What did you guys wear when moving your kids in for the first time? Should I be dressing causally or fancy?
We always dressed extremely casually as opening days were usually hot and humid or rainy and, except for freshman year when the seniors did all of the move-in, we were put to work. There were no events for parents that day except an optional stop by the tent reception after Last Hugs. There were some parents at the reception who were overdressed (I’m guessing freshman parents), but as the years went on, we and our friends ended up in shorts/skorts/jeans and tee-shirts at move-in even though jeans are not accepted student dress. Sometimes, we changed to khakis and maybe a clean shirt later so we smelled better at the reception. Pearls are not required.
You are going to be moving boxes, luggage and maybe moving furniture around. Wear what makes you comfortable for those tasks. I wore jeans.
Casually. Comfortably You’re mainly there as a moving service at this point in the process. We usually go for above total slob level so as not to embarrass the kids more than usual. This year it’s jeans instead of shorts, most likely.
I sincerely wish you an easy move in and drop off. 
P.S. I confess I’m shaking my head, laughing just a wee bit right now. See “Prep School Parents,” Class of 2021 thread. Please forgive me though. I’m a jaded old bag after more drop offs than I can recall in my life.
Don’t go in sweat pants and ripped tshirts. “Casual” is relative if you are talking prep school. Just being honest here.
Try “better casual”.
Thanks everyone, that’s exactly what we were looking for!
Also being honest, we’re talking about schlepping boxes and suitcases. Nobody will care what you wear. I would certainly avoid slovenly and I would also avoid 5 inch stilettos. Anything in between, IMO, is fair game.
There is always a mom who drops off her kid in full tennis attire. Always. The only thing missing is the racket. My husband never missed an opportunity to ask, So- how did you play?
Beyond obnoxious…
My drop off uniform was always the same : Shorts, flip flops, an old untucked men’s button down shirt, bucket hat and Ray Bans slapped on my face. I looked like I just rolled out of bed because I just rolled out of bed. A look that only can be described as: Witness Protection Program Chic.
The boys were always super casual… gym shorts and t shirts all the way!
Hope drop off goes well!! After it’s done head to the nearest Pub- you’ll meet more parents there than on campus!
Last weekend’s move-in for us was chilly and rainy, so take a packable rainjacket and an umbrella for variable weather.
Last year it was super warm I think.
I checked the weather beforehand and changed my shoes - from silver flip flops to closed toed comfortable shoes for carrying boxes and suitcases.
When visiting school, I usually wear light grey poly slacks or black jeans, ankle boots or comfy pumps, and a light jacket or sweater. A scarf would have been nice last weekend. It was cold.
Getting into the heated seat of a rental car felt great after getting wet and cold. I thought I should get one of those and realized oh, I moved and live in Texas. :)) I should get chilled seat/seat backs not seat warmers. 
Ah, yes, the tennis attire. And let’s not forget the occasional equestrian get-up, sans helmet/crop. There are no hitching posts at BS. Don’t be these people.
Oh, and don’t forget the helicopter. Literally in the case of some Choate parents.
Casual. Unless you have staff moving your child in. Inevitably “Junior” will be on the 3rd floor without an elevator option. Shorts/t-shirt/sneakers wins the day. If there is a reception for parents, you can change. But you will look ridiculous hauling boxes in heels or a jacket/tie. The preppiest of people are often the scruffiest ones.
Except the full-tennis mom. She has a reputation to uphold. The rest of us are just there to get a job done. Hard work is much more impressive than what you wear. I will say, if you do drop off day right, you will have earned your cocktails! RHIP.
Late to the party, but my standard move-in attire over the years was cargo shorts (standard dad-wear!) and a polo or untucked beat up oxford of some kind. I may have worn jeans to one or more, but have definitely monitored weather to make that call. As noted by others, you are essentially schlepping boxes…so why would one wear anything nicer (unless one is, like tennis mom, above schlepping anything of the sort)?
I dressed better than usual this year and barely had to work at all. My kids and a kind faculty member moved everything for my daughter while my back was turned talking to another facility member, and my son did most of his own moving with a little help from dormmates. I mostly held the elevator. Didn’t even break a sweat. I hope I can get away with the same when move-out time comes!
Move out? Who helps with move out? Let your kid handle that with All Campus Storage and then just do a drive-by pickup or, better, let your kid navigate the bus/train/flight home (if you aren’t picking up by helicopter). We never saw the campus at the end of the year, too busy planning what to wear at next year’s move in.
Maybe she meant the post-graduation move-out. Even my own parents, who only came for the move-in my first year (and did not help for my first college move-in) assisted the last move-out. For the others, I was just happy they did not change the locks on the doors in the interim. 
Those living within driving distance don’t do the storage thing. And there is an inverse relationship between distance and stuff. Closer you live, the more crap they cram in their dorm room.
As far as clothing, you’ll see the full range. Plenty of parents dressed to the nines or doing very expensive version of “casual”. I just wore everyday stuff.
Although we live far away, I have flown in for move outs. It is a lot more sweaty work than move in actually. #:-S
After move-in, they can unpack slowly and acquire things over time. At move-out, everything needs to be packed and gone in a limited time with a scheduled flight. :!!
I fly in with empty suitcases, buy storage boxes (and tapes, plastic wraps, box cutter - since they are not allowed to have anything sharp,) etc on the way, and head to the dorm. When I arrive in the afternoon the day before end of school, usually nothing is packed. ~X( Somehow DS2 and I manage to pack up everything into a number of boxes (7 or so) and 4 suitcases/duffles (# of free check-in bags with southwest) in about 6 hours by dorm check in. :bz :!! I head to hotel. b-( The next morning when DS2 is ready (after finals) I return to dorm, drive/take the boxes to storage, ship computer to home at a fedex center, and head to airport with 4 large suitcases/duffles and couple carry-ons. Two more move outs left @-)
You’re a better man than I am @payn4ward. ^:)^ Nothing could induce us to do move out.
Ah, @ChoatieMom, the naiveté of one who hath only a son…
My son has learned to bring less each year. Also, his muscular might has increased. Moving him in or out means holding the elevator. My daughter brought less, too, but it’s still much more than her brother brought, and both her brawn and the willingness to use it are inferior to his. At final move-out this year, we may have to deal with some furniture, although the kids will probably sell it.
Also, that “All Campus” outfit clearly hasn’t hit all campuses. They should change their name.