10 Things Not to Wear to Your Family Parties

By Natalie Roytman on January 21, 2014

There are several clothing items that you most likely have in your wardrobe that may be appropriate for everyday life in college, but not so appropriate when it comes to family events. Here are the top 10 things you shouldn’t wear to family parties, and what you can chose to wear instead:

 1. Cut-Off Shorts

These became increasingly stylish the past couple of years. They are high-waisted and you can even make them yourself as a “DIY” (Do It Yourself) project. Although these are cute in the summertime, I am sure that your family members don’t need to see part of your butt cheeks hanging out of your shorts at the next family event. I would save these for music festivals or casual hangouts with friends. There are several other clothing items that can make you look more sophisticated at family parties.

 What to wear instead: A loose skirt or maxi skirt

image via www.polyvore.com

2. Crop Tops

It seems as though it is impossible to find any shirts in stores these days that aren’t cropped. Some are slightly cropped while others are cropped to the extreme, baring your entire stomach. Either way, these are too scandalous to wear to any family events. Find a shirt that doesn’t show this much skin and opt for that instead.

 What to wear instead: A knitted shirt or blouse

image via www.sorryweretrendy.blogspot.com

 3. Bar Crawl T-Shirts

If you’re a student in college, you have probably been to a bar crawl at some point in your college career. I have a collection of bar crawl shirts that vary in design. They almost always have something slightly inappropriate on them, a good example being, “Win or lose, we still booze.” Your family will probably question your life choices when they see you in a bar crawl t-shirt. You can save yourself the awkwardness and only wear bar crawl t-shirts to bar crawls, class, or in your apartment.

 What to wear instead: A band, sport, or school t-shirt

image via www.zazzle.com

 4. Clubbing Dresses

I think this one is self-explanatory. It’s safe to say that your favorite short, tight, and revealing dress that you love to wear to the clubs on the weekends is not suitable for family parties. You will attract negative attention from most of your family members and they will probably judge you. Go for the longer and looser dress in your closet for your next family event.

 What to wear instead: A maxi dress or any other longer, looser dresses you own. For some advice, go here.  

image via www.glambistro.com

 5. Profane T-Shirts

These probably don’t give off the right impression to anyone. The last thing your family wants to see is your public display of drugs, alcohol, or cuss words. I would advise you to save your marijuana themed t-shirt for another day. Don’t make the family reunion uncomfortable.

 What to wear instead: A band or movie t-shirt

image via www.zazzle.com

 6. Disco Pants

These may make your butt look great, but unless you’re going to wear a knee length shirt or dress with them to your family party, it’s a no-go. Disco pants are (usually) shiny and really tight. Most women like to wear these with crop tops so that their curves are shown. These are good for going out with friends, but your family doesn’t need to see your assets in the limelight.

 What to wear instead: Black leggings or skinny jeans

image via www.randomparadise.wordpress.com

 7. Miniskirts

All miniskirts are unacceptable to wear to family events. They are too revealing and make you look like you aren’t classy. These show a little too much leg to be worn around your family.

 What to wear instead: A maxi skirt or high-low skirt

image via www.teaseboutique.com

 8. Sweatpants

Sweatpants really shouldn’t be worn to most events, let alone family parties. I think they are only socially acceptable to wear to the gym, class, bed, or somewhere without a lot of people, like the grocery store.

 What to wear instead: Black leggings

image via www.hercampus.com

 9. Obnoxiously High Heels

You may think these will look elegant, but your family probably won’t. In fact, these could make you look trashy and over the top at a casual family event. I would wear sandals or flats to a family party and save the sky-high heels for the bars and clubs on the weekends.

 What to wear instead: Sandals, flats, or wedges

image via www.thefashionpolice.net

 10. Muscle T-Shirts

There are a lot of cute muscle t-shirts for women out there. They are popular to wear in the summer with bandeaus underneath them. But, they are revealing and are not the best option for family parties.

 What to wear instead: A tank top 

image via www.etsy.com

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