I personally love parents weekends. 

As an out-of-state-er (Nashville is a nine hour drive away), it's one of the only times I get to see my parents during the year. It's a great opportunity to introduce my parents to all of my sisters, and the fall weather is always beautiful at Farmington Country Club. 

Plus, with the parents in town, I get to eat at more expensive restaurants and get actually nice wine and drinks. Also boozy brunches at Pigeon Hole or Fig. I also always look at it as the perfect time to go to a vineyard, so it pretty much is one of my favorite weekends. 

That being said, parent's formal does require some preparation. 

First of all, there's the dress. Unfortunately, Charlottesville does not have too many great dress stores. It's pretty much the only downside to Cville. I've occasionally found options at Duo, which is on Elliewood behind Starbucks. Eloise, which is midway down University Avenue has a large selection of dresses, but runs a little more on the pricy side. Also, I've never done Rent the Runway, but some of my sisters swear by it. That's a great option if you are going to a fraternity's parents formal as well and need to get yet another dress.

Once the dress hurdle is accomplished, you just have the slight problem of finding a date. If you have a boyfriend, you're set; but otherwise parent's formal can be a little tricky. You don't really want to take a casual guy friend you don't know that well to meet your parents, and if you've been talking to someone for a month, you might not want to freak him out by asking him. 

Last year, I took my best guy friend from home who goes here and who is also dating my best friend. It was a blast. He was the perfect person to take, and my parents loved getting to know him better. A bunch of my sorority sisters have asked good friends like that from high school to come up who don't even go here. I personally think that's the best and most fun option that will keep you from feeling pressured and free to enjoy your parents and your sisters.