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Meeting the parents of a boyfriend or girlfriend can be a stressful or anxious time. Regardless of how considerate, friendly, and approachable we may be, there is still a fear that the parents will find something that they dislike about us. This feeling is only natural. In fact, the first time I met my husband's mother I brought along a friend to help ease my nervousness. There are also times when the parents dislike you for no apparent reason. In situations like this, they are the ones with the problem. Still, we all want to make a good first impression. The way we dress for this meeting can say a lot about the kind of person we are.

Before you open your mouth to say hello, or before you extend your hand and offer a smile, the parents will have seen you approaching. From a distance they are judging you. They are examining your clothes, hair, makeup, walk, etc. As humans we naturally prejudge others based on unimportant details. For example, women may observe another women wearing skimpy clothing and assume she is loose. Once we have in our mind the kind of person someone is, it takes a long time to let go of our initial perception. The parents of your boyfriend and girlfriend are no different. Therefore we should dress in a fashion that is modest and mature.

Dressing for the parents is much easier for males. Men can wear a sweater, pair of pants, and look decent. However, men should make sure that their clothing is cleaned. If you had lunch a few hours prior and dropped a hotdog on your white shirt, change before meeting the parents. Badly stained clothes can leave an impression. It may make you appear unclean or a slob. Men should also make sure that their clothing is free of wrinkles. Do not meet the folk looking as if you just rolled out of bed.

Females may have a more difficult time. As women, we may like to show a little skin and wear make-up. There is nothing wrong with this. Unfortunately, some women do not know when to draw the line. There is a time and place for short revealing outfits. The first time you meet your boyfriend's family is not one of those times. Mothers are especially difficult to impress. Many times a mother will already dislike the girlfriend before even laying eyes on her. An indicator of this type of mother includes her rarely smiling, appearing tense, and maintaining a stern look on her face. In the mothers mind she is looking for every reason to dislike the girlfriend. These types of mother may often use dress and appearance as her basis. Why give her the satisfaction?

When meeting your boyfriend's parents for the first time, keep it simple. First, determine the setting. Will it be formal or casual? More than likely it will be casual, unless you are attending a wedding. Women tend to wear a dress or skirt for meeting the parents. This is ideal because it will give a softer look. However, avoid wearing a short dress or skirt. Also, pay attention to the length when you sit. A knee length dress will stop mid-thigh when sitting. If the dress is much shorter while sitting, carry a shawl to place across your legs. This shows modesty

Women should also avoid wearing skimpy tops. It is fair to assume that your boyfriend's parents do not want to see a lot of cleavage or your belly ring. Sleeveless tanks are perfect for summer meetings, however avoid shirts that cut too low or that show too much flesh. This does not make a good first impression, nor does it show respect. Also, avoid wearing tight shirts. I doubt the parents will want to see the imprint of every curve in your body. True, your boyfriend may love these outfits, save them for him. Another great suggestion is dressing your age. If you are in your mid to late twenties, do not meet the parents looking like a teenager. This style of dress will make you appear immature and childlike. Sophisticated and classy is the key.

Make-up should be light and natural. Try and avoid looking fake or like a clown. Some women try and impress the parents by wearing more make-up than necessary. However, this often backfires. By offering these tips I am not suggesting that women should give up their own uniqueness to conform to their boyfriend's standards. It is important to be yourself. The tips offered should be applied when trying to appear mature and classy in any given situations. Women should dress the same way for meeting the parents as they would for a job interview. You would never go to an interview wearing club clothes or revealing outfits.