<p>My interview is this Thursday and I'm wondering what might be considered appropriate attire. I live in a VERY laidback town, everyone wears casual clothing even to nice restaurants. That said, I know that looking professional is important. My opinion after reading other CC threads and talking to friends is that an outfit that's a little nicer than something you would wear to school is fine. I want to make a good impression, but I don't want to seem too eager or down-right annoying by wearing a pantsuit if my interviewer is wearing jeans (which he said he would be). </p>
<p>As of now, I'm planning on wearing a nice pair of courderoy pants, a semi-casual blazer-like thing, a blouse, and some medium height heels. Does this seem reasonable? I went shopping today with my mom and she was all set to buy me a pair of $200 fancy pants, a matching blazer, and these disgusting secretary shoes. Am I wrong in thinking that's too over the top? I don't want to look like a flight attendant. </p>
<p>Let me know what you think and thanks in advance for your help!</p>
<p>Business casual is most appropriate... so a nice dress sweater or dress shirt with khakis or dress pants. Although dressing up in standard business attire (suit, jacket, tie, etc) certainly is acceptable, it is a little more uncomfortable and from what people have told me from their interviews, not expected whatsoever.</p>
<p>They both (Duke and Harvard) told me to dress casually and that I should just show up in what I wore to school, but I don't want to seem at all sloppy. I think the outfit I mentioned before works for casual, but still professional. Maybe slacks instead of cords? I would just feel awkward meeting him at Starbucks with him in jeans and me in a suit.</p>
<p>Do what your interviewer said and show up in something you would wear to school. You could spruce it up a little bit if you think your regular style is sloppy or something, but don't wear anything that one would consider "business casual." Just do straight casual. You said your interviewer is going to be wearing jeans, and as a general rule you should adopt the same dress code as your interviewer.</p>
<p>LOL @ TheWerg. What a champ. But I agree with the underlying statement: don't take yourself or the admissions process too seriously. Your clothing should reflect your personality, so avoid the Ralph Lauren polos unless you <em>intend</em> to present yourself as a generic upper-middle class keener. </p>
<p>For instance, let's say you're an avid fan of hip-hop and it has significantly informed your world-view. Then by all means show up to your interview wearing some flashy Ice Cream Sneakers by Pharrell, a pair of Red Monkey Jeans, a BAPE t-shirt, and an iced-out watch. Then proceed to engage the interviewer in an erudite discussion about the philosophical foundations of rational choice theory and its implications for urban planning in predominately black communities. After all, Harvard values diversity, so show the interviewer the diversity that you are.</p>
<p>Of course, this won't work for everyone. Just sayin'.</p>
<p>We're meeting at Wegmans, but she knows I'm coming from work (and Starbucks has a dress code--white/black collared shirt, black/khaki dress pants) so I don't know. Plus... I like ties, in a style-preference, non-intense feminist way. I might tone it down and wear jeans with it though. It is something I'd normally wear (I like oxfords, polos, etc...) but is the tie too much? I'm very fond of it... I'm afraid it makes me look slightly emo though (which I'm not) or perhaps give off that flight attendant look too. Buh.</p>
<p>Any opinions?</p>
<p>Oh and for shoes... I guess I'm just going to wear my black tims. Timberlands aren't really dressy, I realize, but the black ones look semi-formal... ish...?</p>
<p>^ That tie is hideous, IMO. Vests are cool (I wear them all the time with everything from t-shirts to dress shirts), but you HAVE to pick a good tie to pull it off. I would suggest something more colorful, more along the lines of.......Brooks</a> Brothers | Men | Striped Ties | BB#4 Repp Tie</p>
<p>That seems really formal too me, especially for meeting at Wegmans. But if you're coming from work then that's understandable. Your outfit looks fine, very professional. </p>
<p>But I'm not coming from work, I'm coming straight from school.
<em>sigh</em> I don't know...</p>
<p>hookem, as a grown up, I say tuck in your shirt! Untucked is sloppy, but khakis and oxford are a great look for guys. I think coretto joe will look cute in her outfit, I don't mind the tie.</p>
<p>As to the OP if your interviewer says they'll be wearing jeans you really don't need to dress up. Cords and a jacket are fine. Don't get any more dressed up than that! Wear shoes that you are comfortable in.</p>
<p>^ Well, tuck it in at first, but if they show up in jeans (like my interviewer today did), just untuck it and you're on the same dressiness level :)</p>
<p>Yeah, def not a guy! I think I've got my outfit, I'm going with the cords but with a slightly nicer jacket (because, really he's not going to be paying super close attention to the bottom half of my outfit) Thanks for all your help and good luck with any interviews of your own!</p>
<p>To the OP, good luck! Your outfit sounds cute!</p>
<p>Mm... I like the tie because I wanted a black tie with some other color stripes---Colorful ties are more informal to me, haha maybe it's because they look a bit punk/rock/emo when worn a certain way and I don't want to accidently give off that kind of vibe at my interview. </p>
<p>Black pants + black vest + white shirt = black/mostly black tie (for formal occasions anyway)--haha, clearly I like black and white to match. I don't know... I just think another color tie would clash/look tacky unless I lost the vest or unless I wore shoes/some other accessory to match. Perhaps I'm taking the clothing issue too far, though. I might just lose the tie. Eh. But common consensus seems to be okaying the outfit... so yay! Thanks, guys!</p>
<p>My interviewer didn't volunteer any attire information. Do you think an Oxford, khaky pants, and Cashmere sweater are too formal? I want to look presentable, but not too stiff. I googled my interviewer and he's the admissions officer for the entire State. </p>
<p>I don't know what to do; this terrifying--- i mean enchanting--- little date is at a five-star hotel LOL. I guess you dress the part, then? What should I wear, for the love of Jaysus.</p>
<p>oh my icarryyourheart. i would be FREAKING OUT if my interviewer was the admissions officer for the entire state.
but since it's at a five-star hotel, i would probably dress up a little more.</p>
<p>it's better to be over-dressed than under-dressed. (that saying goes for almost everything in life, not just interviews)</p>
<p>I would say it may depend on where you're meeting; If you're meeting at a coffee shop or the town library, I'd wear nice slacks/khakis and a sweater or tucked in oxford shirt.<br>
I suppose if you are meeting a doctor/lawyer alum interviewer in a more professional setting or meeting an interviewer at a 5 star hotel, I might recommend a tie for a guy-but I don't think anyone would hold it against you if you wore school clothes.</p>
