Niece Problem

mzovoce

So my older niece is now 11 in 6th grade and thriving grade wise (thank God at last!!!) She sent me a picture of a dress she wants to wear to her mom's nursing school graduation, as well as asking my opinion on a new cut and color. I think she's going to look like trash. How can I say politely and constructively, "no sweetie, I don't like that, it looks like people who have no taste or class dressed you"?

ShoeFanatic614

Can you try and find something good about it?  Like the color or a ruffle or the length...I'd start with "That color is so fabulous on you!  But I think the cut on this dress (the one you already have picked out in the same color) would flatter {enter feature here} much better."

tigerfan06

well. i personally would straight up tell her what i think.

i'd love to see this dress though?

Jennifer18131

Ditto, Shoe. Find another dress with the same basic pattern/color, but different cut.

MrsSpell

More or less what Shoe said.  If you're trying to use this as a "teachable moment" and instill some good style in the girl then start with the positive and then point out what's wrong with the dress she picked. Don't insult but something like: yes, that color is great on you but that fabric just isn't a good quality, you should look for something made of blank (or whatever the case may be). I'd send links to lots of appropriate options and point out why they would be good choices.

Cissy_Strut

MrsSpell:

More or less what Shoe said.  If you're trying to use this as a "teachable moment" and instill some good style in the girl then start with the positive and then point out what's wrong with the dress she picked. Don't insult but something like: yes, that color is great on you but that fabric just isn't a good quality, you should look for something made of blank (or whatever the case may be). I'd send links to lots of appropriate options and point out why they would be good choices.

I like the idea of giving specifics to make it a teachable moment. She probably came to you for advice for a reason! Tell her what you think. Good honest advice is so great to have.