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AIBU?

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AIBU to think my SIL was rude about my clothes?

294 replies

UninterestedInFashion · 31/05/2026 17:12

Over the half term week we saw dh family a few times. A kids birthday party, family bbq and couple of outings to the park and pub.

I admit I’m not very fashionable , don’t really follow it and wear what I like and what suits me. For context this is what I wore each time Kids party : black 3/4 length leggings and striped vest top and converse
family bbq hibiscus pattern dress and sandals
park denim shorts and a vest top and sandals
pub same hibiscus dress (it’s very old I’ve had it years but I love it)

The first time SIL said ‘oh here’s Y2K girl’ and laughed at the dress. The second time I wore it she quietly said to me ‘a spotty dress would suit you better - polka dots are in right now’

When I wore the denim shorts she said ‘you’re brave ! They are very short ! How many years have you had those!’

When I wore the 3/4 leggings she again took me aside and said ‘let’s go shopping one day - you need some wide leg linen trousers not these leggings ! I’m surprised they even still sell them or are they vintage again ‘ and laughed?

I said to her no thanks I’m comfortable and it’s hot so I’m wearing what I like and what keeps me cool. She said ‘come on sometimes we all need a bit of a refresh!’

AIBU to think she was really rude ??? I didn’t feel hurt but just irritated.

OP posts:
OchreReader · 31/05/2026 18:42

She was rude! I would never comment on someone’s clothing unless it was to compliment them.

Not everything which is ‘in’ suits every figure. I’m short, and if I wore wide leg linen trousers I’d look like a walking square! I’ll stick with my slim leg trousers, thanks.

Wear what works for you, that’s what’s important 🙂

Cranta · 31/05/2026 18:42

I am very into fashion, but would not bat an eyelid at somebody wearing black cropped leggings and a striped vest top!

Newsenmum · 31/05/2026 18:41

JLou08 · 31/05/2026 18:26

It is rude I suppose, but she won't be the only one thinking it. I'm not even in that in to fashion but 3/4 leggings and a stripy top are definitely y2k, I didn't think they were still available, they didn't stay around long for a good reason. Short shorts aren't all that great for parents, or anyone over the age if 25 really. The dress could probably pass as nice vintage. Not 3/4 legging and a stripy top though. If you really don't care about what you look like that's fine, maybe SIL thinks you just don't realise how dated it is.

But so what? Yes its y2k style. So? It can still look nice.

Newsenmum · 31/05/2026 18:40

BunnyLake · 31/05/2026 17:55

Year’s ago my sister declared she was fed up seeing me in the same styles I’d been wearing for years. I stupidly agreed to go shopping with her and came back with clothes I just didn’t like as they weren’t ‘me’. I never wore them and reverted back to what I wanted to wear.

I can’t even understand why she’s care how you dressed! I dont think Ive ever been fed up with how someone else dressed.

Cranta · 31/05/2026 18:38

JLou08 · 31/05/2026 18:26

It is rude I suppose, but she won't be the only one thinking it. I'm not even in that in to fashion but 3/4 leggings and a stripy top are definitely y2k, I didn't think they were still available, they didn't stay around long for a good reason. Short shorts aren't all that great for parents, or anyone over the age if 25 really. The dress could probably pass as nice vintage. Not 3/4 legging and a stripy top though. If you really don't care about what you look like that's fine, maybe SIL thinks you just don't realise how dated it is.

It’s rude ‘you suppose’? So do you make unsolicited remarks to people about their fashion choices and make recommendations they didn’t ask for? Do you point out dated clothes? If not, why?

youalright · 31/05/2026 18:34

Yanbu your clothes sound similar to what i wear im not into what's fashionable or not and rarely notice other peoples clothes. I think you just have to say I'm really not interested in all that stuff. This is the equivalent of someone going on and on about for e.g. tennis and saying you should really play lets go racquet shopping. No im not interested and you're boring me

Leopardprintbikini · 31/05/2026 18:34

WearyAuldWumman · 31/05/2026 18:22

When I wore the denim shorts she said ‘you’re brave ! They are very short !

