What Women Should Wear to a College Interview

While not as formal as a job interview, college interviews can be a significant piece of the admissions process. It’s important to present yourself in clean, well-kempt attire that’s appropriate for the season and to the type of college or program you’re applying to.

Key Takeaways: Women's College Interview Dress

College interviews are generally less formal than a job interview. You should dress respectfully, but you don't need a power suit.
What's considered appropriate will vary significantly for different schools. Try to learn about the campus culture before your interview.
Tattoos and piercings are commonplace, but you'll most likely want to cover up anything too offensive or outlandish.

Colleges that use interviews as part of their evaluation process have holistic admissions. This means that the admissions folks are evaluating the whole applicant, not just looking at grades and standardized test scores. Your clothing and general appearance can help to make a memorable first impression. That said, these guidelines represent general advice. The dress considerations for an interview at a funky art school wouldn't be the same as those for a conservative Christian college.

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Pants, Skirt, or Dress?

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Depending on the program to which you're applying, the campus atmosphere and the time of year, dress pants, a skirt, or a dress can all be appropriate interview attire. During the summer, a modest sundress or looser-fitting skirt may be appropriate, particularly at a more liberal college or university. In the fall or winter, wear dress pants or a straight or A-line skirt with stockings. The admissions counselor conducting your interview won't expect to see you in a formal business suit, however, keep in mind the type of school and program you're applying to. If you're applying to a college of business, for example, business attire might be expected. In any circumstance, stick to neutral colors such as black, grey, or brown, and make sure you feel comfortable in what you're wearing.

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The Shirt

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The shirt you wear is likely the first piece of clothing that your interviewer will notice, so it's important that it makes a good impression. A blouse or a nice sweater will pair nicely with either dress pants or a skirt. During the warmer months, a modest tank top under a short-sleeved or three-quarter-sleeved cardigan is also acceptable. Neutrals, pastels or cool colors are preferable to louder colors or patterns. Avoid plunging necklines or shirts that fit too tightly.

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The Shoes

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Choose a simple pair of pumps, ballet flats, or boots with conservative heels. Your shoes should appear professional, but do make sure that you're comfortable walking in them, as well. Unless you choose to match your shoes to your outfit or purse (and make sure that this isn't distractingly noticeable if you do), black or taupe are both safe and appropriate color choices.

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The Purse

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Unless you're bringing along a sizable portfolio or other pertinent interview information, a briefcase isn't usually necessary, however, you'll likely want to carry a purse for personal items, particularly if your outfit lacks pockets. A smaller black or neutral-colored leather purse is a safe bet.

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The Accessories

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Jewelry is a great way to add a touch of your own style to your interview outfit. Smaller necklaces and earrings, bracelets, watches and rings are all perfectly acceptable, as is a tasteful scarf. Keep in mind that too much jewelry can be distracting, so limit your accessories to a few tasteful pieces.

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The Hair

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Your hairstyle will obviously depend on the type and length of your own hair, but as a general rule, simpler is better. Make sure your hair is clean and pulled back away from your face. If it's too long to leave down, wear it in a low ponytail, half-ponytail, or bun.

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The Manicure

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A good manicure can help tie your interview look together. Whether you choose to paint your nails or not, make sure that they're clean and trimmed. If you do use nail polish, stick to the classic lighter or neutral colors or a French manicure, or even just a clear coat.

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Piercings and Body Art

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Facial piercings and visible tattoos are commonplace today, particularly on college campuses. There's nothing wrong with leaving in a small stud in your nose or ear for your interview, and a tattoo is nothing a college admissions counselor hasn't seen before. That being said, if you do have visible piercings or body art, keep them tasteful and appropriate, as large piercings or highly noticeable or offensive tattoos can be distracting.

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Final Thoughts

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What you wear to your college interview, of course, is the easiest piece to manage when interviewing. Far more important is the need to answer questions well and make a good impression. These articles can help:

Not a woman? You can also read about men's dress for college interviews.

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Cody, Eileen. "What Should Women Wear to a College Interview?" ThoughtCo, Jan. 1, 2021, thoughtco.com/college-interview-clothing-for-women-788898. Cody, Eileen. (2021, January 1). What Should Women Wear to a College Interview? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/college-interview-clothing-for-women-788898 Cody, Eileen. "What Should Women Wear to a College Interview?" ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/college-interview-clothing-for-women-788898 (accessed March 26, 2023).