<p>My daughter and I are going to the President of her college’s home for a reception in March. He has invited all of the Presidential Scholarship recipients. What would you wear to this? I know it’s a silly question, but I am in jeans constantly, mostly with a hole in one knee. How dressed up do I need to be, oh, and my daughter also. </p>
<p>I think this might depend on what area of the country the college is in: PNW versus the South for example…or maybe even the college itself…can you give us a few hints?</p>
<p>Northeast, N.J. to be specific.</p>
<p>Yes, what school are we talking about?</p>
<p>Ramapo College</p>
<p>Another factor: day or evening?</p>
<p>Hopefully others will speak up, and it depends on one’s personal style, but if it were me I would likely wear something like nice dark trouser jeans/moderate heels/nice sweater or blouse. I’m pretty casual though so slacks would probably be a better choice. </p>
<p>The Northeast is still relatively formal. I’d probably go in business attire (either a nice skirt or slacks with a jacket) and have my daughter wear something she’d be comfortable in that isn’t jeans and doesn’t reveal her midriff! Also no leggings unless her derriere is appropriated covered by a longer jacket. :-)</p>
<p>Evening. I am with you Tempe Mom, I prefer casual and slacks. My daughter will probably wear a cute dress with leggings and boots, appropriately covered.</p>
<p>A nice dressy pair of black pants and a nice blouse or cardigan should be entirely appropriate, maybe jazz it up a bit with some interesting earrings or statement necklace; I cannot imagine there is a single adult woman who doesn’t have these items in her closet.</p>
<p>Now, I never took you for someone who lacks imagination, PG.</p>
<p>For mom, understated business-like attire is best - not cocktail party or evening out apparel. I’ve noticed that fashions at academic gatherings tend to be either quite conservative or artsy. Never sexy or designer…no one is ever dressed to the nines. Black pants/blouse/cardigan or jacket would be fine. A low heeled black pump (if you have it) would look most polished. For daughter, dress/leggings/boots is perfect.</p>
<p>I think Gourmet has it down. Business casual or artsy. Nice flowy tunic will be fine if blazers/jackets aren’t your style. </p>
<p>Business casual. A “funky” style blouse would be ok for mom, as long as it’s clean and provides full-coverage</p>
<p>Another agreement with Gourmetmom. Blazers have become my friend this past year. They are a bit more forgiving than cardigans and I feel more ‘polished’ wearing a blazer. This may be b/c I wear a cardigan every other day of the fall & winter. </p>
<p>If you don’t have a low-heeled black pump, dressy boots would be great also.</p>
<p>This is not exactly an academic gathering. This is for students and their families. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are designer shoes and bags, but no one is going to be too flashy. Nice blouse, dressy pants, sweater or jacket, maybe flats (depending on weather). The student’s outfit seem appropriate.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the help.</p>
<p>I’m in NJ and my daughter has attended a similar event at her NJ college. She wore a dress with low heels - the kind of dress that would be appropriate in a work (office) environment. Not all students choose to dress up for these events, but I am of the philosophy that those who dress appropriately are noticed and those who do not dress appropriately are also noticed - but not is a good way. </p>
<p>I agree with the other posters that dress pants would also be fine. </p>
<p>ditto bookreader.</p>
<p>In March I’d probably wear a black skirt and black tights or a skirt and boots, and a buttoned up print cardigan or cashmere turtleneck if still cold and jewelry or scarf…but it works with pants, also, I’m just not a pants person. I love the print cardigans that were popular last year and plan to get at least another year’s wear out of the ones I own. My mother told me her senior year of college they turned them around and wore the buttons in the back…maybe I’ll try that and start a new trend someday :-)</p>
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<p>LOL…she’s obviously never seen my closet, either. </p>
<p>Style is so regional. A few years back my D took me to a faculty recital on her college campus. I wore my Dallas summer concert type clothes…soft skirt, colorful blouse, big earrings, sandals…ummmm so NOT correct. Everyone else was in jeans, sweaters and Birkenstocks. </p>