Gangsters don't wear plaid.

As a mother, I try to have my child look nice. I want him to feel like he "fits in" so to speak. I don't want him to feel like the strange child in school, wearing the homemade jeans and nerdy buttoned-to-the-top shirts. (we all knew kids like that in school, right?) So, why is it, despite my best efforts, my son refuses to wear the cute stuff I buy him????

I absolutely love the style now with the cute plaid shorts the guys wear. I got my son a pair of brown and blue ones, and an awesome brown t-shirt to match. He looks soooo stylin'! So, why won't he wear them??? "I hate plaid, mom!" That's what he says, I hate plaid???? Come on, who's son are you? I adore plaid! I would wear plaid every day if I could! I had a million plaid skirts in high school (when they were in style), and even a pair of plaid socks! I still have them, though they are too tattered to be worn. :(

A while back, I had to convince him that although his long sleeved chamois shirt was very good looking, it isn't meant to be worn buttoned all the way up to the collar. It just isn't done. "Why, mom?" Because, it..... it.... it just isn't done!" I finally had to tell him that's how gangsters wear their shirts, and he abhors all things gangsters and bad, so he agreed not to wear it like that again. Whew! Now, how can I convince him plaid is good? Maybe I'll tell him gangsters would NEVER wear plaid.... then maybe he'll wear them. Reverse psychology has always worked with him!