Thanks so much for all the advice!

Business casual. I think these events are worth it as you get a sense of the families of students that attend the school--and you might find a person or two from your area that you can coordinate travel, drop forgotten things off etc. LACs are often small enough that small connections like that are enough.

I wouldn’t wear jeans, but would probably choose black pants and a top, somewhat comfortable shoes and a blazer/jacket.

The parent reception is to butter you up to make donations to the school while your child attends and to separate the parents from the students so the students can meet other freshman without the hovering. It doesn’t really matter what you are wearing. Most will be casual.

How about just being yourself and just wearing some of your warm fall or winter clothes?

If you worry about a dress code, check with the college in question, no?

My DC is attending an admitted students program (a midwest liberal arts college) and there is a parent reception. The weather will be cold. I don’t have a lot of fashion sense and I’m struggling to figure out what to wear. Any suggestions?