Attire for Visiting Business School

[repatriate]

I was admitted to a business school and am heading there next week to visit. This is not an interview and not a school-organized visit day for multiple students but a visit I arranged with them after being invited to do so. I've spent my entire academic career in humanities and social science departments, so I have no clue what the dress standards are in B school. (FWIW, I was admitted to study things totally not business-related.)

Is is a neat skirt and top with plain black pumps good enough? Could I get by in slacks? I do have a skirt suit I could dry clean and wear, but I assume that would be over the top for a non-interview visit. Am I right?

[socialpsych]

Because you talked about studying things not business-related, I assume you are in a PhD program (or something other than an MBA). If so, skirt/top/pumps is more than good enough, yes you could get by in slacks, and yes a skirt suit would be too much. With a skirt/top you might be on the more formal end of the spectrum for these kinds of visits, but certainly no one would look at you funny.

[repatriate]

Thanks! That's good to know. I might go for the slacks if it is cold/windy. Yes, it is a PhD program (in OB). I was just nervous about it because the faculty photos seemed more formal than those in the other types of departments I applied to.

[socialpsych]

That's 'cause they teach MBAs. Everything is more formal when it involves MBAs. You'll find that many wear suits to teach MBA classes but informal or even jeans otherwise. Congratulations on your acceptance, and enjoy your visit!

[repatriate]

Thanks, again. That makes sense.