Daughter picked ugly prom dress...should I buy?

[Anonymous]

Not sure where to post, because this isn't strictly a fashion question.

My DD picked a prom dress that I hate. The color is too dark and she will look severe in it. Was hoping she'd pick a nice spring color, but she didn't. Not to mention, the dress costs $250.

DD does not work and can't contribute to the dress cost. Should I buy the dress even though it's ugly, won't suit her and will ultimately have her looking drab? Or do I steer her towards other dresses?

[Anonymous]

pls post pic.

[Anonymous]

You don't have to wear it. Set a budget and then butt out (as long as it's not too skanky).

[Anonymous]

If it's too expensive, then tell her how much money you are willing to spend.

Other than that, let her make her own mistakes, fashion and otherwise.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't buy it just for the cost. But I would let her pick her own dress. I think you gotta let them make mistakes.

[Anonymous]

Let her have the dress. It's clear that cost is not the issue, so much as whether or not you like it.

I'd explain some of your concerns to her, but if she still disagrees, let he get the dress. Her prom isn't about your opinion.

[Anonymous]

I assume she is 17 or 18. It is her prom, and her choice. And it is only one night of many she will have.

If it is too expensive, tell her that. If you can afford it, then let it go.

[Anonymous]

Discuss with her: why did she pick it? Can she achieve the look she wants with another dress?

I suppose she has a desire to look more mature, and honestly, severe will not necessarily translate into ugly. If it's a long black dress, then maybe sleek updo, and a big fluffy white flower. Contrast textures, add a pop of color and make her stand out in a grown-up way.

Ultimately, I believe you should buy her the dress she wants. So if a little pressure does not work, let it go.

[Anonymous]

Go to the store. Have her try on her choice and take a photo. Have her try on your choice and take a photo. Print and hang up the two photos side-by-side somewhere where both of you can see them every day for some time (I recommend a week, but anything 3+ days) and then have a discussion about which one she really likes. She might also want to get a friend or two to come by and take a look and also opine on the two. If she's still gung-ho on her choice after that time, then let her get it. Frankly, she'll be the one who has to live with the prom dress photos for the rest of her life.

[Anonymous]

If personal taste is the only reason you find it objectionable then you should let her get it.

It would be a different matter if it was trashy or too expensive, but it seems that you just don't like the color.

My advice- take a picture of her waering it (and some other dresses) and if she still wants it when she sees all of the pics then let her have it.

It's her mistake to make (if it's amistake at all).

[Anonymous]

1023++

[Anonymous]

I probably wouldn't spend that much on a one time dress if she's not doing anything to contribute to the cost. Dies she do extra tasks around the house and have good grades? But the others are right about letting make her own fashion mistakes. What's important is she feels beautiful in it. And the more you push against it the more she'll probably want it. For me the cost would be the main issue.

[Anonymous]

OP here. This is the dress:

http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD1022569

[Anonymous]

Are you mail ordering or going to the store? If ordering buy a couple and have her try them on to see how they really look. Return those that don't. I don't think girls wear "spring" colors to proms these days- they tend to be dressier.

[Anonymous]

I guess I'm crazy, but that dress looks cute!