Meeting your partner’s parents is usually an important step in a relationship. Your boyfriend wants you, one of the most important people in his life to meet the other most important people in his life. Some men value their parents’ opinion a lot and this can make or break your relationship sometimes. You want to make a great first impression and it al starts with your outfit.
Whether we like it or not, first impressions are lasting. His parents are going to remember what you looked like as long as how you carried yourself when you have a first meeting. The last thing you want his parents to remember about you is how terribly you were dressed. You should put some effort into your appearance but not too much.
I would say handle your outfit how you would for a first interview at a coffee shop. Your dress code should follow this scenario and I can guarantee, you’ll be alright. Most times, the first meeting you have with your guy’s parents would be at their family home or a local restaurant. Either way, the sharing of a meal is typically involve so take this into account when choosing your outfit.
In today’s blog post, I would be going over 11 outfits you can wear to meet your boyfriend’s parents. These looks would be sure to leave a good impression without trying too hard or going over the top. If you are looking for the perfect outfit to impression your potential in-laws, you should keep reading.
The good news is you most likely already own the items mentioned in this post. This means spending more money is not one more thing you have to add to your to-do list.
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Before we dive into the different outfit ideas to consider when meeting your partner’s parents, I would like to share some general tips to consider. These are things you want to keep in the back of your mind, especially if this is the first time you are ever meeting any of your boyfriend’s parents.
7 tips to leave a good first impression
i) Show up on time – it shows you are respectful from the get-go.
ii) Bring a small gift – ask your boyfriend for gift suggestions for each parent. A bottle of wine is always safe.
iii) Address them as sir or ma’am or by their last names unless instructed otherwise. Don’t get too friendly too soon.
iv) Do not wear too much makeup – you’re not auditioning for a show.
v) Offer to help set the table if dinner is going to be served. Also offer to help clear the table. It’s good manners.
vi) Do not show too much skin – keep the crop tops away unless your bottoms are high-waisted.
vii) Drink minimally. This Is not the day to get tipsy or drunk.
Now that you have imparted you with this wisdom, let’s talk outfits. Here are some great outfits to wear when meeting his parents for the first time. Take a deep breath and get ready to leave a great impression.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, at no cost to you.
What to wear to meet his parents
1) Jeans and a shirt
If the first meet is going to be a casual meeting, jeans and a simple shirt are a good idea. You get to wear your favorite skinny jeans a comfortable white tee to a very important meeting. How cool is that? This is a good option if you’re headed to the family barbecue and meeting other family members at the same time.
Get the look HERE
Choose your most flattering jeans and a shirt in a color that compliments your skin tone. A white t-shirt is a great choice if you’re unsure. I would suggest staying away from ripped or distressed jeans. Complete your look with a pair of white sneakers or ballet flats.
2) Blouse and skirt
Here is another great option you can go with if you’re about to head for the first meet. A nice blouse is a step above a t-shirt. During the warmer months, opt for a short-sleeved blouse and during the colder months, a blouse with long sleeves is a good idea. If you’re headed to a fancy restaurant, complete your outfit with a pair of heels or cute ballet flats.
Get the look HERE
A trench coat or other long coat is a great choice for outerwear. You could also add a pair of tights underneath your skirt for an extra layer of warmth. If you’re feeling really nervous, stay away from the heels and stick to kitten heels or flats.
3) Little black dress
If the first time you’re meeting your man’s parents is at a special occasion, the LBD is your safest bet. If you are feeling bloated, uncomfortable in your skin or feel like you have ‘nothing to wear’, this is your best choice. Choose a dress that is knee-length or longer and that flatters your body shape.
Get the look HERE
Slip on a pair of high heels if you are headed to a formal event with your boyfriend. During the winter seasons, add a pair of high heels or leggings under your dress. You can also add a long cardigan on top of your dress if it’s colder outside. Avoid a low cut black dress in order to avoid too much cleavage.
For some more ideas on what shoes to wear with a black dress, check out my post: What heels to wear with a black dress.
4) Jumpsuit
A simple jumpsuit can be worn as a semi-causal outfit to meet his parents. There are so many colors and styles you can choose from that would reflect your own personal style. I would suggest you stay away from the really tight-fitting jumpsuits and opt for one you can move more freely in. Just remember to head to the bathroom before you slip into your jumpsuit.
