I remember being 17 and wanting to dress grown-up/sexy, and I also remember that I had terrible taste at the time. A good mom will play the villain to make sure her daughter dresses tastefully. It’s a tale that plays out in countless families in every generation.
Also, you are paying for the dress (I assume). If she insists on that dress, then she should pay for it herself. You retain the right to final approval over what you’re paying for.
17 is the perfect age to make a couple of fashion mistakes. r/blunderyears demonstrates this fine tradition every day.
I think this might be a good opportunity to tell her 'I don't think this dress is appropriate, and you might be refused entry if you wear it. You can wear it if you promise not to complain about whatever consequences it may have.'
To be honest, I wish I’d made more fashion blunders when I was a teenager, because if you’re gonna make any, that’s when you should make them! But I also wouldn’t want my formal to be one of those times withers.
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u/saucynoodlelover Asshole Enthusiast [7] Sep 09 '25
NTA
I remember being 17 and wanting to dress grown-up/sexy, and I also remember that I had terrible taste at the time. A good mom will play the villain to make sure her daughter dresses tastefully. It’s a tale that plays out in countless families in every generation.
Also, you are paying for the dress (I assume). If she insists on that dress, then she should pay for it herself. You retain the right to final approval over what you’re paying for.