Attire for Scholarship day/honors dinner

Parent Cafe
1

My D has been invited to a dinner for the honors college at one school as well as a scholarship day at another college. The honors college dinner mentions “business casual attire”. What would that mean for a teen? She has a cute dress she could wear but she feels like that’s too dressy. Other than that she is a sweats, leggings, or ripped jeans girl. Do teens today wear dress pants? Or would longer sweater, leggings and boots be okay?

Also, do people dress up for scholarship competitions or do they dress like a normal tour day? She has a group interview and an essay writing contest as well as a campus tour, student panels, etc.

These are mid-tier somewhat rural LAC’s if that makes a difference.

2

My kid wore nice slacks, a nice top, and carried a nice sweater. She wore comfortable shoes.

No jeans, sweats, T-shirt’s, sneakers.

Kids looked very nice at these events but not fancy schmancy.

For the dinner, she could wear a dress but not probably something fancy.

3

My D would have worn a dress to such events, but she is so tall that it is hard to get pants long enough for her. Dresses/skirts are easier.

I think either nice slacks or a skirt and blouse would be appropriate.

4

No to leggings, boots, and sweater. That is casual, not business casual. She will need a pair of slacks and a nicer top for some school activities like internship interviews etc. later on so a modest investment in such clothes would not be a waste.

5

Pants or a dress are fine as long as it is a “business casual” dress - meaning not too short, not too low cut, not too frilly or sparkly…

My D’s would be likely to wear a neutral dress or sweater/skirt, tights, simple boots.

Jeans are fine for a tour or accepted days. Not for any special days. IMO sweats are not appropriate for even a tour.

While she is a teen this is really a day for a young adult. She should dress like one!

6

Nice slacks, a blouse, and flats or low heeled shoes was what my D wore to those type of functions.

7

This is interesting. I’d be shocked if the tour guide cared if the prospective student was wearing something comfortable. Are you of the opinion that the student leading a group tour will have influence with the admissions team??

With that said, I wouldn’t let my kid wear sweats on a tour, or anywhere that he’s out with me in public for that matter :smile:

8

I think the location of the college matters. “Business casual” is not the same everywhere but generally means NOT a full suit for men or women but can vary at the lower cutoff (dress pants vs khakis for men, jacket?, shoe style?).

9

Our scholarship day was 20s and snow with lots of outdoor walking between buildings so my DD who always wears dresses for good was scrambling to find something warmer that was appropriate. No, we didn’t think about it in advance! She ended up with a chiffon top, a blazer style jacket, dark navy jeans (didn’t look denim-y), and flats. She just doesn’t own dress pants. We did buy some after that and she hasn’t worn them.

10

Is it for those admitted to or competing for the honors college or scholarship?

If admitted to, the consequences of guessing incorrectly are less than if competing for.

“Business casual” can cover a wide range of dressiness overall, but could be a much narrower range at any given organization.

11

My daughter wore black ankle pants from Express, a JCrew Tipi sweater in light blue and a pair of black flats- Just to give an example. This was in February I believe. I agree it depends a bit on weather and region. Definitely wouldn’t wear jeans or sweats.

12

Re: my comment about no sweats. There are plenty of occasions during a college tour to meet people other than the student tour guide. You might meet an admissions counselor, a coach, a department person, financial aid person, etc. - all tours are different.

I can also say that all 3 of my kids were college tour guides and they were NOT allowed to wear sweats as the tour guide. They are representing the college. And a prospective student…is representing themselves!

There is plenty of “wear” between sweats and a formal suit. Play it safe.

13

Business casual for both. Nice slacks or skirt and nice blouse, maybe a cardigan. If dress, definitely a business dress with sleeves or with a cardigan or blazer. Lots of the scholarship interviews my D attended did require business formal though on the interview day (ie, full suit).

14

leggings (like from gap, aerie, nike or Lululemon etc – ) I’d say NO. Although that’s what most girls wear to school, and dress them up with caridgans and boots. Still No. however - there’s “jeggings” - and those have a different look that are dressier that’ I’d say Yes to. It’s so complicated with girls!

my D16 wore a sweater dress and boots for her interviews. I remember stressing about it! it was a small LAC and not too fancy.

Whatever she wears, make sure she feels good in it.

15

To these sorts of events My daughter wears black jeans (no rips) and a camisole and blazer Like this https://www.loft.com/dotted-blazer/524730?skuId=28977797&defaultColor=0473&catid=cat610106&selectedColor=0473

She’s has declared it the “ perfect outfit” and was copied by numerous friends after she wore this combo to a high school awards dinner.

She wore this combo with very dark blue jeans to an interview at a “ fashion forward” company. She got several compliments…and the job!

Jeans vs “ nice pants” gave her more wardrobe flexability during college.

16

I’m so glad you posted this - had a similar question, as my D in invited to an accepted student reception with “semi-formal” attire. I am assuming that means a dress? It is in Boston in February, so was really hoping pants and boots would work, but…probably not?

17

Thanks for all the very helpful responses.

I don’t mind spending some money on an outfit but just wasn’t sure what to buy. Good point that she will need it eventually anyways.

For the Honors dinner she is already admitted into the program. For the Scholarship Day, it is a competition for a full scholarship.

I’m thinking dress pants, blouse and boots. I’m thinking a blazer might be a hard sell for her but maybe a cardigan. One is in PA and one in OH, both in Feb, so weather could definitely be an issue.

18

I agree that she should also be comfortable - that means probably no boots with high heels. And yes, take into effect possible snow.

We did MANY of these scholarship days at small LACS in Ohio between 3 kids! And we definitely had some interesting weather!

19

I’m pretty sure D15 wore jeans to a scholarship day. It was totally fine

20

@jmnva06 What was fine at one school won’t be fine at another. Jeans won’t be appropriate at most scholarships days/weekends. My D attended around 10 of them and none allowed jeans.