What to wear when meeting the parents

[NeedFashionhelp]

Hi- I am new to this board and need some advice.

I am meeting my boyfriends mother tonight and am stressing out about the dress I am wearing because the weather has changed, it's much colder.
I have a strapless denim dress, classy looking from Express. I don't know what to wear for a coat/sweater or whatever. Should I just not care and bring a peacoat (black) or go get something quick.

Also, I couldn't find a cute little scarf to wear around my neck so I am opting for pearls, like a long strand tripled. What do you guys think? I am getting nervous and am tempted to just run out and get a new dress!

Thank you in advance for any advice

Luna

 

[BabyJ]

It's just me but I wouldn't wear a strapless dress the first time I'm meeting my boyfriends parents! It just doesn't seem nice to me.

If you decide to wear it with a shrug...thats different... but definetly cover yourself up for the first meeting!

 

[*Addict_to_Fashion*]

yep.. you're right...

 

[TheSoCalledPrep]

Originally posted by NeedFashionhelp@Oct 22 2004, 11:50 AM
I am getting nervous and am tempted to just run out and get a new dress!

[snapback]404320[/snapback]​

Sounds like a plan to me.

You're not going to feel confident in this dress, nor is it appropriate for the occasion. Go for something more demure yet stylish. And definitely not denim... too casual.

 

[2Nova]

(Sorry if this is a duplicate but i searched and searched)


It's a while away but... I want to look my best

and i'm beyond nervous

I am meeting my boyfriends parents and his younger sister for the first time this May when they come for his graduation. I want to wear a dress since it is his graduation. We are also all going out for dinner later. They're not originally from America and his mother is somewhat traditional... what would you all suggest?

TIA <3

 

[Meg]

I think exactly what you are thinking. Dress for the occasion and how you would feel most comfortable and appropriate.

 

[Blondes]

You say they are not from America and that they are "traditional" - it would probably be a lot easier for the rest of us to give you advice on this if you told us where they are from, since "traditional" can mean a lot of different things.

 

[2Nova]

You say they are not from America and that they are "traditional" - it would probably be a lot easier for the rest of us to give you advice on this if you told us where they are from, since "traditional" can mean a lot of different things.

Good point... They're form Armenia.

What I know of them so far... his father is very laid back and kind of a klutz but just likes to go with the flow. His mother however doesn't particularly like like fact that I'm white... but said she doesn't mind if he's happy. She's the one I'm worried about making the good impression on. I've spoken to his sister and we get along quite well and I know she's close to her mother so... that helps....

I've just never met a boyfriends mother who has disliked me but... all the boy's I've dated their parents knew my mother or father.... so automatically liked me because of that.

thanks for helping you guys

 

[Blondes]

I'd wear something classic and I'm sure you'll be fine. A cardigan is always a good item to meet the parents , and a good cover up over your dress.

I'm thinking just above or to the knee length, and a modest neckline. I don't know dressy the event is but a cap sleeved DvF wrap dress (or similar) could be cute?

(the style, not so much the print of this one )

(saksfifthavenue.com)

 

[jazspin]

The cardigan idea is a good one, Blondes. A camisole might be useful under a dress as well - I know that sometimes wrap and v-neck styles can show a little too much cleavage for something like this. You could also get some kind of shawl or pashmina to wrap around your shoulders - I know you'll be meeting them in May when it is usually warm, but shawls are useful in air-conditioned places too. Good luck! Just the fact that you are taking care to be sure that you are making a good impression is great.

 

[fashiongirl84007]

um.....they dont particularly like the fact that you're white??? im armenian and last time i checked i was white as well! i dont get your point! good luck tho!

