and A-line dresses are your friend, as is Lycra!
• Go for LDs that allow you to wear a bra with at least one strap.  Make sure your straps won't fall, and please ladies, make sure you're wearing the right size bra so that your boobs are actually in the right place!
• Wear sensible party shoes (yes, I did just say that!).  Try a squared off heel and a shallow pitch (that's the angle of the sole).
• If you're going to cover those gams, go for black opaque tights; they wear well, are flattering and cover.