mrfuga0 Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 This is kind of a silly question, but any suggestions for what to wear on a Welcome Day visit? The one in question involves a breakfast, a campus tour, a colloquium, meeting with professors and students and then some informal dinner/party type stuff in the evening. I'm comfortable wearing business casual type stuff -- trousers and a sweater or trousers and blouse, but if there's no chance to change for the evening, I don't want to seem uptight coming to a party wearing my pinstriped trousers and a silk blouse, you know? Would a nice pair of dark jeans and a blouse be appropriate? Sorry to ask a somewhat silly question, but I'm kind of a fashion freak, and I like to strike the right note if I can. PS: I'm obviously a woman, but I assume that advice for men would be appropriate too.
socialpsych Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 The only two visits of mine that have specified a dress code said business casual. With jeans I imagine you'd be on the informal side of things, but that said, I haven't actually been to any of these things yet. I think I'd be more comfortable overdressing than underdressing, so I'm planning solidly business-casual outfits for those two (trousers/khakis, oxford shirt with sweater) and a suit for the others. I've heard some people say that a substantial minority of women at their visits were wearing suits; I wouldn't mind being in that minority. If I look uptight at the dinner/happy hour, screw that--I'm going to three schools in a row and need to limit myself to a carry-on! I imagine I won't be the only one not changing clothes for the evening.
Hevan24 Posted February 27, 2009 Posted February 27, 2009 Yeah, I was wondering about this too, especially on the shoe front. I'm going for an Admit visit which also includes tours, trips, meetings, and a reception. I think a lot might depend on schedule. My campus/residences tour, as well optional excursions, are on different days than my department and faculty meetings and reception. I was thinking the former day I could wear jeans/nice top or something similarly casual and something nicer for the latter? If your events on are one day, see if you can find out whether there will be time to change. Also, how close is your hotel to campus? Jeans probably won't work for a reception, so maybe stick with trousers and a top. If I wear business casual I'm going to wear a pencil skirt and a blouse, which means I'll either wear boots with a heel or pumps. Wouldn't that be too much for a campus tour? Maybe I can put on more casual boots and add edgier acessories to make it seem less stuffy in case I should avoid jeans altogether. This isn't an interview, so I don't think we have to be in full on mode. Part me still thinks I should pack my blazer though, to be safe, but I doubt I'll need it. My other concern is if I should bring a dress for the reception or maintain a pencil skirt/blouse look?
cc11505 Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 I am agonizing about this and only the thought of my teeny tiny stipend is keeping me from running out and buying new clothes. Is an oxford justa shirt with a collar? A white shirt? What makes a blouse - is that just a shirt for a woman or does it need buttons? I keep tellingmyself that they have already admitted me and can't change their minds because I have never had a job that required nice clothes, but I'm still freaking out, call it some kind of sublimation... would love all the advice people have about this! really what I want to know is can I get by in Pants-that-aren't-jeans and tops that aren't too wrinkled or do I need something nicer, and when would jeans be ok... thanks for bringing thsi up!
miratrix Posted February 28, 2009 Posted February 28, 2009 I am agonizing about this and only the thought of my teeny tiny stipend is keeping me from running out and buying new clothes. Is an oxford justa shirt with a collar? A white shirt? What makes a blouse - is that just a shirt for a woman or does it need buttons? I keep tellingmyself that they have already admitted me and can't change their minds because I have never had a job that required nice clothes, but I'm still freaking out, call it some kind of sublimation... would love all the advice people have about this! really what I want to know is can I get by in Pants-that-aren't-jeans and tops that aren't too wrinkled or do I need something nicer, and when would jeans be ok... thanks for bringing thsi up! I wouldn't worry too much about it, especially if they've already admitted you - clean, unwrinkled pants-that-aren't-jeans and tops that aren't t-shirts should be fine. Pretty much any collared shirts, sweaters, and shirts that just look a bit dressier than t-shirts and are also modest enough to be professional (i.e. not club wear). I'm trying to figure out what to wear for a campus visit to a school I've been admitted to that's in a much warmer climate. My roommate, who's from there, recommends a sundress and cowboy boots 8) , but I don't have either, or anything really weather-appropriate. I may hit up the Goodwill or a higher-quality (and higher-priced) consignment shop this weekend. I'm afraid acceptance is turning me totally financially irresponsible this week.
ewurgler Posted March 2, 2009 Posted March 2, 2009 I just visited a school (not during an official visit weekend) and wore nicer jeans and a sweater. Most faculty were similarly dressed. I don't think it matters at all.
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