Proper Attire for a College Recruiting Visit
Visiting colleges is an exciting time for a young man or woman. It signifies the next big step in life and conjures up hope and excitement for the future. When visiting colleges, it's important to dress in an appropriate smart-casual manner. First impressions matter, so wearing nice clothing is a must when touring the campus, visiting with the administrators and meeting the professors.
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Pants and Shirts
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Young men and women should wear nice pants -- not jeans. Well-tailored, pressed khakis or flat-front chinos are best. Neutral colors in tan or slate work well for men, while colored or patterned straight-legged pants or capris look nice on women. Men can pair pants with a polo shirt, short-sleeved button-down shirt in solids or plaids, or a solid-colored or thinly striped Oxford. Attractive hues include blue, tangerine, green and tan for a fresh look. Men should tuck in shirt tails and wear a leather or canvas belt in brown, black or beige. Pretty shirts for women include blouses that cinch at the sleeves or waist, have ruffles down the front or feature a peplum flair.
Skirts and Dresses
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A-line, peasant-style or knee-length skirts pair nicely with tunics, boat-neck shirts and knit blouses with butterfly-style sleeves. In cooler weather, put tights underneath skirts and add a chunky circular scarf or a thin, gauzy one. Florals, bold geometric shapes and bright colors look nice on non-clinging, traditional-neckline dresses. Fashionable details such as cap sleeves or ruffles add interest to your outfit and add a feminine flair. Top skirts and dresses with a lightweight cardigan sweater or cropped blazer in a complementary tone.
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Footwear
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Chances are you'll be walking all over campus during your recruitment visit. Both men and women should wear fashionable yet sensible shoes. Athletic shoes are okay, but a better, dressier option for both include a leather or canvas tennis shoe with a slight arch and a thin sole, or a textured brown or black boot. Other ideas for women include wedge shoes with cut-out details, ballet flats and embellished t- or ankle-strap sandals. Men can also choose from boat shoes, black or brown soft-leather loafers, and-wing tip shoes with a rubber sole.
Accessories
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It's best to keep your outfit traditional and let accessories give insight into your personality. While it's important to tread lightly with trends, wearing one or two at a time through your accessories is a smart idea. Opt for a chunky bracelet or wrap-around necklace; theme-based trends, such as animal or Bohemian prints, on a scarf or purse; and texture trends, like jacquard or seersucker, in hats, shoes or belts. In addition, if you use your cell phone as a watch, make sure to check it discretely and quickly. You don't want to give the impression you are checking messages or disinterested. Also, keep accessories such as lanyards and sunglasses in the car.
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References
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