I am not talking move in day. There are so many meat the headmaster, reception for this, reception for that. I am overwhelmed with not knowing what to wear to all these things since my default is jeans and flip flops LOL.
It probably depends on the school. Jeans and flip flops would be right at home at Thacher…as would cowboy boots.
Yes, I can speak to New England boarding schools, don’t know if you mean one of them. I wear nice pants and a jacket or nice cardigan. Maybe a silk scarf. Some other parents will be more dressy, in a suit, or heels. Some less dressy.
I’m a flip flop, T-shirt/jeans wearing person and I have decided in my old age that I’m not going to change. If it is colder I may wear a sweater and Uggs. I used to stress all the time because I don’t have dressy items in my closet. Once I decided to just do me I felt such a weight lifted off. You could always wear black jeans to dress up your outfit.
It’s a busy day, wear what is comfortable. No one will remember what you wear and there is nothing wrong with showing your authentic self.
It ended up being a chilly day which made it much easier for me to pick something - just went with pants and a blazer. A bit boring but also easy.
For comfort, cashmere and cool jeans. No flip flops seen indoors. There is a woman I have seen at multiple events who wears high tech outdoor gear. Most people seem to be dressed as though they are going to a nicer event.
This has to be a regional thing. I don’t remember there being much of a dress code for move in day at Cate. We love our flip flops in California. Definitely function over form rules the day. But I am sure there were really nicely dressed parents, too.
There is an awesome thread from a couple years ago on dressing for move in day. Cracks me up. According to that, tennis or equestrian gear should be just fine. Just be sure to wear pearls.
I think the OP specifically said this was NOT for move in day. For move in anything goes. I think she meant events like meeting the headmaster which for many schools I think flip flops would look a little odd at.
@one1ofeach At California boarding schools like Cate and Thacher, you can pretty much wear whatever you’d like for all events. The atmosphere is quite casual.
I missed that part, thanks for correcting me. But yeah, you can go pretty casual at Cate for most things. Runs the gamut - there are fancy people, too. It isn’t an easy campus for wearing heels tho.
The kids have to dress up once a week for their speaker series, and some other special events. If parents were to attend those, probably they would want to match the dress code.
@CateCAParent I think that’s exactly what I’m thinking - generally, it seems a good idea to basically match the dress code for events even though the dress code is totally unenforced. Which leads me to ask why not just re-write it to reflect what is actually going on? Maybe they figure with the dress code at X level the kids at least dress at Y level but if they switched to a casual dress code it would devolve into total dishevelment? Anyone who saw me would know that I am clearly a fan of dishevelment but I get that many NE schools are not!
At Parents Weekend - the dads in the NE schools tend to wear a jacket/blazer or sweater - usually match the dress code. Women wear everything from nice pants & sweater, jacket-shirt-pants, or skirt/dress attire - depends on the weather. Most schools have scheduled athletic events and other outdoor activities that weekend, so do bring a change of footwear with you in the car to school - we brought a change of clothes (school sweatshirt) & shoes to school for the soccer game, for example. Also, the fields and parking areas get muddy!
We have a parents weekend coming up. Thanks to everyone who has provided input. Anyone else want to contribute? I’m STILL nervous about what to wear, LOL. Last year was a verrrry tough year, healthwise, and I just don’t feel like myself…sigh.
Please don’t spend much time worrying about it, @MariFeigh! The vast, vast majority will not care. And in the off chance someone is that superficial and judgmental, you shouldn’t give a rat’s patootie about them because they aren’t worth your time.
Thanks, @doschicos.
Transitions are hard. When I see parents who look tired, I get it now, LOL. I will take your advice and combine it with a lot of deep breathing.
More @ “what to wear?”…we were up at school this weekend for a game in the greater Boston (north) corridor and wanted to repeat my advice to bring an extra pair of shoes - especially comfy ones that can withstand wet fields or mud. The rain and leaves have made the fields rather muddy. Bring a pair of boots or shoes if you have to watch a game on a field. You can leave them in the car. Also, be prepared for parking in a field or down a dirt road to get to Parents Weekend events. Do make dining reservations way ahead of time. Dress warm and comfortable - nobody really cares what you wear, except yourself (of course) or (if your like me) your spouse/partner (LOL)!
Ha ha I agree that anything goes on move-in day, but you asked about other events. In New England, I think casual but nice is fine. I think flip flops would only work if the rest of your outfit is very stylish, a little dressy, nice jewelry, etc. A rare few women get very dressed up. I agree most people will not remember and you want to be comfy, plus dress for the weather if it will be rainy or cold.