I agree with the thrift store approach, and would point out that clothes for a high school junior/senior are always available and usually in great shape. Dress clothes for a young person tend to no longer fit men once they spend a few years in college or even in the work force - so the smaller waist sizes are always available.
As for ties, thrift stores do tend to have older styles - last month I found DH a Ralph Marlin fish tie - he had one many years ago. He volunteers in an elementary school classroom every two weeks, and wore it there yesterday. The kids loved it. This is not to suggest that you wear a fish tie for your scholarship interview, but don’t be afraid of a splash of color if you enjoy it.
Gee I guess we were always lucky enough to find the groups of boys who didn’t know how to tie a tie theater and mock trial. Even after being shown in groups and individually, in a stressful situation, they couldn’t do it. Clip ons came in very handy. Oh, make sure your socks 1. match and 2 are the same color as your pants. Don’t wear the same socks that you wear with sneakers.
Thanks for all the input! I found out from past scholarship recipients that this is a more formal event, so I will be dressing accordingly. I like how the discussion has become a debate on clip on ties lol.
@GloriaVaughn good point about socks! Yes, not the ones worn with sneakers, but navy or black dress socks. I’ll never forget going to a wedding and seeing a groomsman in tuxedo, patent leather shoes and…white sports socks.
I agree that a tie that needs tied is the way to go. If you do not know how to do that, then get someone to help you ahead of time. My S used to work at a grocery store where ties were part of the uniform. He would just loosen the tie then take if off over his head, then put it back on that way the next time and tighten it instead of re-tying it every time.
@GloriaVaughn@crepes Socks! Yes, very good point about not wearing white sport socks, or any kind of sport socks, like quarter length or no-show. My sons love socks and have a varied collection of long socks (including a bright red one with B A C O N down the side, I kid you not). I was afraid my son was gong to his interview in socks with little blue and red 3D glasses on them. A more discreet way of showing color and personality (than say, wearing a fish tie) but in the end he went with plain black socks.
Now that the tie debate has settled down, maybe it’s time for a sock debate? :))
OP Good luck with your interview!
My brothers went to a Catholic boys school where a jacket and tie were required. They had dozens of them in their car and were often met in the parking lot by a frantic classmate needing a tie. Now how can you go to the same school for 4 years and not put on a tie? They’d leave them tied too, and just slip them over their heads
What’s especially great about this scholarship is that it’s run by one of the former deans of Columbia University, and he provides me with guidance throughout the college application process next year.