<p>Hi, I would love many different opinions on this. I have a Yale interview scheduled for tomorrow. I discussed with two of my friends yesterday what I should wear. I had planned on wear a somewhat vintage dress and combat boots because I feel like that showcases who I am. My friend, who will also be interviewing there soon, has advised me not to because his opinion is that interviews are very formal and he feels that I should dress to impress. I feel as though that is not a correct representation of me and merely shows that I am just like all of the rest of the applicants. Should I play it safe and dress more sophisticatedly? It would also help if anyone could give me some advice on what to expect going into this interview. </p>
<p>I would play it safe, but that’s just my opinion. I think you’re giving the interviewer the impression that you don’t know how to dress sophisticatedly, not that you’re trying to be yourself. I have friends who have been to interviews in crop tops because they thought it looked cute. Of course, a vintage dress and combat boots is much different than a crop top, but I think the interviewer will categorize them as the same, aka people who don’t know how to be professional when need be. </p>
<p>It is NOT very formal. You’ll 95% likely be meeting with a current student who is employed at admissions. (if you’re there on a recruiting trip for athletics, it might be different). The key is to look nice and put together. Unless your toes are sticking out of holes crummy worn boots, I think the ensemble would work. Good luck</p>
<p>@sumobats That is possible, but I don’t think it looks completely unsophisticated, just not the preppy business style that is expected. Thank you and @T26E4 Very much appreciated. It’s not for athletics, but I do know it will be with an undergraduate student. </p>
<p>I’m from the camp of be yourself, but in a respectful manner. It is a college interview, not a job interview, and the interviewer knows that you are a teenager, and wants an impression of who you are. Be yourself. </p>
<p><a href=“Interview Outfit?? - Yale University - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/yale-university/1671787-interview-outfit-p1.html</a></p>
<p>I think I’d pass on the Combat Boots. Maybe at Brown…</p>
<p>We were there a week ago. Most kids interviewing were in pretty casual wear - polos and khaki’s or shorts for the boys, casual skirt or sundress for the girls. The interviewers are in similar outfits, many wearing flip-flops. It was pretty casual. Assuming your outfit w/ combat boots is more vintage/quirky and not “ready for a late night at the punk rock show”, it sounds like it will fit. Be yourself. </p>
<p>IMO the vintage dress idea is great, but personally I’d trade in the combat boots for a pair of flats or sandals or something more traditional. I fear that you will be defined by your outfit and I’m sure there are a lot more interesting and subtle parts of your personality and interests than those clothes would demonstrate. It is great to “be who you are” but you should be able to get that across in the interview.</p>