Dear Queenie,
My husband and I hosted several family get-togethers over the holidays. Most of our guest came all dressed up, but one relative showed up in his work clothes – jeans and a not-too-clean T-shirt.
Queenie, would it be alright for us to tell him to dress better in the future, or not to let him in if he is so badly dressed?—Insulted
Dear Insulted,
It is possible your relative had to come to your get-together direct from his work and did not have time to change his clothes. Nevertheless, he could have taken more appropriate clothes with him to work and changed in a restroom before going to your event.
It is perfectly acceptable to include a dress code in whatever invitations you issue for these events. Or you could mention to him – gently – that you would appreciate it if he would dress a little better the next time.
