10 Times People Got Judged for Their Outfits, but Served Epic Comebacks Instead

Many of us have been there, judged or side-eyed for what we wear. But sometimes, the best response isn’t words, it’s showing up and showing out. These people were shamed for their outfits and turned the tables with unforgettable comebacks.

1.

• My manager used to criticize my casual clothes at the music store. So one day, I started showing up in a full suit. Sales skyrocketed, and I became the top seller. Customers even thought I was the manager.
  Eventually, my real manager pulled me aside and said, “You should probably keep wearing that suit, now everyone’s suddenly trying to dress better.”

2.

• “I had a couple of pink streaks put in my hair last year. I work in a professional environment and dress accordingly. Our HR Business Partner told me that I should be acting my age. I am about 10 years older than her.
  I asked her to clarify exactly how someone my age should act. She started mumbling something incoherent as she turned on her heel and walked away. I still laugh about it!” © tmm74 / Reddit

3.

• “My friends and family aren’t too bad, I think they’ve just gotten used to the fact that I generally look more dressed up than everyone else. I found dropping my son off at nursery always raised comments from the other mums or excessive stares.
  But I figured it was because I was different to everyone else, I would rather go through life having people stare or make comments than miss out on wearing things I love. To me, fashion is a way of expressing who I am or how I’m feeling in that moment and I don’t think it should be hidden away because of others!” © Unknown author / Reddit

4.

• My SIL always criticizes my outfits at family dinners, saying I embarrass the family. So this time, I went all out with a velvet dress, sky-high heels, and a clutch that screamed designer. When I walked in, the room went silent.
  Before she could speak, her husband stood up and said, “She looks like she walked out of a magazine. Maybe you should ask her for tips instead of insults.” She didn’t say a word the whole night.

5.

• “My first ‘real’ marketing job, back in the 80s, was working in the fragrance division of a world renowned fashion designer. 2x a year, I was given $2,000-$3,000 to go shopping, to buy competition’s newest products.
  I learned that if I dressed down, jeans & tees, I could freely shop the dept without sales pressure. I could easily make a list of what I needed to buy. Basically, I was ignored and when I tried to get help, I was ignored even more by the seasoned sales people. They would rather talk to each other than help me.
  Eventually, a new or young sales clerk would take pity on me & ask if they could help me. I would hand them my list and watch the delight spread over their face as they mentally calculated their sizeable commission, especially as I pulled out the cash.
  And it was super fun watching the scowls on those that wouldn’t help me, when they saw the size of my purchase. And yes, as I walked out, I said to each one of them, ‘You had your chance.’ Lol.” © Leigh McNally / Quora

6.

• “Back in the 80s, I had a communications class, Public Speaking. For my final speech, I wore dangly earrings, a Hawaiian shirt and a pink flamingo tie. I gelled my hair. I wore highly-polished cowboy boots. In short, I looked nothing like I had earlier.
  People who had always smiled and said hi to me were appalled. They would not look me in the eye. Everyone was clearly uncomfortable.
  As I spoke, I removed the ‘offending’ items one by one. At the end of the speech, I was wearing the boots, jeans and a Marvel Comics tee shirt I’d worn under the Hawaiian one.
  My topic: Don’t judge people based on nothing but their appearance. It ended up being pretty well received. Got me an A, at any rate!” © Jim Post / Quora

7.

• “During the 80s and 90s when rock was more mainstream, the look you are throwing down was wild then too. The guys wore polo shirts and Levi’s. And the long hair, eyeliner, nail polish was the rebellious look.
  And it was worn with the express intent of shocking people and challenging what is normal. Point is, this look is supposed to make people do a double take & freak out. If that happens, mission accomplished. I used to throw down this look.
  When people gave us looks, then we loved it and smiled in their faces. And if they said something bad smiled back and said, ‘What’s the matter??? Do I scare you??’ and just laughed at them. We loved every gasp and stare.
  Summary: If you walk the rebellious walk, you should talk the rebellious talk. But don’t start fights & be safe.” © My-dog-is-the-best1 / Reddit

8.

• “When I was in college, this pretentious kid was wearing clothes like Marilyn Manson. He was mocking my clothes as “preppy and vanilla”.
  He was wearing fishnet stockings under jeans with huge rips in them. Emo face makeup, basically dressed like Marilyn Manson. I asked him why he thinks his outfit was cool. He said it was expressing his individual style.
  I pointed to his group of friends, all dressed the same. I told him, “If you are going to copy a heavy metal singer, pick one that is good. Marilyn Manson is a manufactured artist. Also, you and your group of emo friends all dress the same.... what individuality?” © Responsible_Cold_16 / Reddit

9.

• Back in high school, I was that skater kid, messy hair, band tees, scuffed Vans. One time, a girl straight-up told me I looked like I hadn’t showered in days.
  So for prom, I cleaned up hard, all-black suit, fresh cut, and cologne that cost half my paycheck. She kept staring and finally said, “Wait... you clean up nice.” Yeah, and I can still kickflip.

10.

• At a family birthday dinner, I wore my favorite oversized hoodie because it was freezing, and I just wanted to be comfy. My aunt side-eyed me and said, “You couldn’t find anything less depressing?”
  So next time, I wore the same hoodie but added hoops, slick bun, skinny jeans, and platform Converse. Now she tells everyone I’m “so effortlessly cool.” Effortless? It’s same hoodie.

No matter how people judge your style, owning it with confidence can turn the moment into a power move. Have you ever been judged for what you wore, and turned it into a win?