What to Wear on a College Tour: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on college tours is an exciting step in envisioning your future as a college student. As you begin to visit different campuses, a common question arises: "What should I wear?". This comprehensive guide provides advice for students and parents on selecting appropriate attire for various college visit scenarios.

Why What You Wear Matters (More Than You Think)

While the college search process should be taken seriously, choosing what to wear can actually be fun! Though it might seem shallow, many people, including parents and students, discuss what to wear on college tours. It feels like a big deal because first impressions matter, even if only to your own child. Standing in a sea of strangers can make anyone a little self-conscious.

The Goal: Comfort, Confidence, and Appropriateness

The primary goal when choosing what to wear on a college tour is to strike a balance between comfort, confidence, and appropriateness. Your outfit should reflect your interest in learning about the school and allow you to focus on the experience without distraction.

Essential Considerations for Your College Tour Outfit

Comfortable Shoes: Campuses often involve a lot of walking, sometimes on cobblestone streets or hills. Comfortable shoes are a must. Sneakers, flats, comfortable boots, or broken-in walking shoes are all good choices. Avoid wearing brand-new shoes that might cause blisters.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Layers are always a good idea, as weather can be unpredictable, and indoor spaces may have varying temperatures.
Casual and Presentable Attire: College tours are generally casual events, so there's no need to overdress. However, avoid overly revealing or provocative clothing. Aim for clean, comfortable clothes that make you feel good about yourself.

Dressing for Different Visit Scenarios

The specific outfit you choose may depend on the type of visit you are having.

General Campus Tour

For a typical campus tour and information session, dressing casually is perfectly acceptable.

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Students: Jeans or chinos with a t-shirt or a comfortable top are great choices. If you have a shirt with the university’s name or logo, that's even better!
Parents: Stick to comfortable yet stylish outfits. Avoid wearing a suit or anything too formal. Jeans or pants with a nice top or sweater are appropriate.

Meeting with Professors or Admissions Counselors

If you have scheduled a meeting with a professor or admissions counselor, it’s worth stepping things up a bit to create a smart casual look.

Students: Dark, nice jeans or khakis paired with a button-up shirt, blouse, or sweater are good options. Polished but comfortable shoes are also recommended.
Parents: Business casual attire is appropriate. A skirt, khakis, or corduroy pants with a button-up shirt or blouse would be a good choice. A dress is also acceptable, provided you cover your shoulders with a sweater or blazer.

Interviews and Auditions

For college interviews, business casual is the standard.

Opt for a skirt, khakis, or corduroy pants, paired with a button-up shirt or blouse. Dresses are fine, provided you cover your shoulders with a sweater or blazer.

For auditions, choose an outfit that suits the weather and allows you to move comfortably.

If walking around in your audition outfit will be too uncomfortable, consider bringing a change of clothes.

Multi-Day Events

If you are attending a multi-day event, like Regent’s, you’ll want to bring a few outfits for the various activities you will be doing. Reviewing the itinerary can help you prepare for whatever you participate in.

What to Avoid

Overdressing: Avoid wearing a suit or overly formal attire for a general campus tour.
Underdressing: While casual is fine, avoid ripped or torn clothing, offensive slogans, or anything too revealing.
Uncomfortable Shoes: High heels or dress shoes that are not comfortable for walking are not recommended.
Rival Colors: Wearing rival colors might give you "I didn't think through that one" thoughts.

Extra Touches

Accessories: Sunglasses, a crossbody bag or belt bag, and a refillable water bottle are all useful accessories for a college tour.
Layers: Bring a light jacket or sweater to adjust to changing temperatures.
Notebook: A small notebook is a great way to remember things that stood out to you about the school.

Special Considerations for Parents

Parents play a vital role in the college tour experience, and what they wear also matters. The key is to dress comfortably and appropriately, matching the tone your student is setting.

Comfortable but Pulled Together: Aim for a look that is comfortable but still polished.
Confident but Not Corporate: Avoid looking like you're heading to a business meeting.
Dressing Like the Parent, Not the Kid: Choose age-appropriate attire.
Good Shoes: Prioritize comfortable shoes that can handle a lot of walking.
Breathable Layers: Be prepared for weather swings and icy AC with breathable layers.
Sunglasses: Protect your eyes and add a touch of style with a pair of sunglasses.
Crossbody or Belt Bag: Keep your essentials handy with a stylish crossbody bag or belt bag.

Important Reminders

Try Everything On in Advance: Make sure your outfit fits well and is comfortable to walk in.
Prepare for Rain: Bring rain gear and an umbrella, even if the forecast looks clear.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions: A college tour is an ideal time to get answers to important questions.
Talk to Students: Get the real story about campus life by talking to current students.
Take Notes: Jot down your impressions and anything you learn on the tour.

The Most Important Thing

Ultimately, the most important thing is to dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn about the college. Don't stress too much about your outfit; focus on getting a feel for the campus and the community.

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