Get the look HERE
You could add a shirt underneath if your jumpsuit has a very low cut. Consider adding a leather jacket on top if it’s a cold day. Complete your look with a pair of loafers, sandals or ankle boots.
Try THIS off-shoulder black jumpsuit if you’re headed for a fancy dinner.
5) Midi dress
During the warm months, choose a floral dress to brighten up your look and show your personal style. A midi dress is a good choice as it’s conservative enough for this initial meeting but easy enough for you to move around in. Shorter dresses could also work but I suggest wearing tights or leggings underneath.
Get the look HERE
During the colder months, swap your dresses in bright colors for those in beautiful Fall colors. You could also add a light blazer or cardigan on top for a modest look. Complete your outfit with a pair of flat shoes.
6) Sweater and jeans
If you’re looking for the right outfit to wear to meet his parents during the Fall or Winter, this is a great choice. Choose your favorite pair of jeans to be as comfortable as possible. Dark wash jeans and jeans in dark colors are the most flattering. During the warm months, try going with a pair of light wash jeans.
Get the look HERE
Avoid cropped sweaters unless your jeans are high-waisted and would cover your belly. A sweater in a beautiful color is a great way to show some of your personality and maybe even become a conversation starter. Complete your outfit with a pair of ankle boots such as Chelsea boots.
7) Shirt dress and leggings
Shirt dresses are a good alternative to a regular dress if you are looking for casual wear. Their looser fit means you do not have to worry about sucking in your belly or a bloated stomach after dinner. You can also add a belt on top to make your waist appear smaller. Add a little bit of fun to your outfit by opting for a high low shirt dress in a fun print.
Get the look HERE
As most shirt dresses hit above the knee, add a pair of leggings underneath to keep your outfit classy. A denim jacket is a good choice of outerwear to complete this casual look. A pair of white sneakers or flat sandals would make for the perfect footwear to put your best foot forward in.
8) Oversized sweater
The first thing you need to find out before deciding on your outfit is the location of the first meeting. If it’s just a casual meal you would be sharing with his parents, an oversized sweater would make for a chic look. Add a wide belt to create a more stylish outfit. Leather or faux leather leggings would create the perfect look to wear during the cold months.
Get the look HERE
Complete your look with a pair of flat ankle boots or knee-high boots during the cold seasons. A pair of over-the-knee boots may be a bit much for the first meeting. Feel free to play around with sweaters in different colors to show some personality.
9) Jeans and blouse
It seems we can’t get enough of jeans on this list, can we? This is because almost all of us own at least one good pair and when you’re being thrown into a new environment, it’s a good idea to stick to what we know. This is not the time to try out a different style of jeans. Stick to the pair that you feel most comfortable in and flatters your body.
Get the look HERE
Choosing a blouse or button-down shirt is an easy way to create a classic style with your jeans. This look also works if you’re heading straight from work on Casual Friday and would not have time to change. You can always add a blazer on top if it turns out to be a more formal dinner.
10) Sweater dress
The type of sweater dress you go for would depend on the type of meeting you are having with his parents as well as the location. A mid-length sweater dress is a good look if you are headed to a nice restaurant during one of the cold months. Shorter sweater dress can be paired with a pair of tights to cover your legs and also add some extra warmth.
Get the look HERE
Complete your warm and cozy look with a pair of your best boots. Heeled boots should be reserved for more fancy occasions. You can always wear flats if it’s not too cold outside. Add a longline coat or black leather jacket for a more casual dinner.
11) Skirt and a simple top
If you do not feel like wearing a fancy dress but still want to create a feminine look, try this option. An A-line skirt such as a pleated skirt could be worn if you do not want to bring attention to your mid-section. You could pair your skirt with a tank top and a light cardigan or a longer cropped top for a chic yet appropriate look.
Get the look HERE
If it’s nice outside, let that reflect in your outfit by choosing a top or skirt in a floral print. This is bound to create some conversation. Complete your look with a pair of flat shoes or sandals. A pair of heels could be worn for special occasions.
I hope this post has been helpful to you as you prepare to meet your man’s parents for the first time. The most important thing is that you care for their son and that should show in how he shares you with them and vice versa. Remember to breathe and let your personality shine through. A bouquet of flowers for his mother is always a nice gesture.
Get the look HERE
Check out my post: 10 outfit ideas to wear on a first date if you’re looking for some first date outfit inspiration.
Until the next post,
XOXO
Theankaraqueen