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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:
rockthemix · 01/06/2026 13:35

CaptainMyCaptain · 01/06/2026 13:33

Why should she if she's happy as she is?

Wearing items that old will look dated

CaptainMyCaptain · 01/06/2026 13:33

rockthemix · 01/06/2026 13:30

OP, why don’t you try and find some new clothes?

Why should she if she's happy as she is?

Notsosweetcaroline · 01/06/2026 13:32

CagedBirdInACage · 01/06/2026 12:28

Lots of women here post about feeling like they've lost their sense of style, they feel frumpy, they don't feel like they know what suits them anymore etc. She may just be genuinely trying to offer you help in case you fall into that category.

But she hasn’t she’s quite happy as she is, and the op didn’t ask, plus there are nicer ways to do it.

rockthemix · 01/06/2026 13:30

OP, why don’t you try and find some new clothes?

CaptainMyCaptain · 01/06/2026 13:28

ToTheRamen · 01/06/2026 13:22

Maybe SIL is an open minded kind person and doesn't anticipate Doberman Guard Dogs Activating if she attempts to offer girlie input to the habitual hibiscus relative.

She should keep quiet because its none of her business. Would you appreciate this kind of input? However perfect you think your style is there will be someone who doesn't like it.

SlightlyAjar · 01/06/2026 13:26

ToTheRamen · 01/06/2026 13:22

Maybe SIL is an open minded kind person and doesn't anticipate Doberman Guard Dogs Activating if she attempts to offer girlie input to the habitual hibiscus relative.

But if she were ‘open-minded and kind’, and of average intelligence, she would surely recognise that unsought advice is insulting and extremely rude.

ToTheRamen · 01/06/2026 13:22

CaptainMyCaptain · 01/06/2026 12:57

Well maybe they should keep their mouth shut unless they are asked.

Maybe SIL is an open minded kind person and doesn't anticipate Doberman Guard Dogs Activating if she attempts to offer girlie input to the habitual hibiscus relative.

SlightlyAjar · 01/06/2026 13:02

CagedBirdInACage · 01/06/2026 12:28

Lots of women here post about feeling like they've lost their sense of style, they feel frumpy, they don't feel like they know what suits them anymore etc. She may just be genuinely trying to offer you help in case you fall into that category.

And if the OP had asked her, that would be a completely appropriate response!

CaptainMyCaptain · 01/06/2026 12:57

CagedBirdInACage · 01/06/2026 12:28

Lots of women here post about feeling like they've lost their sense of style, they feel frumpy, they don't feel like they know what suits them anymore etc. She may just be genuinely trying to offer you help in case you fall into that category.

It's completely different as they are asking for help.

RosesAretheNewBlack · 01/06/2026 12:57

CagedBirdInACage · 01/06/2026 12:28

Lots of women here post about feeling like they've lost their sense of style, they feel frumpy, they don't feel like they know what suits them anymore etc. She may just be genuinely trying to offer you help in case you fall into that category.

You know what they say about unsolicited advice...

CaptainMyCaptain · 01/06/2026 12:57

ToTheRamen · 01/06/2026 12:14

The issue is your lack of comprehension.

People think things about each other, and say things to each other, and not everyone is the same as you.

Well maybe they should keep their mouth shut unless they are asked.

CagedBirdInACage · 01/06/2026 12:28

Lots of women here post about feeling like they've lost their sense of style, they feel frumpy, they don't feel like they know what suits them anymore etc. She may just be genuinely trying to offer you help in case you fall into that category.

DancingNotDrowning · 01/06/2026 12:25

CaptainMyCaptain · 01/06/2026 12:07

I can't comprehend why anyone would think it's ok to give unwanted advice about clothes or anything else. Nobody wants it.

Given OP thinks the SIL looks nice, I bet she’s complimented her on her outfits in more than on occasion and so SIL feel it is ok to provide feedback in return.

JuliaBraverman · 01/06/2026 12:19

I don’t know. I think she sounds insecure and is trying to make you feel bad about yourself because she feels bad about herself in a way. I mean, who does this?