 

[2Nova]

^ that i'm not Armenian but rather Welsh and Italian they want him to marry an Armenian girl not a "white" girl (which is what they call me)

 

[dg_fan]

armenia? im half armenian and when u want to meet a armenian mom dont show alot of skin and dont wear something that would be the center attention. yes im sure my mom went through all that too

 

[Feline]

Have been in this situation several times so fully understand. You need to be yourself & feel comfortable, but wear what 'the parents' will appreciate. I asked the relevent boyfriend for his advice as by the time we got to the 'parent meeting' stage, he was aware of my style & how it would or wouldnt fit in with his parents. One (now ex) gave me explicit details such as the top you wore last night & do your hair like you did on Wednesday etc. Do ask him - he has the advantage of knowing yours & his parents tastes/opinions and you can hopefully be comfortable & create the best inpression

 

[bismarck]

I agree with Blondes on her suggestion: the dress is conservative, but still attractive, and you can make it your own with fabric and accessories (although for my body type, I would have to get something less cleavagey). I don't know about the Armenian factor though; it's fascinating! Why not an attention-grabber? I think being dressed like a Las Vegas showgirl (or any look-at-me equivalent) is a bad idea, but what if you can't help it that you're stylish and beautiful jk jk But I guess what I'm trying to say is, would one just want to look like a "nice" girl, even make an effort to blend in completely? Just for future reference....

 

[stella-mayfair]

oh my, i so can relate – but in a slightly different way, though. i wish you all the best, 2nova. try to be nice, but don't lose yourself in it, that's what i learned.

when i was to meet my man's parents i was quite comfortable before the meeting because my sweets is such a lovable, down to earth guy . when we met with his parents i went into shock immediately, because his mom is a super elegant designer (think brunette, miniature marlene dietrich in head to toe hermes), and his father wears fendi socks for gardening. they collect art. in a serious way. his mother suggested to stop by prada to get me an appropriate clutch for an event we were to attend. it truely was beyond weird... i decided to just be myself and not be intimidated in the slightest. i might have done something right. they invited us again

 

[fashionista-ta]

Bumping for Victoria ... as I was saying, I would ask to see family pix so you can see what his mother & other female relatives wear ... I'm kind of thinking in the mode of Ralph Lauren, but I don't know Newport Beach ...

 

[2Nova]

^ i know newport beach haha but... in all actuality you'd never know they were from California unless they told you so... thank god they weren't your typical Californian stereotype!

Also thanks for ALL your advice! I forgot ALL about this thread, but the meeting went very well.

I could not have been more happy.

I drove up that Thursday, and Friday they arrived in the afternoon, but went to their hotel so we spent Friday out at parties with friends before everyone's parents started arriving.

Saturday George met his parents at his apartment and walked up to the hotel where I was staying. That day I wore a giraffe print dress (very muted pastel colours) with a black cardigan over and some gladiator flats. His parents were very quiet at first and I was super worried. His mother kept staring at the hem of the dress and I could not but help to worry that it was too short for their tastes (mid-lower thigh mind you)

We all went to this tent they had on the arts quad and it was filled w/ a TON of food everything from fruit, to crackers, to sushi. His mother was very chatty and even offered to get me some ice cream which George said was a great sign because she never usually acknowledges his girlfriends. There were a few times where we all got laughing and joking around which I thought was a great start. We then went back to change and I wore a black high waisted skirt with a long sleeved black top and black gladiators (my balenciaga rip-offs from nine west) and pearls. His mother complimented me and said that I looked wonderful. We all went to dinner which was amazing! We even took a photo together and I backed away, trying not to impose but they asked me to join.

Sunday I walked up to graduation alone and his mother gave me her number so I could call and meet them. We all sat and watched and his parents were very talkative his sister and I kept teasing his father about his hat who seemed to think it was pretty funny as well.

I wore a black calvin klein dress and some t-straps, not my favorite outfit but it did the trick. they went to dinner that night just the family but tried to get me to come along with them however the restaurant was quite strict about their reservation which was made only for four.

they've been friendly with me ever since and often ask how I am doing so it was a HUGE SUCCESS! And as I'm told I am the first girlfriend they've ever liked.

A+ for me haha

Sorry for the LONG story thank yo u all again for your help and support!

oh and I attached a photo of him and i (wearing the calvin klein dress), I know I look really goofy!

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Glad it went so well