She's jealous.

Yeah, everyone is jealous of the average mumsnetter.

ElenOfTheWays · 31/05/2026 18:33

Ah the family fashion guru.
We have one of those
Does she think she's Gok Wan?

Tell her there's a difference between "fashion" and style.

Gwenhwyfar · 31/05/2026 18:32

How do leggings keep you cool?

Lexingtonavenueandme · 31/05/2026 18:29

You know she was being rude.

fluffiphlox · 31/05/2026 18:28

It’s just not the done thing to comment on someone else’s appearance unless it is to say how lovely they look.

Yelrab · 31/05/2026 18:27

Comment unfavourably on her clothes. She must sometimes wear clothes you dislike.
,

JLou08 · 31/05/2026 18:26

It is rude I suppose, but she won't be the only one thinking it. I'm not even in that in to fashion but 3/4 leggings and a stripy top are definitely y2k, I didn't think they were still available, they didn't stay around long for a good reason. Short shorts aren't all that great for parents, or anyone over the age if 25 really. The dress could probably pass as nice vintage. Not 3/4 legging and a stripy top though. If you really don't care about what you look like that's fine, maybe SIL thinks you just don't realise how dated it is.

WearyAuldWumman · 31/05/2026 18:23

roxyro · 31/05/2026 18:20

Next time she says you need fashion advice say “ off you?!!!” and laugh.

This. Perfect.

WearyAuldWumman · 31/05/2026 18:22

When I wore the denim shorts she said ‘you’re brave ! They are very short !

She's jealous.

MeridaBrave · 31/05/2026 18:22

I mean she is rude but some people are rude.

8misskitty8 · 31/05/2026 18:21

She's a cheeky cow and I'd tell her that.

faithfultoGeorgeMichael · 31/05/2026 18:20

Say "Calm down Gok Wan, I never applied for a make over" and laugh 😂

roxyro · 31/05/2026 18:20

Next time she says you need fashion advice say “ off you?!!!” and laugh.

differentstrokesfordifferentfolks · 31/05/2026 18:16

That’s not rude, it’s beyond rude. I would have critiqued her fashion choices in a way that made her fucking cry, but that’s just awful, perimenopausal me who has a truly vicious tongue when riled, and no longer takes this kind of shite.

Sassylovesbooks · 31/05/2026 18:16

I buy what I like, what suits me and what I feel comfortable wearing. Years ago, I'd follow the latest fashion, but I'm 51 now. I like to look nice, but comfortable. I love Vinted, will trawl for ages looking at clothes. If I like it, and I think it suits me, I buy...I definitely don't worry if it's last season etc.

Your SIL is projecting her own insecurities over appearance onto you. She clearly believes, that how she looks is important, and because it is to her, it should do to you too. The fact you don't care your dress is years old, you like it, so therefore wear it, might be something she's secretly envious of!!

Harriet36 · 31/05/2026 18:15

Oh God, wear what you want and take absolutely no notice of Little Miss Fashionista.

lornad00m · 31/05/2026 18:15

She's a CF. And I'd tell her so.

Then try to put it out of your mind. She's toxic. And that's her burden to bear.

geekygardener · 31/05/2026 18:14

Not that it matters at all and I’m glad you are able to wear what you like, I do the same, but your sil is not fashionable at all and doesn’t know what she is talking about. y2k is the height of fashion right now and it sounds like that’s your style. Linen trousers are now dated and most people interested in fashion would never wear them now. Just wanted to add I personally have nothing against linen trousers or any other clothing for that matter. I have got a teen daughter who loves fashion so I’m going by what she and her friends shows me.

Notsosweetcaroline · 31/05/2026 18:14

Newsenmum · 31/05/2026 17:51

What kind of image? Surely someone who is just comfy and happy? Why would she just change every time a fashion changes? Seems stupid unless she enjoys it and she clearly doesnt otherwise she wouldve done it.

tobe fair I don’t think the poster suggested changing every time the fashion changes.

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