Christmas pudding-friendly party gear

christmas_header

What with the delicious roasts, fresh seafood, desserts swimming in custard and Ferrero Rocher-based snacking, surely we can all agree that Christmas is no time for fitted waistbands or body-con dresses.

But on the flip side, Christmas is a time for seeing long-lost relatives and taking lots of photos. And no one wants to be sporting a food baby in Christmas snaps!

So how does one find a Christmas outfit that looks stylish but also disguises that second round of Christmas pudding and brandy cream?

It’s easier than you might think. Just grab one of these figure-forgiving finds and you’ll be able to make extra room for Christmas dinner… and Boxing Day leftovers.

Flowing maxi dress

The perfect blend of summer casual and party dressiness, a maxi’s long lines elongate the body while a flowing cut disguises the midsection. Tie the skirt in a casual knot for the after-lunch game of backyard cricket.

Velvet slinky maxi $139

ASOS curve beach dress $47.61

Draped top

A top that drapes to just below the hip allows room for second helpings in style. Pick one with a bit of embellishment (like this one below) for Christmas cheer — the sequins will offset a more casual bottom half, like shorts for lounging around with the family (or scrounging to find batteries for the kids’ presents).

Oneoneseven tropic top $69.95

ASOS cami top with disc sequins $57.14

Swing dress

Swing dresses (and their sisters, trapeze tops) are a buffet-lurker’s best friend: they kick out from under the arms, meaning no one can get a close look at your belly. After your New Year’s health kick, you can add a belt to mix up the look.

Love swing dress in Aztec print $72.37

Lipstick Boutique Plus swing dress $114.27

Tunic dress and leggings

We’ve posted before about the virtues of tunic dresses when it comes to hiding food babies. Wear a style like this alone or with leggings and graze to your heart’s content.