How to dress when meeting her parents for the first time

At some point Judgment Day dawns upon every new relationship. There is no point trying to be someone you are not as the façade will soon fall. Simply see it as being yourself, but only showing the good side a bit like clever advertising!

You have to stick to your style of dress so you feel comfortable but just tidy it up a bit. Low riding jeans are simply not acceptable, the daughter might enjoy your pants but her father certainly won't. So the biggest piece of advice is wear a good belt!

You will be scrutinized on everything you say, so use the most of your safest weapon and let your clothes do the talking. Do not wear anything too loud and cheeky slogans are a definite no go. Try a simple but smart t-shirt. Topman is the place to go for cheap men's fashion. They do a wide range of T-shirts with round necks and V necks in a multitude of colors that are all affordable, fashionable and versatile. If you fancy something a bit more creative the Navy Scoop Neck Scarf T-Shirt, £20 from Topman is a good look. It's cheap, smart and is on trend for men's fashion for winter 2010.

If budget isn't a problem USC host a wide range of designer t-shirts and Polo shirts that look smart but also not like you are trying too hard so a creates perfect image for meeting the parents. Try the Polo shirts by Diesel. Polo shirts used to have a preppy stigma attached but recently have had a fashion revival. The Soviet Black Mensk T-Shirt, £18 from USC in cream is stylish and it looks like you've made an effort. You will be pulling off the pained intellectual image in no time, and it's bound to impress!

If the weather is not on your side, do not resort to your favourite, well-worn hoodie, this is under no circumstances acceptable for this situation. A simple cardy or a V neck jumper is smart and on trend for fashionable men's wear this season. Try sticking to black or grey knitwear, you will look presentable, smart and very inoffensive.

Alternatively look at the long sleeved t-shirts available at Topman, these are a cheap option for fashionable men's wear that are available in a wide range of colours and at 2 for £16 it's a basic men's fashion essential you will wear again and again.

Choosing trousers is always easier then tops as not as much attention will be paid. Jeans are perfectly acceptable to wear on this occasion. As long as they are not holed, ripped or reveal your nether region they should be fine. Crafted Straight leg jean, Republic from £34.99 are a smart straight leg fit.

If you are on the shorter side, do not turn the jeans up so that the underneath shows, it will make you look shorter and like a 1990's boyband member. Make sure you wear the correct length that skims the floor but does not touch. A belt will add the element of care to your presentation, but not your novelty bottle opener one.

If you usually wear skinny jeans, opt for a slightly less drain-pipe pair (or the ones you stole from your sister) as the older generation don't generally understand this trend.

Accessories are a sensitive subject in this situation. Try and leave any medallions or sovereigns at home, no father wants his daughter dating Dell boy. It is also not acceptable to be wearing more jewelry then your date. Do not wear a hat as this is deemed very ignorant. Some simple leather bracelets will be very suitable, have a look at the Leather Block bracelet, £25 from All Saints.

Most importantly, remember to dress to impress the parents, not your mates, and you'll be sailing your way into the family.