What Not to Wear: Date Function Edition

Date functions serve one true purpose: pictures. So whether you show up to the d-func rocking a 2005 Abercrombie jean skirt or a sparkling Rent the Runway dress, you must be photograph ready at any moment.

Collegiettes don’t always realize that being ‘photo-ready’ is not as simple as taking an extra half hour to curl your hair and do your makeup. In actuality, it means dressing appropriately (and creatively!) to meet the d-func’s respective theme. The key is to dress for the theme without being offensive, garish, or just blatantly looking like you put zero effort into it. If you avoid these three pitfalls, then you probably won’t find yourself on our list of “What Not to Wear: Date Function Edition.”

1. One. Single. Color. – If the theme is “Around the World” and you wear a red dress and claim to be “America,” I’m probably – no, definitely – going to be disappointed in you. One single color does not tie into a larger theme – especially when I can name four other countries with red flags off the top of my head! In this case, accessories are absolutely vital. Head to Party City and grab some sunglasses, bandanas or temporary tattoos for an instant fix. You don’t have to spend more than $5, and can re-use them at other date functions in the future.

2. Hats Bigger Than My Couch – Sombreros are great and all, but I don’t want to deal with the giant brim poking into my eye/mouth/shoulder every time I bust a move on the dance floor. While big hats may seem like an obvious go-to when dressing for a date function, they’re really quite annoying. Think about it – you have to deal with the heavy fabric weighing on your head, and when you finally decide to take it off, you’re left carrying around the hat for the rest of the night. If you do incorporate a hat into your outfit, try something small – like a beret!

3. Anything You Can’t Wash Alcohol out of – Even the classiest-themed date function isn’t exempt from some, um, not classy behavior. If the theme is formal, you should wear something nice – but not too nice. In a cramped environment where people will be drinking, dancing and sweating, it’s best to anticipate spillage. Do wear a dress that you love and feel great in, but don’t be surprised if you have to send it out for dry-cleaning the day after.

4. Sky-high Heels – D-funcs are all about dressing for the theme, not dressing UP. If you want to forgo your pumps for cowboy boots or knee high socks and sneakers, go for it. In fact, I encourage it.

                                                                                                                    *Image from USmagazine.com

5. Anything You Can’t Have Fun in – Date functions are supposed to be fun (hence the word FUN in FUNction, right?!) At the end of the day, just wear something that makes you happy/laugh/feel like Beyoncé. If all your friends are being X, it doesn’t mean you can’t be Y. Don’t be afraid to actually plan out your outfit with your date. It’ll make the whole experience (and any pictures you take together!) even better.