pyewacket

D's freshman class is having a semi-formal. They were told it is themed black and white and "think homecoming"? I haven't got a clue what that means and she asked me to pick up something for her to wear (I'm visiting next weekend).
So what am I looking for? Could it also be a dressy outfit with slacks and jacket?
Thanks. BTW this is a socially low-key liberal lefty college in the Northeast ( not a Southern bigtime football college).

"just"aMom

Well, according to online resources...Semi-Formal Attire
Every so often, you’ll find yourself being asked to wear semi formal attire to such events as weddings and award ceremonies, and every person should have at least one item in their closet that fits the description of Semi-Formal.
This form of attire gets the most attention, but often because of its universal use. Many associate other forms of dress such as cocktail attire, with semi-formal. However, Semi-formal attire is much more formal than cocktail attire.

Suitable Articles of Clothing:
Women:
Dresses (one inch above the knee to two inches above the ankle)
Pants Suits (ankle length)
Dress Suits (hem knee length to floor length

All that being said, for me, I'd love a very dressy black and white matte satin or crepe pants suit. Something that moved when I did, not stiff. Maybe the jacket would tie to the side. And maybe longer than a "normal" suit jacket.

But I'd be freaking out if I had to buy something for someone else to wear.

Last minute edit: something like this may be appropriate? http://www.chadwicks.com/Product.asp...PurchaseType=0

This blazer with black (or white) trousers and some awesome heels: http://www.smartbargains.com/go.sb?p...at-103.prod.11

pyewacket

just a Mom, Thanks for the link .

My D is the extreme opposite of a "clothes horse" doesn't care at all about what she wears as long as 1) it feels comfortable 2) other people think she looks OK for the occasion 3) it's not overly feminine and fussy

"just"aMom

pyewacket, I dropped in another link with a cute (Cute!) jacket (black & white).

Would look amazing with some trousers and some heels:

http://www.smartbargains.com/go.sb?p...at-103.prod.11

My Sweet Babboo

I've seen photos of the girls in semi-formal wear at DS's low-key liberal lefty college in the Northeast. Think something in the little black dress catagory.

J. Crew has a whole department devoted to it:
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/categor...l?id=cat160412

You can have her look online and ship to her dorm.

mkm56

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2929151/...bs&pbo=2378483

And not a bad price!

mkm56

http://www.dillards.com/endeca/Endec...734+4294967282

Here's black party dresses from Dillards--some are kinda weird I think--but then I'm not a college student.

"just"aMom

mkm56 some of those Dillard's dresses are great.

meredesfilles

If you have a Macy's nearby--go to the BCBG section. They always have a sale rack. I was in today and there was a rack of dresses that were 70% off.


Most were around $65 to $90 on sale--and would work well for a semi formal.
They had some with spagetti staps and some wrap dresses with sleeves, if your daughter is not comfortable with bare shoulders.

ldmom06

I second the BCBG suggestion...it's a popular brand with this age group and even if your d doesn't care about labels, the cut and line of the clothes are youthful, but still elegant.

(And their sales rock!! Picked up a $250 sundress for under $90 recently.)

northeastmom

IMO, it is so much easier for male students. My son has been to several semi-formals at college already. He throws on a pair of Dockers, or washable trousers, no wrinkle button down shirt, tie and thats it. In the winter he can put a dressy sweater on, but has not yet. He avoids going to the dry cleaners. He has a suit, and a blazer, but does not want to deal with dry cleaners so has not put either on all year.

snoopyiscool

According to my school, semi-formals equal no slacks for girls. It usually elicits prom dresses.

cmbmom

If you know she will probably not wear it again, try Forever21. We got 2 for a total of $54, but I doubt they would stand up to a washing or drycleaning. I hate the store, but love the prices for one time wear dresses. Also Nordstrom online, for much better dresses.

kirmum

Little black dress is something all girls who are going to have dress occassions need first.

Tarhunt

I have tried many times to wear a strapless gown to this type of thing, but my wife won't let me.