Meet Madame HB, here to solve your wardrobe woes...
fashion advice,style,shopping
Madame HB
Q. In a few week\'s time, I am finally going to meet my boyfriend\'s parents who are super-conservative and insanely devoted to their only son. My style is a little bit quirky but I want to make a really good impression without having to be something I\'m not. What do you suggest? Sarah G
Chère Sarah,
You are quite right to feel the fear - there are few things more terrifying for a girl than meeting her prospective in-laws although really we are talking about your boyfriend\'s mother here, aren\'t we? His dad is unlikely to care if your shoes are scuffed or your bra strap shows or you accidentally get your knickers stuck in your Miu Miu skirt but mothers are highly trained to zone in on any kind of wardrobe malfunction that could indicate your potential to ruin their darling son\'s life.
If, as the saying goes, people make up their minds about a person in the first 30 seconds, then this is no time for wacky vintage Westwood or something challenging like hot-pants and heels. First of all, thank your lucky stars you are not dating Prince William and your initial meetings involve getting dressed for an audience with the Queen and shooting parties at Sandringham. Then think about a happy compromise between your own style and something parent-friendly.
A dress tends to go down well with even the toughest monster-in-laws - and there are plenty of cute nostalgic 20s, 40s and 60s inspired shapes around this season from dropped waisted ‘flapper\' style tunics to cute smocks. Otherwise how about pairing a pretty top with something more streamlined like some sleek trousers and heels? And remember to brush your hair - you know how mothers feel about an unkempt hair-do.
Bisous, Madame HB x
Click through the gallery to see my suggestions...
If you want Madame HB to solve your wardrobe woes send her an email to madamehb@ukhandbag.com
Schumacher
fashion advice,shopping,Schumacher,mytheresa.com
Schumacher
Parent-proof and pretty, this lilac chiffon dress would look great with some shiny patent heels, £319, Schumacher at
Mytheresa.com
Paul by Paul Smith
Paul Smith,fashion advice,style,shopping
Paul by Paul Smith
Feminine but just-cool-enough this striped grey bow top will work with jeans or black trousers, £120, Paul Smith from
My-wardrobe.com
Jigsaw
Jigsaw,fashion advice,style,shopping
Jigsaw
Make a good impression with
Jigsaw\'s black lace tunic dress, £165.
See by Chloe
fashion advice,style,see by chloe,shopping
See by Chloe
Just add black opaque tights and some high heels to this totally classic shift from See By Chloe, £268 from
Matches
Reiss
Reiss,fashion advice,style,shopping
Reiss
You can layer this slinky silk \'20s style top with a long sleeved tee or cover up with a fine cardigan. £89 from
Reiss
Topshop
Topshop,fashion advice,style,shopping
Topshop
Pair this paisley smock dress with some wooly tights and shiny heels, £45,
Topshop
Cacharel
fashion advice,style,cacharel,shopping
Cacherel
This gorgeous puff-sleeved, bow print dress is tailor-made for tea with prospective in-laws. £225,
Cacharel at Liberty
Whistles
Whistles,fashion advice,style,shopping
Whistles
Whistles is a good destination for feminine but cool pieces like this silk blouse, £90.
Miss Selfridge
fashion advice,style,shopping,Miss Selfridge
Miss Selfridge
This prim bubble-hem dress ticks all the boxes with its prim collar and sheer sleeves, £38,
Miss Selfridge
