Um, mom?

They’re back…whether it’s college tours, dorm drop-offs, or parent weekends, it’s time for moms and dads to hit campus for a little family time. For parents, there’s so much to consider in making these events special and not much room for mistakes. From saying the wrong thing to looking the wrong way, parents can embarrass their kids without even trying. Sometimes you can’t win, but pull one of these parental fashion faux pas and you just might be pegged the biggest loser.

1. Please, do not wear a fanny pack

Do you really need to snap everything you might need around your waist? Let’s face it, you’ve got Lifesavers and Chapstick in there that is probably from the 1980’s. Sure you’ve got enough Ibuprofen for everyone on the college tour, but it’s always best to refrain from looking like you just got off the scrambler at Six Flags.

2. Avoid the phone holster and Bluetooth

Everyone’s multitasking, but cool people fly under the radar. If people mistake you for a McDonald’s employee and tell you they’d “like fries with that,” it’s time to rethink your electronic wardrobe. Pockets and purses were invented so you don’t have to look like you’re operating the drive-thru.

3. Keep the stilettos at home

Great shoes can lift your spirits but if they lift you to abnormally high altitudes, you just might make a fool of yourself on campus. Skip your sky’s-the-limit attitude while on the Quad and come down to Earth. No one wants to pick you up in the stairwell. You’re there to tour, not trip.

4. Destroy the Hawaiian shirts

Unless there’s a luau or a Mojito on the agenda, wearing a Hawaiian shirt is an awful idea. It’s not hip, it’s not cool and it attracts attention in all the wrong ways. Stop flashing back to the original Hawaii Five-0 series and find a more subtle shirt. Besides, artificial flowers on clothing simply don’t go together.

5. Remember, belly shirts are worse than Hawaiian shirts

Intentional or not, your anatomy really needs to be benign on these visits. It doesn’t matter if your belly is flat or ample, no one wants a sample.

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