The Bosses Wife . . ..

[CalicoKat]

OK ladies, that's me. That's how I've been introduced at recent social situations. It's summer time and there are bbq's with families from dh's work and I'm always being introduced as, The Bosses Wife.

 

OK, I don't fit the stereotype. Blue jean shorts, t-shirts, & crocs. I feel like I need to spruce up my wardrobe a bit and perhaps. But what to wear. I've got a challenging body--I look like a turtle with my shoulders scrunched up to my ears and a fused neck. I avoid wearing collared shirts because it makes me looks even more funky. So t-shirts are out, are there other shirts that are casual but more than a t-shirt? I avoid plunging necklines too because I'd never be able to see what/if something drops down by the girls.

 

I think that pants could be a nice pair of capris. And I just need to wash my crocs up a bit and they're fine too.

 

I hate being introduced that way. But at the same time I don't want my lack of a semi-polished appearance to undermine dh's (for lack of a better word) authority/reputation/work persona.

 

And if you've got any books you can recommend on this topic I'd love them!

 

It's a new position for me--dh's been doing the boss for a couple years. It's because we've moved and we're closer to them all now that we're getting invites. Of course, we'll have to host them too.

 

Thanks.

 

I have limited internet time so I'll be back online tonight.

[Jennifer in MI]

Not that I'm a fashion plate, but I may have a couple ideas . . .

 

What about a casual skirt (even a jean skirt) with a summer sweater? I have a few nice short sleeved sweaters that I can wear with shorts or dress them up with skirts and they look really nice. If the skirt is a plain color, you could take a nice scarf and wear it around your neck or as a belt. Then maybe a nice pair of dress sandals is in order.

[Tammyla]

Go for the Capri pants and try a V-neck or rounded top blouse with them to elongate your neck.

 

No book rec. but, after the intro smile and say something like... Please call me Kat.:001_smile:

[Alice]

As a disclaimer I should say I am far from fashionable and usually dress very casually. So take my advice with a grain of salt....:)

 

I've gotten T-shirts from LLBean and Land's End that look more polished. I wear them to work but they are also comfy. They are made out of a nicer cotton and just fit better. I think they were described as "work-worthy" in one place.

 

Here is one example...

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=pima-cotton-crewneck&categoryId=32709&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=504211&cat4=504209&shop_method=pp&feat=504211-tn&np=Y.

 

Also I've done short-sleeved cotton sweaters from both places as well. They kind of feel like a T-shirt but look a bit more polished. Like this...

http://www.landsend.com/pp/ShortSleeveFineGaugeCottonJewelneckSweater~128992_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::YYX&CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000000086&origin=index.

[Sarah CB]

I think your demeanor will have a much bigger impact than your outfit. Dh's bosses wife dresses casually but is always well put together. For BBQ's and such she'll wear jeans and a shirt, sometimes a casual skirt. But, it's her personality that really goes far.

 

I tend to be more comfortable wearing a skirt and sandals to work related social events.

[farmgirlinwv]

I think a square neck top might look good on you. I love them! I also love jean skirts that hit at the knee. Capri's look nice to on the right people or bermuda shorts. A pair of Clark's look nicer than crocs if you're interested in that.

 

I agree that personality is much more important than attire. However, I don't want to undermine my dh at work in any way so I try to look nice whenever I'm around the people he works with.

 

lisa

[Beth in OH]

I have "wasted" many hours this summer hanging out with Stacy and Clinton at What Not to Wear. Since I've never had cable before, this has been an enlightening experience for me! I've actually learned a lot, and best of all, I've taken the time to do some shopping at good quality stores to try on styles I never would have considered before. With the better cut and fabric of those stores, I've discovered that I look good in a lot of things I thought I couldn't wear. I decided that it would be worth it to own a couple of good things that look great (and cost more), than a lot of things that make me look kind of frumpy or too "mom-like". I've usually chosen knits to continue with the comfort of t-shirts. It works!

 

The rule is to draw attention away from the body part that you are dissatisfied with. In your case, your neck and shoulders. You need a V-neck or a lower/wider scoop (not plunging) to elongate. Create some waist detail with an empire waist or surplice top to draw the eye downward. Stacy and Clinton recommend this style for many, many body types. If you need more coverage, add a cami or tank underneath. If it's sleeveless and you don't like your arms, add a sweater or cute jacket. I'm large busted and short waisted, and I thought I could never do it. Guess what--good fit, fabric and cut made the difference. They look great on me as long as I take the time to find the right ones (this is a huge part of the equation). Pair this type of top with capris, pants or a skirt. S&C even like trouser jeans as a dressier option.

 

Don't give up if the first things you try don't work. It takes time to absorb the change and to find the right stuff. Try to shop over several trips if you can.

 

I'm going to do some linking now to show you what I mean.....

 

Here are a couple of dressy t's. Leave untucked and belt them if you need a waist. I've found that a touch of spandex really enhances the fit of a t.

 

http://www.chicos.com/store/browse/product.jsp?pageId=1&viewAll=true&subCatId=&productId=100076269&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=10&catId=cat40002&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=

 

http://www.chicos.com/store/browse/product.jsp?pageId=1&viewAll=true&subCatId=&productId=100073617&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=12&catId=cat40002&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=

 

http://www.chicos.com/store/browse/product.jsp?pageId=1&viewAll=true&subCatId=&productId=100076254&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=3&catId=cat40002&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=

 

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=14352&N=1200008&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=184&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_184&showAll=Y&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Zinnia&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

 

Here are some empire waist/surplice tops. I always wear a cami (I have a no cleavage rule--I'm 46 and suffering from the effects of gravity), and I often add a little cardigan or jacket.

 

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=14588&N=1200008&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=184&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_184&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Sundrop&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

 

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=14612&N=1200008&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=184&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_184&showAll=Y&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Black&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

 

http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=15306&N=1200008&pCategoryId=101&categoryId=184&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_184&showAll=Y&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Scuba%20Aqua&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses

 

 

You might add a long necklace (with a fun bracelet?) to further elongate your neck. Accessories can really dress up an outfit or make it casual, depending on what you choose. Here are some ideas...

 

http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Product.aspx?productid=35933&ensembleid=41367&Skn=outlet

 

http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Product.aspx?productid=41260&ensembleid=47174&Skn=outlet

 

http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Product.aspx?productid=40167&ensembleid=46065&Skn=outlet

 

Good luck! Perservere!

[Tracey in TX]

I've been the "boss' wife" for awhile. I take pride in dressing however I deem acceptable at the moment! DH is employed and does his best at given career. I'm a SAHM who now homeschools,and Official Taxi Driver of the Gaggle. I do the very best I can, but it's hardly worthy of highbrow attire! ;)

 

Just to spruce it up, I may wear a sundress to a soccer game one week and dirty workout clothes the next. Work parties are to socialize, but not to use you as eye candy. Women are generation are allowed to be individuals without being feminine clones of DH. Thank goodness.

 

If you're considering additional wardrobe, go to several stores which you like and get recommendations from a GF on what looks great on you. Do it for yourself, and not because you feel there's an image to uphold. You must feel good in the clothes!