At Monday's chapter, the date for formal is announced. You have a minor heart attack because you don't have a date. But, that doesn't matter. You are determined to go whether you have a date or not.

However, then comes the conundrum of what to wear. Its a formal, so does that mean like long prom dresses? Or does that mean a cocktail dress that you would wear to like a date party? What about the theme? Do you dress according to the theme or just do whatever? Also, what about the physical pain of wearing a dress? Do you go with something that you are comfortable in or does pain truly sacrifice for beauty? And, do you match your date's outfit or not?

Well, as you can see it is fairly easy to trickle into that downward spiral and be consumed by all things formal related. However, let's ease the pain and calm that stress down, way down. Here we go!

1. Dress Length

So here is the rule of thumb. Think about where you are going. Obviously, it is a function held by a sorority or fraternity, but think about that for a second. If this invitation to a night of fun is held by a Greek organization known for dressing up, then it is probably best to go with a long dress. If the invitation says "semi-formal," then go ahead and wear that cocktail dress. They are not asking for anything black-tie affair, hun. A short dress is the best way to be on fleek!

Also, side note, if you do not know how dressy the sorority or fraternity throwing the event is, stalk my friends, stalk! This is the time where it is completely acceptable to creep on Facebook for hours. Just don't go too deep and sit there for hours.

2. The Cost

Okay, so I probably should have started with this one. I mean we are all poor college kids. There are probably not many clothing stores close to campus for you to dig through the dress racks. Plus, when there are so few stores, you are guaranteed to match with someone at the same social function. That's a definite, "No, no!"

Therefore, shop online. You don't need to spend time traveling everywhere to find a store and then end up not finding anything that is perfect for you. And the shipping is always either free or at such a low cost that you cannot refuse to buy the item. Just make sure to pay attention to the size charts, so you will actually be able to fit in that dress come date time! Try places like these: tobi.com, renttherunway.com, boohoo.com, and, as always, Forever 21.

3. The Theme

As a previous social chairwoman who planned formals, date parties, the rest of the fun times, I can assure you that you do not have to dress according to the theme. In fact, most people don't. The theme is just so we can put a name on the social function. It is more so how we label and design the shirt. That is all. But if you want to dress according to the theme, well then by all means go for it! You go, Glen Coco!

4. The Dancing

There is so much to do at a formal. You have the music, the boys, all of your sisters, and usually some cool props depending on the venue. Thus, you are absolutely going to have fun! So why be hassled all night by the pinching of your bra or having to pull your dress up all the time? C'mon.

You are there to have fun, so have fun! Don't worry about all of those details. Just pick something that you know that you are going to be comfortable in for hours. The opposite can go for heels. It's formal, so most of the time you will wear your heels there and end up taking them off to actually dance. So wear those high heels for the pictures and then take those devils off.

5. Your Date's Outfit

Whether your date is your best friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, or just someone you met a few hours ago, make sure to talk to them before hand. You do not necessarily have to match, but make sure that the two of you are not on total opposite sides of the spectrum.

No matter what conclusion you come to in regards to what you are going to wear to formal, just know that you are going to have a good time regardless. People are not going to judge you for what you wore, everyone is just dancing and having the time of his or her life. So go! Have fun! And make great memories!