Dress To Impress: What To Wear For Freshman College Orientation

By Amanda Cohen on May 13, 2016

Ah, it’s that time of year; classes are coming to a close, you are preparing for AP exams (unless you have a severe case of “senioritis”), and you are visualizing the moment where you switch your graduation cap tassel to the opposite side as you get ready to embark on your freshman year of college.

If you are anything like me, or many other fashionistas out there, you are probably somewhat distressed over what to wear to your weekend-long freshman year college orientation. Well, ladies, have no fear because your friend Amanda is here! I remember the trepidation I felt walking onto my university’s campus two summers ago for freshman orientation (let’s just say my nails were bitten aggressively out of pure anxiety).

However, I knew that an easy conversation-starter is complimenting someone on what she is wearing … here’s how that conversation will go, just to settle your fears a little bit.

http://students.lsu.edu/family/lsu-lingo

“Wow, I love your top! Where did you get it?”

“Thanks so much, that’s so nice of you to say! I got it at LF!”

“I love LF, but I only go every now and then because we don’t have one in my town.”

“Oh really, where are you from?”

And there you have it — easy as pie. In order to help you start these “riveting” conversations and to be more confident in yourself, I have a few suggestions on what you should pack in your suitcase for your first overnight experience in a college dorm room (cue suspenseful music).

Before delving into the various outfit options you should have for your first “official” college weekend, it is beneficial to know the general schedule of most college orientations. Usually, you check in around 8:00 a.m. on the first day of orientation, which involves filling out papers, figuring out who your weekend roommate is, and fixing any loose ends you might have for planning your college experience.

From there, you get going right away with a campus tour, mini sessions about finances, academics, living situations, safety and general campus culture, and you end your day with taking placement exams (super fun, I know). The second day begins with breakfast (obviously) and then you have community-building activities and academic advising appointments (both individual and group appointments). You end the second day with dinner, a fun group event, and then finally sleep. The third day is usually just registering for classes and signing out of the orientation … Congratulations! You survived freshman orientation!

Day 1

The first day of orientation involves a lot of walking, but also it is the first time you will be encountering your peers, so you want to go for the stylish, yet comfortable, outfit. I recommend wearing boyfriend jeans, a graphic tank top, a cardigan (depending on the weather), trendy sneakers, sunglasses, and a chunky purse to hold all of your stuff in. The beauty of boyfriend jeans is that you won’t look like a slob because you are wearing jeans, but they are loose so they are breathable. If it is brutally hot during your orientation, switch out the boyfriend jeans with denim high-rise shorts.

Graphic tank tops are all the rage these days, and you will look super trendy walking around wearing one. Since graphic tees are meant to be comfortable, you won’t have to worry about feeling constricted while taking that dreaded chemistry placement exam. Finally, the fashionable sneakers will be comfortable when walking around (trust me, you will be doing a lot of walking). I would wear Keds, Vans, Converse, Adidas, or any other variation of fashionable sneakers. By 11:00 p.m., you can change out of this and put on the sweatpants you just purchased at the school store!

Photo via. pinterest.com

Day 2

The second day of orientation involves a lot of “face time” with your peers, and let’s be real, we all want to make a good impression, especially in a large group setting. Since most college orientations take place in the summer, it will most likely be pretty warm out, therefore you will want to wear something breathable and appropriate. I would wear flowy, high-rise shorts with either a loose top or a tight cami.

If shorts aren’t your thing, go for a casual romper or a loose dress. Each of these outfits should be paired with fashionable sneakers (once again, comfort is key), as well as a chunky purse and sunglasses. The only warning I have for the dress is that you want to make sure you can sit down on the ground without worrying that you might be exposing yourself (a good trick is to wear spandex underneath). With all three of these outfits you can go for solid colors, floral patterns, color-blocking, and more … the possibilities are truly endless!

Photo via. http://rockybarnesblog.com

Day 3

The third day really only lasts a couple of hours, so if I were you, put on your cutest Lululemon outfit and call it a day!

Photo via. http://www.hellofashionblog.com

With every outfit mentioned above, you can always accessorize with jewelry and cool hair-dos. Since it does get hot when walking around, I always recommend the “power pony,” because it is cute, casual, and won’t make your neck burning hot. If you choose to wear makeup, wear minimal, more natural makeup; you aren’t getting ready for a Thursday night at the bar with the girls, so keep it simple.

With that being said, no matter what you decide to wear, you will have an amazing college experience. The most important part of any outfit is your personality, so just remember to stay true to yourself and be the amazing, unique person that you are! Good luck to all of the rising college freshmen!

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