Wear the dress.

Is it just me or does everyone do this? I get an invite to a function, event, or an occasion and the week before, a day or two before, or some times the day of, I'm trying to figure out what to wear.

The "dress code" for the occasion, has always influenced us or has helped to know what is appropriate to wear.

I have registered for conferences, in the past that "business attire" for what to wear, was stated on the brochure. Nice to know so I knew what to pack and what would be appropriate.

I have received invites to "themed" parties. The invite would tell me what to wear.

Some occasions do not actually come with a written "dress code". Some occasions, it's just known. 

When I was growing up in the 70's, 80's, and 90's, when our school had "pajama day", it was truly a "day" because we would never had been seen out in public in our pajamas any other times. Unlike today, where we can be seen wearing pajamas out running errands, whether it be the grocery store or Walmart. We're all, most definitely, about comfort and convenience.

Over the years, I have found that "Dress codes" have varied amongst generations. They are just mere suggestions. What people wear, also all depends on what they are comfortable in wearing.

Not all are comfortable wearing an evening gown, a suit and tie, etc. 

Not all will be willing to dress up like "Mrs. Roper" from Three's Company for a "The Ropers" themed party.

We all have our comfort zone.

My husband and I were invited this past weekend, to an event hosted by my son's fraternity. My son had mentioned that it was formal dress. I was so excited to be invited and also had the pressure as to not embarrass our son. Although, there are times that embarrassing your child is just part of being a parent, but means this was "his event" and "his friends", I wanted to dress appropriate.

I contemplated on exactly what "formal" meant in this situation. I decided I was going to wear a dress.

I wanted a dress that was not too dressy, but not too casual either. It could not be too short or too fitted. I found the perfect dress for the banquet, as well as one that could be worn for various occasions. 

As I was walking up to the banquet hall, alone, as my husband was unable to attend due to acquiring a respiratory illness the day before, I had a sense that I may be a little "over dressed".

As someone who has social anxiety, this may have been something that would have sent me spiraling into a panic attack, but when my son walked up to me and smiled and led me to our table, I forgot what I was wearing and what everyone else was wearing. It was about spending time with my grown child and the honor it was to have been asked to attend this event with him.

It was a wonderful evening and I'm glad I wore the dress.