<p>
</p>
<p>Well, you can look at every event like this as an opportunity to make a good impression. Say the son wants to work in the field that the host (or other alumni he might have invited) work in. If he hits it off with one of them or makes a good impression, an internship or some kind of career help/advice might result. Luck favors the prepared, even if most of the time it doesn’t make any difference and maybe it IS just a bunch of students sitting around in jeans and eating pizza.</p>
<p>Why would you not err on the side of overdressed? The host is likely a very involved alumn. Maybe even someone that might be good to know when looking for internship, etc opportunities. If you are entering college, it’s time to have a “nice” casual choice to wear. Guys have it relatively easy…pair of nice khakis, collared shirt and blazer will get you through most social situations and can be dressed up or down depending on shoes, etc. For girls, it’s good to have nice basic skirt or slacks in neutral color and nice sweater/blouse/shell and cardigan for top. Again easy to dress up or down. You’re going to college so make the investment and even though you are accepted, it never hurts to to dress the way you want to be perceived. (BTW at my older Ds accepted student “casual” reception for OOS school, president of the college was in attendance since he was in town for fundraising event…so you never know)</p>
<p>lol, this poor guy thought it was bad enough that his mom was trying to dress him. Now he’s got a whole virtual roomful of helicopter parents trying to do it…</p>
<p>I have NO idea how I brain drained and missed the fact that this is a guy, but I just dressed him as an exceptionally appropriate girl??? Total brainlock on my part. Sorry. :o</p>
<p>If one of my boys were going to something like this they’d wear a pair of very casual khakis, a button up shirt, and sperrys. At least one would have the shirt out, I’d strongly suggest he tuck it in (which he would).</p>
<p>@blueiguana, I loved your post 
</p>
<p>Seems like the OP may want to consider some additional context.</p>
<p>For example, what kind of vibe does the college itself have? If it is full of hippies, there may be different expectations than if it is full of preppies.</p>
<p>The occupation that the owner of the “fancy schmancy” reception place is in may matter. I.e. is the owner’s occupation a “suit” type of occupation, or a “jeans and T shirt” type of occupation? Consider the same for other people who may be there.</p>
<p>Also, make sure that the clothes fit properly (not always easy to do with dressier clothes for younger guys).</p>
<p>I’m so sexist.</p>
<p>It didn’t occur to me until the end of the first page of comments that OP is a guy…</p>
<p>I honestly all the time pictured the OP as a girl… because in my experience only girls ask ‘what to wear’ questions and guys so not have a clue it doesn’t come up until mom stops the kiddo on his way out the door.</p>
<p>Apologies OP</p>
<p>"this poor guy thought it was bad enough that his mom was trying to dress him. Now he’s got a whole virtual roomful of helicopter parents trying to do it… "</p>
<p><em>giggling</em></p>
<p>@katliamom, </p>
<p>who knows… Maybe the OP is very open minded about wearing “a pair of low heels”</p>
<p>I’ve had accepted student and parent receptions at my home. Invitation said (and meant!) casual, but of course everyone was a bit more put together than that, along the lines people are suggesting here. No jeans in sight, although they would have been more than fine by me - I live in mine most days!</p>
<p>OP, your instinct is right, jeans and casual button down shirt with a sweater if it is cold. I would wear a pair of loafers rather than sneakers. You could add a blue blazer if you like, but I don’t think that’s necessary because it is casual. I personally think khakis are dorky.</p>
<p>Just reporting not recommending! I happen to like oldfort’s suggestion -it is perfectly appropriate. The sweater and loafers dress it up. What day of the week is this?</p>
<p>With all this wide array of input, the kid is likely more confused than before! :D</p>
<p>GMTplus7 – oh lordy, I forgot I recommended he wear heels – blush/giggle/eye roll.</p>
<p>I’m in favor of the jeans too. I’m a khaki-hater though - for both men and women. There is not a more unflattering piece of clothing than khaki pants.</p>
<p>^^^Si. If you are short and fat, they make you look short and fat. If you are tall and skinny, they make you look short and fat.</p>
<p>My fashionista D2 and her BF are at a school where kids dress up for class…guys, too. Her BF who is very stylish would never wear cords. I would suggest you wear very dark denim or khakis. Both can be dressed up with a sweater or blazer. Dark jeans, button down shirt and a casual skinny tie looks good, too. Wear what you are comfortable in.</p>
<p>For those that are breaking out in hives over khakis, you do realize not all khakis are Dockers with permanent creases, right? There are other brands, styles, cuts, that flatter different body styles, are geared towards different age groups, and there are dressy and super casual versions. Pretty much like the variety in jeans. Not quite as vast a selection, but you get the idea.</p>
<p>Interesting, NorthMinnesota - can I ask which school it is? 'Cos I know schools where it’s not so unusual for some kids to show up basically in their pajamas</p>
<p>katliamom… The kids don’t even wear sweats! It is a large private university. One time I went to pick her up for a dinner after midterms and sat in the courtyard waiting for her. Not one student walked by in sweats for the 45 minutes I sat there. The closest I saw were girls in Lululemon yoga pants or running outfits as they were jogging/running. One time D2 was walking through the parking lot and a car slowed down and a group of girls yelled out that they loved her purse! </p>
<p>Sorry for going off topic! :)</p>