Saturday, August 28, 2010

Back-To-School-Series: What to Wear During Orientation Week

College is an exciting experience. It's about being on your own and trying new things. And when it comes to new things, sometimes we're at a loss as to what to do. When I began my freshmen year, I found myself wondering how to start a checking account, how to pick an insurance policy, etc.

With so much to learn and experience, it can all feel a little overwhelming. You might even be wondering, "What should I wear to my adviser meeting?" "How should I dress for my first frat party?"

Well, stress no more. Here is a comprehensive guide for what to wear for all the events that you'll encounter during your first week of college.

Move-In Day
Move In Day

From elementary school to high school, we all worried about what to wear on that August or September day when school starts. You want your crush to see that you look even hotter with a bronzed tan; you want your frenemy to see that you're with the new tangerine Kate Spade tote and cream Marc Jacobs flat.

In college, dressing to impress is even more essential. We all know that first impressions are important, and when it comes to college, you'll always be seeing people you've never met before, so you're constantly making first impressions.

First impressions begin on move-in day. These are qualities that make a successful first-day outfit:

Comfort - You'll be lugging suitcases up multiple stairs, so no mini skirts or high heels.

Chic - You want to come off immediately as someone who knows how to dress, so no frumpy tees or people will always think of you as someone who doesn't care about her own appearance.

Memorable - Your first day outfit should make you stand out from the crowd. Whether it be a an adorable bright tangerine handbag or just a unique combination of vintage pieces, you want people to notice you on your first day. It will go a long way in making friends during the rest of the year. Oh, and don't bust out the monogrammed designer bag - even if it is an authentic Louis Vuitton. You want to come off as stylish, not as a spoiled little princess.


First Night Out

First Night Out

Unless you've already shimmied your way up the social ladder and befriended upperclassmen and have apartment party invites lined up, chances are your first party will be a frat party. Frats love holding parties during freshmen move-in so they can prey on freshmen girls make you feel welcomed.

For your first party, make sure not to overdress. Frat parties are usually pretty casual, so don't break out the silk top or that cocktail dress. Most frats are also pretty gross and there's going to be drinks spilling all over the place, so avoid white and anything that you would cry over if you got spilled on. Since frat parties get really crowded and hot, you best bets are a feminine top and denim shorts, a casual dress, or a flirty skirt and tank.


Adviser Meeting


Advisor Meeting


College may be fun and all, but the core of college is the education that you will get. At most schools, you will be assigned an adviser who will guide you through the next four years of your academic life. Building a good relationship with your adviser is absolutely essential. Your adviser is the one who will be advising you what classes to take, making sure you meet the graduation requirements, informing you about internships and work opportunities, and writing you letters of recommendation.

While there's no reason to don on a pencil skirt and suit, you should still look professional when meeting with your adviser (and any professor in general). No shoes too high, skirt too short, or shirt too low. Also, show up to your appointment ten minutes early. Being late will not make a good impression.

And if your appointment is before noon, try not to go out the night before. You absolutely should not show up to your appointment hungover. No matter how studious you may be in real life, you adviser will immediately dismiss you as someone who doesn't care at all about school.


Going Downtown
Going Downtown

At many small colleges, each dorm holds group trips as a bonding experience. Usually these trips will take you to a nice restaurant or to the bustling downtown if you're in a big city.

These trips are a great way for you to meet more people and familiarize yourself with the surrounding area. It's important to wear comfortable shoes as you will probably be doing quite a bit of walking, but if you're going to the posh areas of town, you should also get slightly dressed up. Since move-in day, this is the best opportunity to showcase your style, so break out that billowy new dress you've been saving for fall and those adorable leather flats!


First Day of Class
First Day of Class

It's important to look your best on your first day of class because you never know which hottie might be in the same class as you. You want to look cute yet school-appropriate at the same time.

A stylish yet roomy messenger bag is a must. Backpacks tend to tangle up your hair if you wear your hair down. You can't go wrong with a mid-length skirt, preppy blouse, and flats. Hello miss smart and gorgeous.

Putting in tons of effort to look good for class everyday can get quite exhausting. But the good news is, after about two weeks, people stop switching/transferring classes, so you'll be with the same people. Even though I'm not advising you to do this, I must say it's okay to "slack" (aka just throw on something quick and skip the makeup) if you're going to a class where there are no cute guys (or girls who appreciate fashion).

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