ToTheRamen · 01/06/2026 12:17

Cherry8809 · 01/06/2026 12:08

I don’t agree with other posters at all that she’s “jealous”.

I think she’s trying to tell you in a less direct way that your outfits are looking dated and/or unflattering.

To be fair, everything you mentioned sounds like it’s rather 2008. Why not indulge her and have a girly day out shopping? You said she always looks nice - maybe you might be shown some things you like that you wouldn’t have considered before.

To my mind, this is a sane well balanced response.

There are heaps of knee jerk touchy responses on this thread that afaics, are chip on the shoulder snarls with zero cognitive reasoning.

Cherry8809 · 01/06/2026 12:16

CaptainMyCaptain · 01/06/2026 12:13

I dont think she's jealous she's just bloody rude and no way would I go shopping with her.

SIL obviously feels that she knows OP well enough that she can drop hints that what she’s wearing is dated and unflattering.

It’s an awkward thing to bring up, and perhaps her delivery could be seen as rude, but it’s the same thing as having to let someone know that they smell. Like, I don’t know how I would say that either.

OP has acknowledged SIL actually dresses well and looks put together - I don’t think getting her opinion on some new clothes would be a bad thing.

ToTheRamen · 01/06/2026 12:14

CaptainMyCaptain · 01/06/2026 12:07

I can't comprehend why anyone would think it's ok to give unwanted advice about clothes or anything else. Nobody wants it.

The issue is your lack of comprehension.

People think things about each other, and say things to each other, and not everyone is the same as you.

CaptainMyCaptain · 01/06/2026 12:13

Cherry8809 · 01/06/2026 12:08

I don’t agree with other posters at all that she’s “jealous”.

I think she’s trying to tell you in a less direct way that your outfits are looking dated and/or unflattering.

To be fair, everything you mentioned sounds like it’s rather 2008. Why not indulge her and have a girly day out shopping? You said she always looks nice - maybe you might be shown some things you like that you wouldn’t have considered before.

I dont think she's jealous she's just bloody rude and no way would I go shopping with her.

Cherry8809 · 01/06/2026 12:08

I don’t agree with other posters at all that she’s “jealous”.

I think she’s trying to tell you in a less direct way that your outfits are looking dated and/or unflattering.

To be fair, everything you mentioned sounds like it’s rather 2008. Why not indulge her and have a girly day out shopping? You said she always looks nice - maybe you might be shown some things you like that you wouldn’t have considered before.

CaptainMyCaptain · 01/06/2026 12:07

ToTheRamen · 01/06/2026 12:00

Exactly. Not every poster is agreeing with op. Whodathunkit?

I can't comprehend why anyone would think it's ok to give unwanted advice about clothes or anything else. Nobody wants it.

montysmaw · 01/06/2026 12:06

justasmalltownmum · 31/05/2026 23:19

I think she actually means well as she offered to help find you new pieces rather then just slagging you off.

You dont think that's a gigantic conceit? that they have some sort of exemplary taste and advice to impart?
From what the OP has described of what the SIL is wearing you couldn't pay me to wear that styling. Frumperama. And I bet I am a lot older than both of them.

ToTheRamen · 01/06/2026 12:00

RosesAretheNewBlack · 01/06/2026 11:50

I think there's afew SILs on this thread.

@CaptainMyCaptain

Edited

Exactly. Not every poster is agreeing with op. Whodathunkit?

montysmaw · 01/06/2026 11:57

Clearly thinks she is a fashion guru.

Next time......
"Linen trousers?
Laugh.
" Honestly I know you mean well and don't take this the wrong way, but I really wouldn't be seen dead in the clothes you wear. Isn't it funny how subjective it all is?"

I worked with somebody who was "into clothes".
She now has a business where she "styles" people. I actually wouldn't be seen dead in any of it. And actually a lot of what she posts in does nothing for her personally. Think middle aged mummy with too much money style. Expensive but frumpy. Eeeugh.

Hangingcrystal · 01/06/2026 11:52

She is a rude bitch and you can either tolerate it or tell her to keep her rude opinions to herself.

RosesAretheNewBlack · 01/06/2026 11:50

I think there's afew SILs on this thread.

@CaptainMyCaptain