What to wear when meeting the parents
Look like a slightly smarter version of yourself: neat, modest and comfortable. A midi dress or trousers with a nice top, or chinos with a shirt, and clean closed shoes.
Three outfits that work
Navy midi dress, cream cardigan
- navy midi dress
- cream cardigan
- tan flats
- small tan bag
A midi dress with a cardigan looks warm and respectful, and works at a table or on a sofa.
Light blue shirt, chinos, blazer
- light blue shirt
- beige chinos
- navy blazer
- brown leather shoes
A shirt with chinos and a blazer shows effort without trying too hard; the blazer can come off over lunch.
Sage long-sleeved dress, scarf
- sage long-sleeved midi dress
- cream scarf
- flat shoes
- tan bag
Sleeves and a long hem suit a family that prefers modest dress, and the scarf adds a gentle touch of colour.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Light fabric, a cardigan or thin jacket and sandals only if clean and neat. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | The outfit as planned with a light coat. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A warm coat, a knit and closed shoes; take off the coat at the door. |
Do and don’t
- Choose calm, soft colours that suit you
- Cover shoulders and knees if you are unsure
- Wear clean, closed shoes that are easy to remove
- Bring a small gift: flowers, sweets or something local
- Ask your partner about the family’s customs
- Wear anything very tight, short or low-cut
- Wear strong perfume
- Wear ripped jeans or logos
- Over-dress in something you would never normally wear
Check the night before
- Ask your partner what the family is like and what is planned
- Check socks or tights for holes
- Try on the outfit and sit down
- Pick a small gift
- Check the route and time
Questions people ask
How formal should I be?
Neat and warm. A step smarter than a normal weekend, not a job interview.
Should I wear jeans?
Dark, plain jeans are fine for a casual family; add a nice top and avoid rips.
What if the family is religious?
Choose modest clothes: covered shoulders and knees, and no strong slogans. Ask your partner.
What should I bring?
A small gift such as flowers or sweets, and ask if you should remove your shoes.
Pick Meeting the parents in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
Get the app