A casual mother-child outing for Jennifer Garner and her teen kid, Fin, took an unexpected turn when online critics targeted the youngster’s fashion choice. As the duo enjoyed a relaxed afternoon bonding while shopping, social media users unleashed a wave of criticism over Fin’s outfit.
Jennifer Garner’s recent grocery outing with her child, Seraphina Rose, now known as Fin, has certainly caught the internet’s attention. The pair turned heads as they were spotted exiting the store with arms full of brown paper bags.
The “13 Going on 30” star opted for a laid-back look, donning navy blue leggings, a loose-fitting navy top, sneakers, and stylish black sunglasses. Meanwhile, Fin’s outfit sparked quite the conversation online. The 15-year-old chose to keep it cozy in pajama pants paired with a polka-dotted T-shirt, a pendant necklace, and sneakers.
As they enjoyed their day out in the warm weather, social media users couldn’t help but weigh in on their fashion choices. “Why is this woman always looking slobby,” asked one critic referring to Jennifer.
A fan comment about Fin’s outfit dated July 22, 2024 | Source: Facebook/pagesix
“Just another person wearing their pajamas to a store,” one commenter remarked, about Fin’s outfit. “No one rocks pajama pants,” another chimed in. Someone else echoed similar sentiments, “You are never ‘rocking’ pajama pants in public.”
However, some defended Fin’s choice, pointing out that it’s typical teenage attire. “So a normal teenager[sic],” someone noted, while another simply commented, “Wow.”
A fan comment about Fin’s resemblance to her dad Ben Affleck dated July 21, 2024 | Source: Instagram/backgrid_usa
Opinions varied widely, with some users suggesting that pajama pants are never appropriate for public outings. Others couldn’t help but notice Fin’s striking resemblance to their dad, with comments like “She’s got her daddy’s jaw” and “Image of Ben Affleck”
Despite the fashion critiques, many praised Jennifer for her strong bond with her children. “Love that she has such a wonderful relationship with her kids. She’s a good egg,” one fan gushed.
Jennifer Garner and Seraphina Affleck are seen on December 13, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
This isn’t the first time Fin has grabbed public attention. Back in April, the 15-year-old made the public aware at a family event that they have a new name: Fin Affleck. This happened at a memorial service for Jennifer’s dad, William Jack Garner, held at Christ Church United Methodist in Charleston, West Virginia.
This was the first time Fin used their new name in public. Wearing a chic black suit and sporting a buzz-cut hairstyle, Fin—previously known as Seraphina Rose Affleck—approached the lectern and introduced themselves with, “Hello my name is Fin Affleck.”
Fin then proceeded to read a verse from the Bible that highlights how qualities like benevolence and honesty outweigh the materialistic value of being a bad person with a lot of wealth.
William and Jennifer Garner pictured going down a water slide posted on April 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jennifer.garner
The service was to remember Jennifer’s dad who had died at 85 years old. Jennifer had initially publicized her father’s passing by posting a tribute to him on Instagram, which mentioned how kind, strong, and doting he was.
William Garner posing for a picture posted on April 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jennifer.garner
She also emphasized how much of an impactful life he led and spoke about the lasting legacy he created for his family, a legacy which is now passed down to Fin and their siblings.
As the middle child of three, Fin has an older sister, Violet Affleck, who is 18, and a younger brother, Samuel Affleck, who is 12. Though their parents Jennifer and Ben Affleck separated in 2015 and officially divorced in 2018, they still get along well for the sake of their children.
Violet, Samuel, and Fin Affleck with Jennifer Garner spotted out in Los Angeles, California on August 3, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
In 2022, Ben married famous singer, Jennifer Lopez, blending both of their families with the addition of Jennifer’s twins Emme and Max Muñiz. Like their stepsibling Fin, whom they share a great relationship with, Emme uses they/them pronouns.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez with some of their children: Max Muñiz, Emme Muñiz and Fin Affleck spotted out in Paris, France on July 23, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Fin’s new name is a big change from their original name, Seraphina, which means “ardent” and “fiery” in Hebrew. It is also commonly used as a nickname for names like Finegan, Serafin, and Finian. According to a media source, their name was inspired by Seraphim angels and is one of the top-searched names on Nameberry.
Drawing back to Fin’s journey of self-discovery, in them boldly asserting how they want to be addressed, Fin follows the same path as many other celebrity kids. This path sees them choose how they want to tell their own stories about who they are.
Fin Affleck and Emme Muñiz spotted out in Paris, France on July 25, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have mentioned how their child, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt preferred dressing like a boy as a kid and wanted to be called “John or Peter.”
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt at the premiere of “Unbroken” in Hollywood, California on December 15, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Similarly, other stars like Jamie Lee Curtis and Dwyane Wade have shared their stories about supporting their kids who have come out as transgender.
Zaya and Dwyane Wade at the Disney premiere of “Cheaper by the Dozen” in Hollywood, California on March 16, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
When it comes to defining oneself, names and pronouns hold a significant level of importance as they can say a lot about who we are as people. As Fin Affleck starts using their new name, they are adding to a bigger conversation about the value of individuals embracing who they are.
Ben and Fin Affleck spotted out in Los Angeles, California on November 24, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Though their name might be new, this change is not the first time Fin has boldly embraced their self-identity. Earlier this year, they were seen rocking a vibrant hairstyle, exhibiting another form of self-expression.
They debuted a pink buzz cut, igniting a spectrum of reactions on social media. The change was revealed during a family outing in West Hollywood.
Fin Affleck and Emme Muñiz walking toward a thrift shop posted on February 11, 2024 | Source: YouTube/X17onlineVideo
Accompanied by their father and Jennifer Lopez’s child, Emme, they were seen visiting a thrift store. They walked out with bags after shopping around. While Fin wore a flannel shirt with a T-shirt underneath and Adidas sneakers, Emme opted for shorts, a baggy hoodie, and Converse sneakers.
Emme Muñiz, Fin and Ben Affleck leaving a thrift store posted on February 11, 2024 | Source: YouTube/X17onlineVideo
Social media responses to Fin’s new hairstyle were diverse. Comments included observations on their resemblance to their father, with one user noting, “Wow, she looks like her dad.” Similarly, another expressed, “She does look like her dad. She’s beautiful.”
Fin Affleck spotted at a thrift store, posted on February 11, 2024 | Source: YouTube/X17onlineVideo
In May, the 15-year-old also rocked another bold hair transformation. Fin debuted a super-short chic red haircut at her sister, Violet’s high school graduation. The public reactions to Fin Affleck’s hair reflect broader societal conversations about youth and self-expression.
Although Fin, whose doting parents revealed their lovely name to media outlets seven days after they were born, has garnered significant traction online, they do not have a social media account. This decision was previously discussed by Jennifer Garner, who has kept her children off of social media.
Last year, Jennifer shared a conversation she had with her children. The “13 Going on 30” star divulged, “I just said to my kids, ‘Show me the articles that prove that social media is good for teenagers, and then we’ll have that conversation.’”
Violet, Fin and Samuel Affleck with Jennifer Garner at Jennifer Garner’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood, California on August 20, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Jennifer went on to say that so far, her eldest daughter, Violet, has been appreciative of her mom’s decision not to allow them on social media. As a mother of two kids in their teens and with a son on the verge of teenagehood, the loving mom understands how “hard” it is “to be an adolescent.”