I like the black Macy's dress, rococobaby, but I'm still maintaining that Forever 21 is NSFP (Not Safe For Pref).

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...tegoryID=32926
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...tegoryID=32926
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...tegoryID=32926
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...tegoryID=32926

From Macy's. Where color is an option, go with black. I'd wear very classy pumps (elegant, not clunky) and bold but not over-the-top jewelry. Soft, feminine makeup and glossy hair.

Of course coming with the standard "personality above clothes/looks" caveat. Best of luck.

One thing to be aware of, is what shape dress/skirt looks best on you and look for those dresses.

If you don't know which shape(s) are best on you (yet), try on a bunch of different dresses. Take a friend with you to take pics, or take pics with your phone in the mirror. Figure out which ones are flattering to you and which ones are less so. It can make future shopping a heck of a lot easier.

And don't get discouraged if some dresses just don't work for you. It took me a long time and many tears of discouragement to understand that. Try as I might, I couldn't carry this dress off (although I LOVE the shape; A-line is just so feminine), because I'm bigger on top and smaller on the bottom. Another shape I love is empire-waist, but it makes me look pregnant because of the girls. Sheath dresses look best on me, because of my shape and also my height (not quite 5'2").

Good news NewEnglandPNM!! I found that dress that you love in 2 other colors!!

http://static0.modcloth.com/products...9fbd5d8515942f
http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModClo...Black+Licorice

Here are the links so you can view details, sizing, and reviews.
http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModClo...s+in+Deep+Blue
http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModClo...Black+Licorice

The dress is super cute for sure, but not for me. :-( I defintely don't have the right built, but I am forwarding this to a friend who I know looks great in this style. I just think it's SO CUTE.

If you're the creative type, you could always try making your own dress. I sewed all my formal dresses in high school for a couple of reasons. Stores didn't have what I liked, I wanted it to fit perfectly, and I wanted to be unique! Its not very hard to learn at all, and it's so much fun! I'd recommend it if you're looking to pick up a new hobby :]

Maybe for the future, but not for rush, not now.

Bad advice.

I think it's great that your so eager to help and I don't think suggesting dresses is to much. But please just be careful about the advice you give out, you are not greek and have not gone through recruitment. It would be horrible if you gave bad advice and it negatively impacted someone's recruitment.

As someone who's not a size 2, I love these dresses from this thread (and am sorely tempted by several of them):

http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1

http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1

http://assets.charmingshoppes.com/is...id=290&hei=377

http://www.forever21.com/images/Seas....jpg?8/12/2010

But this is definitely my fave, it looks ridiculously flattering for several body types:
http://static0.modcloth.com/products...9fbd5d8515942f

OP, you may also want to double check to see whether wearing black to Pref is recommended or discouraged at your school- that'll narrow your choices down substantially. That info may be on the Panhellenic website, or you can try calling the Greek Life office.

http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image...5&op_sharpen=1

WANT.

I'm a size 14-18 (depending on store/cut/what have you), and I'm in LOVE with Faith21. My pref night dress is from there -- though I'm active. I'm really liking the ModCloth picks, but watch the price. Some of the nicest ones there can get kind of pricey, and it's always a shame to spend hundreds or so on a dress you won't fit into in a few months. My pref dress from last year was expensive, and now it's waaay too big. Hopefully I'll never wear it again! ;]

It'll be fine, she is trying to think outside the box.

If anyone DOES want to make their own dress, I'd suggest checking finances first to make sure you're able to buy a back up dress. You need to do this in case what you make doesn't work out. You don't want to be left scrambling and stressing at the last minute. Buy one that will be appropriate for pref and other occasions so that if your creation works do work out it won't be a waste, or be sure to keep the tags on. (If I know I might take an item back I keep the tags on and put the garment and the receipt in the bag, then put it where I will not forget it. Keep track of how many days you have to return it.)

Also about Modcloth...I buy a LOT from there and love it, but read reviews before purchase, check the fabric the item is made of, and take your measurements before ordering. Because they use so many different designers it can all vary a lot. I've bought items that were amazing and I couldn't believe they were only $50 (good for what I was buying), but I've also paid $50 for items that were worth $20 and had to send them back, disappointed.

(Side note, though, they offer free returns/exchanges, so if you give yourself enough time to get a different size, no big.)

I'm not all that creative, unfortunately, but I'm sure someone out there is! I'll have to stick to buying my dresses for now. I can crochet a little bit but something tells me a crocheted dress might not be the impression one wants to make at pref. :p

You've picked out some really cute stuff so far and you're going to make a great impression at pref. :)