<p>I think a lot of college interviews are way more casual than parents think, even if they’re with alumni. Honestly, I doubt that the interviewers put 1/10 the amount of consideration into an applicant’s clothing that parents do. A lot of interviewers even stress the “dress casual” aspect of the interview. Obviously this isn’t license to wear revealing or obscene clothing, but wearing jeans and sneakers won’t get you rejected on sight.</p>
<p>On the khaki front, that might be a regional/New England thing. I love them, as do a lot of my friends. NE’s a great place for the “classic prep” look. I attended most of my interviews in jeans+fitted oxford shirt+sweater, and I did all right. (I’m a girl.) Like others have said…the key is really the sweater. Layering a sweater over anything–but especially a button-down shirt, is pretty much an instant classic look.</p>