Not looking at other responses, it appears classic simple detailed clothing are mom favorites while trendy items are not well received. It would appear classic basics with little detail and accessories are the way to go for family gatherings if their opinions are going to dictate your outfits. Personally I like all of them but I am ok with more fashion forward looks on lovely you.

Sometimes at YLF we talk about having to get used to new trends, because at first it's so unusual. Eventually we see other people wearing the new style and get used to it. I think your mother has her eyes tuned to a very classic and ladylike time in fashion. She doesn't seem to believe in the idea of her daughter looking a little bit sexy.

Her sense of what colors suit you is pretty good. You wear classic outfits well, so I'd stick to those for your family-capsule. If I were packing your bags, I'd include lots of classic black pants and skirts, with jewel-toned tops in simple shapes, and your beautiful pearls.

Does she wear very classic outfits? Maybe she can't understand why anyone would dress differently than she does.

Oh Michelle, I just want to send you some massive hugs and let you know that I am thinking of you at this challenging time.

I think others have correctly deconstructed your mother's taste. I completely agree with Stringy. I don't really care for the suit that she picked out for you, but it gives me the idea that blazers are probably a good approach? Also I hope you know that the top in photo 5 she didn't like is wildly flattering to my eye.

Someone should start a thread on mother-daughter fashion conflicts and we could all get some therapy. sigh.

Michelle, with running a risk of sounding very corny and not contributing to your dilemma in a constructive way, I really only chime in to say you are an inspiration. Your no-nonsense deconstruction of a problem you are facing, your openness about some very personal issues, your common sense in approaching the period you know will be challenging, all make me truly admire you.

I find that family relationships are the trickiest one to manage, whether they are harmonious in nature or not. There is something in some family members assuming they can cross some boundaries without thinking twice - and those they would never cross with the people they are not related to! As if family ties give them right to invade our personal space whichever way they feel like - be it through comments or actions. Very often it's us who actually let them do that and that needs rethinking and working on.

Regarding the upcoming holidays, my view is that you've taken the right approach, brilliant one in fact. Bullet-proof yourself as much as possible in advance and try to take it easy. There is one thing to keep in mind - this is all about accepting each other and who is the real grown-up in the situation you've shared. We, being children of our parents, don't always turn out as they'd imagined, be it with what we look like, which partners we choose, what jobs we do or what clothes we wear, but that is not our problem. We live our lives, not the projections of our parents' ideas what our lives and choices should be! We evolve - mentally, intellectually, style-wise - all that at our own pace, which they may or may not be able to follow or understand. And that's all fine. By accepting your mother as the person who is prone to bringing you down and her not being able to help herself in doing so, you are indeed the more mature one in that situation. I know once you are in the very midst of that emotionally draining situation, you probably feel the deepest sadness amongst other things, but perhaps try to look at it from another angle. She is the one who needs more emotional nurturing than you do and next time she says something that stings you, just think of that. She can't help herself. You can and you do.