Finding the right outfit for meeting your partner’s parents for the first time can be a little nerve wracking but today we’re here to help.

Whether you’ve been dating your partner for a couple weeks, a few months, or even a year or more, it’s important to eventually meet your partner’s family and build a relationship with them. So you want to put your best foot forward. (We talked about this a bit in our post on meeting your boyfriend’s sister for the first time, but today’s post will focus solely on parents.)

My best advice? Don’t over think it. Be yourself, but make sure to look polished and classy. And read the rest of this post.

Yes, this is a high-stakes scenario. But no need to freak out! The following tips and affordable outfits will have you looking great and feeling confident when you finally (gulp) meet the parents:

Table of Contents

Tips for Looking Parent-Appropriate:

• Even if you know your boyfriend or girlfriend well, you don’t know their parents. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your attire. So when getting dressed, look grandparent-appropriate: Avoid low-cut tops, micro-minis and too much bare skin.
• Avoid t-shirts or accessories with overt political or religious messages. Your winning personality should make a great impression on them; you don’t want politics to distract from that.
• Even if Rihanna can pull it off, this is not the time to wear jewelry or clothes with swears or crude sayings. (This one should be obvious!)
• Pick comfortable clothes that flatter your body. Tight pieces can be unflattering and uncomfortable. Clothes that are too baggy can also be unflattering and look sloppy. Pick garments that fit you well so you feel your best.
• Balance proportions. Loose-fitting tops should be worn with skinny pants, slim-fitting tops look best with flared pants or skirts, etc.
• Keep undergarments under wraps. Bra straps and panties should be out of sight!
• Don’t try too hard. Wearing heels might sound like a good idea, but it’s a recipe for disaster if you’re not used to wearing them. You’ll look silly as you walk awkwardly or — heaven forbidden — take a tumble. Some of the outfits below include heels, but you can always swap them for something lower if you aren’t comfortable.
• Natural is best. Now is not the time to try out a new hairstyle or pile on layers of makeup. Be yourself, look natural and you’ll feel confident.
• Smile! It’s your best accessory.

Outfit for Meeting the Parents #1:

Products: Blouse – Forever 21, Straight Leg Pants – ASOS, Flats – Charlotte Russe, Studded Earrings – Boohoo, Peacoat – MissGuided, Purse – Fashion Nova.