Unless an A-line dress and pearls are your go-to (and power to you if they are), navigating the waters of what you should wear when meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time can be, well, choppy. The irrational tailspin and panic of hoping they deem you a worthy parter for your other half can block any reminders that they’re looking forward to meeting you, not your clothing.
Calm your fears with four first meeting scenarios ahead. From a quick coffee to their annual company dinner, we’ve pulled together some helpful advice in how to dress to win over your S.O.’s parents’ hearts. You’ve got this!
Informal Lunch/Brunch
(Studded sweater – Mango, floral embroidery jean – Mango, buddy heeled boots – Topshop)
The best possible scenario involves meeting the parents in a more relaxed setting. If the environment leans more casual, like an early lunch or coffee, dress according the vibe. They’ll likely be dressed in day-to-day outfits, so forego overthinking it with anything too dressy. Keep your look clean with simple pieces like wide-leg jeans and a sweater.
Home For The Holidays
(Floral dress – Warehouse, Dinky with tea rose – Coach, textured sandals – Charles & Keith)
Here’s the big one. If your other half is bringing you to their home, be it for the weekend or just for the evening, the lines become a little blurred. If your S.O. isn’t as forthcoming with details about the dress code, find a happy balance between dressy, simple, and best of all, festive. For these situations, opting for a dress or skirt with a medium hem is a good rule of thumb. It’ll come across as dressy for the dinner portion but still allow you to curl up your legs on the couch if their family is a more of “pictionary after dinner” kind of group. A pretty set of sandals paired with a statement sock will keep up that in between line of being dressed up without looking “buttoned up.”
Out To Dinner
(Ruffle midi dress – Karen Millen, grey velvet clutch – Dorothy Perkins, cris cross mary janes – Charles & Keith)
Occasionally, the first meet-up involves a more formal affair, whether it be a four-person reservation for a pre-holiday dinner, a country club party, or even just having tea in their salon if they’re a mega-power couple. Keep your outfit as cleavage-free as possible, but again, don’t forget to be yourself. Skip the ho-hum LBD for a dress that’s formal while still packing in some personality. Wrap dresses, ankle-skimming dresses, and anything long-sleeved are good bets for any of the above situations. Top off the look with staple accessories like black pumps and a clutch to keep it muted.
A Younger Sibling’s School Recital
(Crop wide leg trouser – OASIS, drape neck twisted blouse – Topshop, embellished slides – Pedro)
Heading home with your boo may require the meet happening at an extraneous activity. It may involve a younger sibling’s holiday recital, their town’s local theater rendition of the Nutcracker, or even an evening at the annual Christmas fair. A fitted trouser and blouse pairing will help to keep your outfit lose, comfortable, and adjustable to any and all situations. Ditch the idea of impressing in staggering heels and choose a pair of pretty flats ready for any unexpected terrains — school hardwood floors, dirt parking lots, or otherwise.
