Dress to impress
Meeting the parents can be an intimidating big step in any relationship, and the last thing you want to do is get judged from the get-go because of your outfit. To save yourself the trouble, here are the 10 dos and don’ts of dressing up for the parents.
1. Plunging Necklines
While it can certainly be fun to wear a more revealing neckline when out and about with your significant other, this is something you’ll want to avoid when meeting the parents, just because it may come across as a bit disrespectful, especially if they have modest values.
2. Muscle Tees
Similarly, for men, wearing a super tight muscle tee probably isn’t going to get you the reaction you want. It may come across as attention-seeking, and you’re better off wearing something relaxed and semi-professional.
3. Graphic Tees
You’ll want to avoid wearing shirts that include profanity or graphic imagery, even if it's funny. Unless you know their sense of humor, this can come across as inappropriate and even outright offensive.
4. Political Clothing
Wearing a shirt from an important rally or one with an intense political slogan can lead to some unwanted tension. Even if you’re confident you’re all in agreement over the politics, this is a subject you’ll probably want to avoid in the first meeting.
5. Pajamas
Obviously, you want to be comfortable, but not too comfortable either. Wearing pajamas will come across as lazy and make the parents feel like they were unimportant and not worth the effort.
6. Gym Clothes
Perhaps you’re planning on meeting the parents after you get back from the gym, or you like how casual and fitted the clothes are. But either way, it may make the parents feel like you put in a lack of effort, and the clothes may make them feel dismissed.
7. Loud Patterns
Even if you like noticeable and eccentric clothes, now is not the time for your loudest and busiest pattern. You want to avoid something too extravagant as it can make you come across as self-centered or a show-off.
8. Excessive Perfume
While not a piece of clothing, you’ll want to avoid using perfume or cologne excessively. Many people, especially older ones, often have sensitive noses, and the last thing you’ll want to do is trigger their allergies on a first meeting.
9. Ripped Jeans
While ripped jeans may come across as cool and relatively accepted, parents may see it as a sign of rebellion or immaturity. Instead, to make a better first impression, find some clothes without holes in them.
10. Logos
Designer logos are another thing you’ll want to avoid, as it may make you come across as shallow or pretentious. Even if you want to show off how well you’re doing in life, the only thing you’ll be leaving behind is a sense of entitlement.
Now that we have talked about what you definitely don’t want to wear, here are 10 things you definitely should!
1. Button Down Shirt
This clothing item will never fail you, as it comes across showing a level of polish and maturity that parents will adore. Additionally, be sure to think about colors and patterns too, going for something light and less intensive.
2. Cardigans
Cardigans give off a sense of softness and modesty that parents from conservative backgrounds will absolutely adore. If you want them to have warm and respected vibes from you, a cardigan is a must-have!
3. A Blouse
For women who want to wear a blouse, this is a great way to come across as extra feminine. Just be sure to avoid sheer material and deep plunges, and instead prioritize a floral pattern or a neutral tone depending on what you’re going for.
4. Midi Skirt
When it comes to picking skirts, the longer, the better. You don’t want to be revealing on a first visit, so instead, go for skirts that are knee-length or longer, as this makes you look dressed up without being too revealing.
5. A Blazer
Of course, you don’t want the meeting to feel like an interview, but regardless, blazers add a level of structure that instantly elevates any look. Pair it with more casual shirts and jeans to appear less formal, but even then, the parents might appreciate some formality.
6. Low Heels
When it comes to picking out shoes, you’ll want to go for lower-heeled shoes. This is because overtly high heels may make you come across as flashy or intimidating, while a softer heel is seen as more feminine and demure.
7. A Neutral Coat
If it is cold outside, you’ll want to choose a coat that feels very neutral. This means leaving the furs or loud prints at home and instead going for a gray, black, or brown trench coat vibe instead.
Ruan Richard Rodrigues on Unsplash
8. Jeans
Jeans of all sorts and sizes are a great pick, but you’ll want to avoid the super skin-tight ones. Go for high-rise or tailored jeans, as they give a great relaxed look without coming across as too casual or effortless.
9. Sweater Dresses
If you do want to wear a dress, be sure to pick one that is modest and semi-formal. A sweater dress is a great cozy option that is often knee-length and not too tight. It might even make you come across as smarter than you are!
10. Turtlenecks
For the ultimate modest vibe, go for a turtleneck, which does a great job of providing coverage while also showing off your build a bit. So if you want the parents to see just how lucky their son or daughter is, this is a solid pick!
