Many parent’s enforce a dress code in their home, however not every child is inclined to take part in the dress code. Rather than spending hours fighting with your child see if there is a way if the both of you can come to an agreement.
If your child is just learning to dress themselves and you are concerned that they look a little ridiculous the worse thing that you can do is to tell them that they look bad. When children are just learning to dress themselves they are very sensitive to what you will say. You need to be encouraging rather than demanding. Help them to pick out outfits that match and go together. Steer them in the right direction but also allow them to try things on their own. No one will think that you are bad parent for letting your child walk around with a to-to over their jeans, they have been there too.
If your child is rebelling again the dress code at the school you first need to find out way. If it is simply that they do not like having to wear the same thing everyday, then you might help them look for items that can personalize their dress codes. Look for barrettes that go in their hair, head bands, or accessorises like gloves, hats, or jewelry. If the rebellion has more to do with them not liking school or problems with friends, then you need to talk to them and find a solution to the problem.
If your older, teenage child is dressing a way that makes you uncomfortable you need to seek a compromise with them. If they are wearing clothes that make them look scary or dark, talk with them. Clothing is an expression of how we feel and who we are. If they are dressing in a way that is dark or scary, maybe they are struggling with something or feel they have to feel that way to fit in. The same can be said if they are dressing to sexy or revealing.