Dress Coding: Meet the Parents
So it's finally time to meet your beau's parents and making a great first impression is key. Here are a few tips and outfit ideas that will make his folks remember you for all the right reasons...
Consider the setting. Dress appropriately by considering the location of the rendezvous. It would be a tad cheeky if you showed up to a Sunday brunch wearing a black mini dress and gold hoop earrings. Mom and dad will appreciate your consideration.
Go timeless. Wear something classic and don't let your outfit be dictated by the trends. Timeless pieces such as sheath dresses or shirtdresses say you're in for the long haul whereas trendy choices might make you seem flighty or unstable.
Show a little romance. Mix in a floral print or a luxe fabric like crushed velvet to show a little warmth and compassion. This is a simple way to show your softer, more feminine side.
Be a bit bold. If you're going to a large family gathering wear something that makes a subtle statement with color. Instead of wearing a head-to-toe neutral palette, opt for one bright piece such as fuchsia flats or a great mustard blouse. Wearing color not only tells the world you're feeling good, it also helps people remember you.
So fresh & so clean. This is an obvious one. But for those of you who think the messy-hair look will go over well with his folks, you are sorely mistaken. Keep your appearance prim and proper with natural makeup (minimal is best) and clean, simple hair. Personally, I'd recommend wearing your hair down or in a nice side braid.
Don't forget you! While dressing "prim and proper" may not entirely reflect your personal style, add personalized elements to express your genuineness. Wear your favorite color or sport a special piece of jewelry that holds sentimental value, who knows, it could be a great topic for conversation!
Overall, your look should be modest, classic and feminine. Dressing the part will show his parents you are respectful and serious about their son. While clothes definitely play a role in your presentation, what's more important is how you behave: Nothing will knock their socks off like a confident, polite, self-assured and well-mannered young lady. And don't stress, if he loves you they most likely will too!
Here are a few of my favorite looks from my LC Lauren Conrad collection that are stylish and totally parent-proof... If you like something, just click the picture for more info!
Have a Dress Coding request? Leave it in the comments below.
XO Lauren
P.S. Click here to read the blog I just posted about baking your dream man!
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36 comments
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You look fab, those outfits are so incredible...
<a href="http://thefashiontunnel.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=59">Mens Fashion Online</a> -
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I would LOVE for you to write about the dress code for first day of college and to write others about what is okey to dress along the whole year, what is appropiate, what would be too much and what you shouldn't wear . Also about the kinds of bags you can take cause i recently bought this Marc Fisher handbag: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/marc-fisher-handbag-celebrity-flapover-satchel?ID=644948 but don't know if it's appropiate or not.
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What would be the dress code for graduation parties? Also, where can I find cute jean jackets?
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Hi Lauren! I absolutely love your Polka-Dot Embellished Shirtdress. Will it be available again anytime soon?
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Hey Lauren, I noticed your office wear attire forums, but what about an interview one. I am always so stumped at what to wear for an interview that isn't so predictable or stuffy.
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hey Lauren, I absolutely love your dresses!!!!
Did you do a post about how to accessorize our look? This would be great : ))
If you don't know her, one of my friend lives in US and has a French jewelry line. To find out more http://www.brightestyoungthings.com/articles/from-oui-oui-to-dc-brought-to-you-by-paris-air.htm Hope you'll like it : )))
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Should I were heels to the grocery store? I always love dressing up, but sometimes I feel that I dress up to much.
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@Melissa Panici thanks :) You're a sweetheart as well! She's a lovely lady but I think she's scared I'm taking her son away from her, which I understand. But you're right, she'll get over it :) haha
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There is no dress or outfit that could have saved me from my boyfriend's mother. Haha she does NOT like me. Mainly because she's German and I'm not German but hopefully she'll come around sooner than later :) Great tips!!
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Hey Lauren you should make a page on how to survive holidays when you are single!! haha This request sounds pretty funny but meeting family and staying by yourself 3 christmas in a row isn't the ideal especially when your family keeps on bothering why you are not putting effort to be in a relationship! Or maybe ideas to keep you busy? I am sure I am not the only one staying by herself during the Holidays.
Much Love to you and your family
V.
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The Outfits are Lovely!!!
But i would like to now how do make or prepare you hair, it looks fabulous. And how do you do the half pickup hair?
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Absolutely adorable outfits Lauren! And perfectly appropriate for meeting the parents. :) I have a dress coding question for you! I'm attending a beach formal wedding in Mexico in March. I'm not really certain what is acceptable, classy, and perfect for the beach. Any ideas?? Thanks Lauren!
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I'm obsessed with the black and white top but I cannot find it at Kohls :( is there anywhere else I can get it?!
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Wow. I understand that since its the holiday season there are probably a lot of people meeting the parents these days, but thank you thank you thank you thank YOU for posting this blog now. I am meeting my boyfriend's mom for the first time this weekend and was worried about what to choose to wear! My prayers were answered!! This is exactly what I needed to read!!!
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Awesome, although I am already married I would totally sport your first look! Chic and a lil conservative at the same time! I love it!
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Thank you for this, it could not have come at more convenient time!
I'm meeting my boyfriend's parents on Boxing Day and as he is really close to his Mum I want to make a good impression.
This will settle alot of wardrobe disputes!
- Charlotte
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I have the pink one at the bottom! I wore it to a wedding this summer as the greeting person who hands out the pamphlets to guests when they walk in. Everyone loved it! It's such a great dress! I would reccommend it to anyone going to a special event or meeting.
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Thanks for the great tips! These wardrobe tips not only work for meeting your boyfriends parents, but they are great ideas to keep in mind when meeting anyone that you would like to 1, make a great impression, and 2, yield some respect from! Thanks Lauren!!
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