Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner’s Daughter, 18, Scrutinized for Dressing ‘Like a Toddler’ as She Heads off to College

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are proving that co-parenting can be done with grace as they team up for a major milestone: dropping off their daughter Violet at Yale University.

The former “Daredevil” co-stars were spotted in New Haven, Connecticut, all smiles as they supported their 18-year-old’s exciting college journey. Over the weekend, the exes enjoyed a family dinner with their daughters, Violet and 15-year-old Seraphina.

While their youngest, Samuel, 12, wasn’t present, the family made the most of their East Coast adventure. Garner kept it effortlessly cool in a striped tee and jeans, while Affleck went for a laid-back look. The actor kept it casual in an unbuttoned green shirt underneath a gray T-shirt. He paired the look with khaki pants and sneakers.

Seraphina, channeling her dad’s casual vibe, sported a graphic tee and cargo shorts. But it was Violet who caught everyone’s attention with her outfit. The 18-year-old donned a floral dress paired with sneakers and a face mask that sparked an unexpected wave of online criticism.

Fashion police from across the internet were quick to weigh in, aiming for her style choices.“Violet in a hurry is walking around in a nightgown?” quipped one commenter. Another critic took things further, asking, “That grown child dresses like a toddler—is she okay upstairs?”

Others chimed in, with one remarking that Violet “dresses like a little girl.” One person even noted, “Violet is gorgeous and has a great flair for wardrobe. The person then added that they used to work in Connecticut and warned Violet, “She’s going to need to up her urban hood wardrobe and be safe! It’s not the Gilmore Girks set[sic]!!!”

And Violet wasn’t the only one under scrutiny. Seraphina also found herself in the hot seat. “One daughter dressed like a boy, the other dressed like a child. 🤷‍♀️,” someone commented.

Another critic, focusing on a smaller detail, joked, “All that money and your kids don’t have any matching socks 😂.” Even Affleck and Garner weren’t spared the backlash, with some internet users taking shots at their celebrity status. “They have so much money, and they can’t even buy clothes that fit decently and don’t look 30 years old,” wrote one user.

Still, not everyone was critical. Some users opted to appreciate the family’s down-to-earth style. “I love the way they are dressed,” one fan commented, standing up for the casual, relatable vibe. Despite the internet’s opinions, Affleck and Garner remain unfazed, showing that their priority is supporting their kids.

Two months ago, Violet achieved another significant milestone: her high school graduation. And her proud mom, Garner, couldn’t have been more excited.

The “13 Going on 30” actress shared her overflowing joy with fans, posting crying selfies and documenting her travels to attend the big day.

Alongside the heartwarming photos, Garner added a sweet, humorous caption that tugged at everyone’s hearts, “Tell me you have a graduate without telling me you have a graduate. 🎓 (bless our hearts 🥺♥️🤣).”

From heartfelt tears to proud smiles, Garner’s emotional posts showcased how much this milestone meant to her, reminding fans of the bond she shares with her eldest daughter.

When it comes to fashion, Violet consistently embraces her unique style, often making bold choices that put her on the radar of eagle-eyed netizens. A few weeks ago, the teen made headlines for yet another daring fashion choice. This time, Violet sparked a fiery debate online after stepping out in Los Angeles wearing a familiar dress.

The dress, a stylish Dolce & Gabbana piece, was first worn by her stepmother Jennifer “JLo” Lopez during a romantic Valentine’s Day date with Affleck in 2023, a night captured by the flashing cameras of the paparazzi.

Lopez, known for her glamorous style, had paired the dress with a white belt, gold platform heels, and diamond earrings, creating a chic and polished look. In contrast, Violet opted for a more casual vibe.

Seen from different angles during a daytime stroll with a friend, she skipped the belt, paired the dress with sporty red-laced sneakers and white ankle socks, and finished the outfit with her signature eyeglasses.

The dress fluttered gently, as did Violet’s straight hair, which blew softly in the wind. With minimal makeup for a fresh, relaxed look, her outfit quickly caught the attention of social media users.

Some criticized Violet’s choice, with one person commenting, “She ruined a D&G with those sneakers. What is happening to fashion [sic]?!?!” while another said, “Yikes. Ruined that dress.”

A third commented, “Sorry sweetie, but the dress with the sneakers was not a good idea [sic]! 😢,” followed by another who bluntly stated, “Looks horrific.”

However, others were more supportive. “What a sweet kid! Good for her!” one fan wrote. Another expressed envy and noted, “I love that she can raid Jlo’s closet. How fun that was for her. She seems lovely [sic].”

Violet re-wearing Lopez’s dress came after she spent time bonding with her in the Hamptons in July. The two were spotted chatting and shopping at the East Hampton Antiques & Design Show. Violet looked relaxed in another pink ensemble—a shirt and skirt with a white sweater tied around her waist. She completed the look with a surgical face mask and sneakers.

Lopez, meanwhile, stepped out in style. The acclaimed musician was wearing a white sleeveless top paired with flared denim jeans, a brown purse, and heels.

The pop singer and Violet enjoyed another stepmother-stepdaughter moment in Southampton, joined by Violet’s friend, actress Cassidey Fralin. Lopez wore a long black dress with sandals and sunglasses, while Violet chose a red and pink shirt, patterned pants, and sneakers.

As Violet stepped into the spotlight with her stepmom, she showed that she was not afraid to mix her personal style with a touch of high fashion—even if it meant sparking a conversation.