First impressions matter, especially when it comes to meeting the in-laws. Not wanting to look frumpy, nor too provocative is the imperative. Making sure you’re winning character shows through while your bra does not, are just some of the sartorial hurdles we all have to jump through.
I unashamedly love a challenge, so I have decided to try and find a suitable outfit that will impress even the scariest of parents... from Nasty Gal. Yes, I’m feeling okay, no I don’t have a fever. So here is a rough guide on how to look like a pleasant, I-promise-I-won’t-break-your-son’s-heart kinda gal, while sporting the offerings of Nasty Gal’s new in section. Trust me, you will be pleasantly surprised.
1. Max Out
Chelsea Morning Floral Maxi Dress, £30, Nasty Gal; Sarah Double Buckle Belt, £12, Nasty Gal; Nike Air Force 1 07, £72, Nike
You can’t go wrong with a long dress, unless it’s a wedding dress and your mother-in-law-to-be spits out her fennel tea and devises a plan to change the front door locks immediately. The white trainers suggest you can a) navigate through life without being a clumsy idiot b) are outdoorsy c) can muck in at a moment's notice. Tick, tick, tick. Aren’t you an overachiever. Everything she wants in a potential daughter-in-law nailed. Shall we go get our fancy-schmancy hats now, or...?
In-Law Rating: 9/10
2. What Dreams Are Made Of
Vienna Crochet Dress, £50, Nasty Gal
Ooooh if you’re invited to a lavish do, or his dear Nanna will be there - this piece of finery must immediately go in your basket. I normally stay well away from anything that is both bodycon and past my knees, but this dress was surprisingly flattering. I also think I read an article that if you wear something red, you end up in everyone’s dreams, but maybe I dreamt it.
In-Law Rating: 8/10
3. The Power Couple
Sleeve 'Em in Tiers Gingham Top, £15, Nasty Gal; Take It Up With Me Vegan Leather Skirt, £25, Nasty Gal
Oooh-err, look at me with my legs out! I think Andy in Marketing would snake me to HR if I rocked up to a meeting like this, but that’s more because I could poke someone’s eye out with my overly zealous fluted sleeve, So, maybe not the best outfit to meet the boyfriend’s parents, though if they are super liberal and eat their dinner whilst watching The Peep Show repeats, then it could definitely work.
In-Law Rating: 5/10
4. Boss It
Rain Check Trench Coat, £40, Nasty Gal; Nicole Tailored Jumpsuit, £30, Nasty Gal
Like hello, I’m a business lady!! I am supposed to be on call right now with Germany and Australia about some VERY important matters that you wouldn’t even understand. Walk up an escalator? Babes, I sprint up them while checking my emails, Facebook stalking and firing my intern because my coffee was made with soya milk! But if you want to look like a bawwwse, then I 100% recommend this jumpsuit/trench coat combo.
In-Law Rating: 7/10
5. Fair Leather
*Chunky Diamante Wide Set Choker, £6, Nasty Gal; **Rain Check Trench Coat, £40, Nasty Gal; *I’ll Take Flare of You Vegan Leather Pants, £28, Nasty Gal
Who knew you could wear leather trousers and look as conservative as Theresa May’s misguided battle to bring back fox hunting? This may be an obvious choice, but I’m all for it. Also, this blue striped top is one of the best I’ve ever touched (seriously, I wish I could allow you to touch it through the screen.) and you could easily wear this ensemble while you're buying milk or sending emails. No fuss. Mrs Bae will love it.
In-Law Rating: 7/10
6. Lemonade
Go All Out Ruffle Pants, £20, Nasty Gal
These trousers are hella funky and I have seen at least seven influencers wearing these sort of trousers, which by default means they’re in #fashion. I'm surprised these actually look okay because I tend to avoid fussy trousers because I can never resist a bread basket. Did I mention I’m reallly annoying? I like this outfit, but I feel like overall it’s a little ‘meh’. Like, you wanna make a statement don’t ya?
In-Law Rating: 4/10
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**Follow Aimee on Instagram @a1meejakes[
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.