Is this semi formal enough for pref night?

[peacelovegreek]

I actually went to orientation today and they had a fashion show. The model Rho Gamma in for pref night was actually just wearing a blouse and some bermuda shorts/slacks (those dressy shorts...don't remember the exact name) and a pair of wedges. So I'm guessing that my recruitment isn't too strict? I ended up checking the one I showed you guys at the store but the bottom half was so clingy that you can see all the lines. So I opted for my dress I had in my closet from my senior awards night from high school.

[ElieM]

Juniors always makes me think "about 16" - is there not a "misses" department, or heaven forbid you cross the line into being a "woman".

You are 18, you are an adult and occasionally you may have to dress like one

[peacelovegreek]

Originally Posted by ElieM

Juniors always makes me think "about 16" - is there not a "misses" department, or heaven forbid you cross the line into being a "woman".

You are 18, you are an adult and occasionally you may have to dress like one

No, there is no misses department in the malls in the city I go to college. There's the juniors' which I still find old women perusing through and there's the section which consists of clothing made for women twice, three times my age. I'm quite aware that I'm 18 and an adult, and I think it's my reservation on where I want to shop. If you decide to tell me that I should search through the "misses" section, tell it to the elderly women that are flipping through the racks at Forever 21.

[ElieM]

the elderly ladies flipping through the racks at Forever 21 are not shopping for preference dresses

you asked for opinions, in my opinion (and following your link) there were more appropriate dresses for preference under the "womens" section than under the "junior" section.

you can shop wherever you like the rest of the time - knock yourself out

[peacelovegreek]

Originally Posted by ElieM

the elderly ladies flipping through the racks at Forever 21 are not shopping for preference dresses

you asked for opinions, in my opinion (and following your link) there were more appropriate dresses for preference under the "womens" section than under the "junior" section.

you can shop wherever you like the rest of the time - knock yourself out

I respect your opinion, but what's online isn't necessarily at the stores. Finding preferences dresses in a city like this is like finding a needle in the haystack. I kind of have to make do with what I have. In the city I live in, there's only three tiers of clothing stores: you have your department stores like Forever 21 and Macy's, the high end department stores like Nordstrom and Sak's Fifth Avenue, and the high end boutiques like Chanel and YSL. There really isn't a middle section. Or any choice selection for that matter, for college kids.

[victoriana]

Originally Posted by peacelovegreek

I respect your opinion, but what's online isn't necessarily at the stores. Finding preferences dresses in a city like this is like finding a needle in the haystack. I kind of have to make do with what I have. In the city I live in, there's only three tiers of clothing stores: you have your department stores like Forever 21 and Macy's, the high end department stores like Nordstrom and Sak's Fifth Avenue, and the high end boutiques like Chanel and YSL. There really isn't a middle section. Or any choice selection for that matter, for college kids.

I COMPLETELY understand where you are coming from. My town is this way too. I have to do a lot of shopping around when it comes to finding a semi-formal/formal dress and a lot of driving to other cities and malls. If you have a car and the time, you might take a little trip to a really good mall a few towns away. You might have better luck there.

[Beryana]

Originally Posted by peacelovegreek

I respect your opinion, but what's online isn't necessarily at the stores. Finding preferences dresses in a city like this is like finding a needle in the haystack. I kind of have to make do with what I have. In the city I live in, there's only three tiers of clothing stores: you have your department stores like Forever 21 and Macy's, the high end department stores like Nordstrom and Sak's Fifth Avenue, and the high end boutiques like Chanel and YSL. There really isn't a middle section. Or any choice selection for that matter, for college kids.

Sorry to say, but you DO have LOTS of options for finding dresses at the stores you mention. You just have to actually look at what is available. "Juniors" versus "Misses" is about sizes, not always style. You are lucky to have the types of stores you mention - I have to drive across the state to find stores anything close to what you are mentioning (3-4 hours each way). If you are so concerned with 'age appropriate' styles and none being available to you, learn to sew and make you own!! Or, start not looking at actual dresses and go for the mix and match of two-piece outfits. A nice blouse and a skirt goes a long way. . . But then again, I'm old and am out of touch with the 'younger kids' despite working in retail (clothing) for quite a long time - as well as sewing my own vintage clothes (yes from patterns from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s).

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by peacelovegreek

No, there is no misses department in the malls in the city I go to college. There's the juniors' which I still find old women perusing through and there's the section which consists of clothing made for women twice, three times my age. I'm quite aware that I'm 18 and an adult, and I think it's my reservation on where I want to shop. If you decide to tell me that I should search through the "misses" section, tell it to the elderly women that are flipping through the racks at Forever 21.

I think you meant prerogative not reservation. Anyway, wear your dress if you want to. No one can make you shop for a new one. You're the one that asked for advice. BTW, Forever 21 is not a department store. Macy's has departments, like shoes, menswear, silver, hosery, etc. Forever 21 is a cheap clothing store.

[AlphaFrog]

Saks is a great place place to find a pref dress, and if you shop the clearance racks, you can find some real bargains. Both dresses I'm wearing in this post were from the Jrs dept at Saks and around $17 (50% off clearance sale, ended up about 90% original price) and probably pref appropriate: http://mywalkonwater.blogspot.com/20...nal-style.html

[peacelovegreek]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I think you meant prerogative not reservation. Anyway, wear your dress if you want to. No one can make you shop for a new one. You're the one that asked for advice. BTW, Forever 21 is not a department store. Macy's has departments, like shoes, menswear, silver, hosery, etc. Forever 21 is a cheap clothing store.

I'm sorry for my grammatical error. I know I have asked for advice, and I appreciate it immensely, however I don't necessarily have to agree with everything. And no, if you took a look at the size of the Forever 21 in the town I live in, you'd be lost! It's not the usual tiny ones found across most malls. It's the size of a Macy's.

[thetalady]

Originally Posted by peacelovegreek

I'm sorry for my grammatical error. I know I have asked for advice, and I appreciate it immensely, however I don't necessarily have to agree with everything....

IF you appreciate the advice, then please take or ignore it with respect and grace. Please don't be pissy with the women here who are trying to help answer your questions. Just because someone gives an opinion, you don't have to agree with it. Just say "thank you" and move on.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by peacelovegreek

And no, if you took a look at the size of the Forever 21 in the town I live in, you'd be lost! It's not the usual tiny ones found across most malls. It's the size of a Macy's.

Forever21 still isn't a department store. It is a trendy low price clothing store targeting a particular age group.** The size of the Forever21 doesn't make it a department store.

**Older women are able to CAREFULLY find some items there just as they are at juniors departments of department stores. I advise older women to pick neutral items that do not scream Forever21 or juniors department when you wear them.

@Beryana: I completely agree. Across generations, college students are most often called "kids" because they are seen as being immature; wet behind the ears; and without the ability to think beyond the fun moment. That is also how I feel when I read and hear women using "girls" for women ages 18-100. There are contexts where using "girls" for grown women can work because there is a certain tone of the message, i.e. "girl's night out." But, constantly using "girls" as though it is synonymous with woman has always bothered me and it is also gendered.