(image credit: Jacob White)

SITUATION: You get the mail, and notice an invitation to a formal wedding. You look closer at the invitation, and it says “children welcome”. What do you do?

Or, you decide that this is the year you are going to have a nice family portrait taken – and this photo is going to be the gift you present to your in-laws on Christmas Day.  What are you going to do about what to dress your family in?

A. Run to the mall in search of the perfect dress, perfect suit and something on sale for the kids

B. Scour through your closet, trying to find that dress you wore to your cousin’s wedding 10 years ago…and pray that it still fits – and hope that it will be OK if the kids wear the same thing they wore for school pictures

C. Tap into the family formal wardrobe collection, knowing the only decision you have is what jewelry to wear – it will all be perfect, and your family will look like you’ve stepped off the cover of a magazine

D.  PANIC!

Well, if you are like most of us, the answer is PANIC! Formal attire need not be a panic inducing event. Formal wear can be as simple as what you wear to the grocery store. Don’t believe me? Read on…

Fashion trends don’t seem to change  much year to year. As a fashion stylist, I encourage my clients to build a formal attire wardrobe using basic pieces. If you are putting together an outfit for yourself, your kids or your husband, the rules are the same. The most elegant outfit is one of simplicity, exacting detail, and timeless style. Here are some hints as you build your family’s formal wardrobe this holiday season.

LADIES – Look for a simple dress in a dark color (black or navy). Something sleeveless  (or short sleeved) is your best choice, since you can easily pair it with a sweater or jacket in the winter months, or with a tee for a not-so-formal event. An a-line cut looks good on everyone, and is timeless. Look for a blended fabric like a poly, cotton, spandex combo. No embellishment – this will let you wear the dress with a denim jacket, or offer the flexibility to accent the neckline with pearls and diamonds.

GUYS – Men, let’s face it, you have it easy – pair of great fitting flat front trousers with a crisp white shirt – and you’re good to go! Why flat front? Pleating will add bulk to your mid section; just remember extra fabric equals extra bulk (that is a bad thing). But, let’s consider taking your style quotient up a notch from the good-‘ol-standby. Look for a dark pin stripe pant. The stripe can be a subtle tone on tone. This can be easily paired with a crisp white shirt, or a complimentary stripe shirt or a trendy polo for a more casual look. The pants are easy to take to a formal level with a jacket and tie for a cool After-5 look.

KIDS - When your kiddos are under 12, it can be painful to invest in ‘formal wear’, knowing they will wear the outfit 1, maybe 2 times. When dressing your children, remember they are children, not short adults. Think about times when you were wearing something that was uncomfortable, maybe something that was way outside the norm of what you normally wear. Were you grumpy? Now imagine that you are 4 years old. Whatever you dress your kids in, pay close attention to fit and fabric. Make sure the fit is something that isn’t pinching or binding up, and double check the fabric. Make sure the seams aren’t scratchy on a youngster’s skin.

Little Girls - A sleeveless, empire waist style dress is versatile for little princesses. If it is done in a year-round fabric, it can be paired with a turtleneck and tights in the winter months, and worn with ruffle socks and patented leather Mary-Janes in the summer. You can easily dress this look up by purchasing a thick (about 3″) satin ribbon, and using that to tie a sash around the dress.  Nothing says dressy more than a big bow at the back of a little girl’s dress!  Because this is a style that your little girl is used to wearing, she is going to be comfortable, and (hopefully) a perfect little angel for the event.

Little Boys - I have one word…Khaki! Khaki pants are perfect for little guys. Boys will be boys, so don’t spend a lot of money buying a nice mini-suit…it will get destroyed. Fabrics that suits are made from weren’t designed to be worn on the playground, or crawling around on the floor playing with matchbox cars. We all know if we try to keep a 5 year old away from playing on the floor, we are going to have a battle on our hands! Khakis with a button front white top is appropriate for any formal affair. If you feel you need to take it up a notch, just add a cardigan or vest.

Whatever you decide to dress your family in for a formal event, remember the event is the memory you are making, not your outfits.

PHOTO CREDIT: From HERE

Kathy Friend offers fashion advice for kids from 2 to 82 on her blog www.fashionadvice.blogspot.com.