What were the neighbors wearing when when you invited them? If they were more dressed up, I could see why you may be surprised. If they were wearing sweats, did you think they’d change for dinner at your house? How about just accept people for who they are?

In my Chevy Chase neighborhood, a lot of the moms wear athleisure. I would not blink if I invited a neighbor and she came over wearing her Alo leggings and sweatshirt. As one PP noted, the line between casual wear and athletic wear is pretty much gone.
BTW, OP, how old are you? Are you in your 60s+?

We are a dress down family. I wear athleisure and Dh often wears joggers. If a neighbor invited me over for dinner, I would not think to dress up.

We just like to be comfortable. Our friends also come to our house comfortably.

I just went to a friend’s house in a t shirt and sweats. For a second, I thought OP was talking about us. But then her Dh is we also wearing sweats. They are very wealthy if it matters.

I'd be flattered if neighbor friends showed up in whatever they feel comfortable wearing at home, like they see our house as an extensive of theirs.

It's nice to have that level of comfort and closeness with people other than family.

It’s definitely a little weird if you’re not particularly close with the family. If you’re more acquaintances, I think jeans (or dressier) would be anticipated. That said, I’d love it - I’d take it to mean that this couple felt close enough that they wouldn’t be judged, and next time, have a relaxed casual dinner. That said, I’m someone that will only wear athleisure clothes to someone’s place if I’m comfortable with them, so I’d love the green-light to know we’re at that level 😂.

So like straight up Walmart sweatpants or Vuori joggers?

Anonymous wrote:With you OP. Can’t stand when people do this and wonder why they don’t get invited back. I don’t have family over for the same reason.

Lol. “Wonder why they don’t get invited back.” I think they know the reason and are happy they don’t have to spend anymore time with uptight, judgmental people like you. PS: I would not wear sweats either, but of all the people that should be embarrassed here it’s you and OP.

Maybe they saw the upside down pineapple on the porch and dressed more comfortably.

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, I wouldn’t go to a neighbors for dinner if I had to dress up. I wear sweats around the neighborhood and friends come to our home in sweats. You should have told them it was dressy, and they would’ve decided if they wanted to put in the effort.

I don't consider jeans and a sweater to be "dressing up" but that would be MUCH more appropriate for a dinner outside your home than sweats.

Yeah, I'd clock that too. And I'd never do it. But I only own one pair of sweatpants that I got at the start of the pandemic, and they're currently lost in my closet/dresser. Recently I noticed a lot of people talk about their "cute" workout sets, and "cute" joggers. Nobody looks cute in these getups.

Anonymous wrote:I’d never show up at a friends house for dinner wearing sweats. If they are willing to put the effort in to make dinner for us I will put in a bit of effort to look like I hadn’t just cleaned the basement.

Agreed. It doesn’t take much effort, compared to the work the hosts are putting in.

*Chicken A La King is for collared shirts!!!*

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, I wouldn’t go to a neighbors for dinner if I had to dress up. I wear sweats around the neighborhood and friends come to our home in sweats. You should have told them it was dressy, and they would’ve decided if they wanted to put in the effort.

MAGAs gotta moo!

Having cut back on seeing anyone in person for so long (yes, we kept quite isolated during 2020-2022 due to medical issues) and with covid on the rise again so our family has to be cautious again:

I am glad to see anyone, anywhere, wearing whatever they want. Seriously, picking at the neighbors' clothing choices for a casual at-home dinner is just such a 2019 problem, frankly. Just doesn't matter in comparison to the positive of seeing someone you like, in your home, and being in a position where you have the money and time and ability to host them. Be glad you're in that position, instead of being in a snit about sweats versus jeans. Get some perspective and some gratitude.

Before anyone goes off on me with DCUM's "cowering in your basement" contempt for those who are covid cautious, re-read the first paragraph and be grateful if you don't have to give covid a single thought.

Yeah, I wouldn’t go to a neighbors for dinner if I had to dress up. I wear sweats around the neighborhood and friends come to our home in sweats. You should have told them it was dressy, and they would’ve decided if they wanted to put in the effort.