What To Wear To A College Visit (10 Trendy Outfit Ideas)

Touring campuses soon and not sure what to wear to a college visit? We have you covered! Here’s exactly what you should wear when you’re touring colleges.

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You have made it to a very exciting time in your life – picking the college that will become your new home for 4 years!

If you’ve been getting ready for college visits, you’re probably already thinking about what you’re going to wear.

But if you’re not sure what’s appropriate to wear to a college visit, we have you covered! Here are the best college visit outfit ideas for every scenario.

P.s. we also have a whole post about what to wear to college classes once the school year starts!

Things To Consider When Picking Out An Outfit

For most people, it’s totally fine to dress casual for a college visit.

A standard college visit day involves a tour of the campus, attending some informational sessions, meeting other students, and learning more about the college.

For this type of college visit, it’s totally fine to wear something casual and comfortable.

However, if you’ll be doing any special activities like interviewing, speaking with department heads, or meeting with a faculty member, you’ll want to dress more formally.

Don’t worry, we’ve included college visit outfit ideas for every scenario!

Make sure you check the weather conditions before you head to campus.

If you’re visiting in the summer, make sure you prepare for hot weather outdoors and cold air conditioning indoors! It’s always a good idea to pack a light layer even if it’s hot outside.

If rain is on the forecast, make sure you bring an umbrella and waterproof boots.

Aside from wondering what to wear to a college visit, you may also be wondering what to bring on a college visit.

Here are a few things you may want to bring with you when you head to campus:

  • An extra change of clothes – If you have an interview or audition, bring some more comfortable clothes to change into for the rest of the day. 
  • Something to take notes on – When you tour multiple different colleges, you should take notes on what you like and what you don’t like about each campus. 
  • A small bag or backpack – You’ll be handed plenty of campus merchandise and informational packets throughout the day, so come prepared with a place to store them. 
  • Stain removal stick – It is always possible that you will spill something on yourself while in the cafeteria; bring a spot eraser to prepare for any stains on your clothing. 
  • Comfortable Shoes – While this is something you will be wearing, I included it here because it is of the highest importance.
  • Band-Aids – Even if you wear comfortable shoes, rubbing can still occur; bring some Band-Aids to prepare for any blisters that may form. 
  • Camera or smartphone camera – College visits are full of photo opportunities. Bring a camera or use your phone to capture this important milestone in your life. 
  • List of questions – You likely have a big list of questions about the college in your head, but it can be easy to forget your questions in the moment. Write your questions down to avoid missing your opportunity to ask questions. 

Depending on your unique situation, you may need only some or all of these items to be prepared for your college visit day.

Outfit Ideas for a College Visit

If You Are Just Touring Campus

If you’re just going on a standard campus visit, you should plan on dressing comfortably.

On these types of visits, you’ll probably just be taking a tour of campus, meeting other students, and possibly attending some informational sessions.

Here are some outfit ideas that would be appropriate for these types of tours:

1. T-Shirt And Shorts

Image Source: Pinterest

One easy casual outfit idea is just to wear a plain t-shirt and some denim shorts.

This is a classic outfit that will be comfortable enough to wear around campus all day.

Accessorize with dainty jewelry, comfy shoes, and a fabric tote bag.

Make sure you pack a light cardigan or sweatshirt in case your college is cranking the air conditioning inside.

2. Skort And Sneakers

One of the best ways to look cute while still being comfortable is to pair a skort with some sneakers.

You’ll feel like you’re just wearing shorts, but you’ll look a little bit more put together.

Throw a light sweater over your shoulders to prepare for all weather scenarios.

3. Baggy Jeans

Image Source: Pinterest

If your college visit is taking place in the fall, you can’t go wrong with this baggy jeans outfit.

Throw on a pair of low-rise jeans and a cute long sleeve shirt and you’re ready to go.

Make sure you pack a small backpack or tote bag for the day!

4. Boxer Shorts And A Sweater

Image Source: Pinterest

Want to look cute but feel like you’re wearing pajamas all day?

Elevate a pair of boxer shorts by adding a cute sweater, chic tote, and some comfy shoes.

This outfit idea is perfect for late summer or early fall college visits!

If You’re Meeting With A Professor

If you have a meeting planned with a professor during your college visit, you’ll want to dress a little bit nicer.

You don’t have to go full business attire, but you also don’t want to show up to their office in your pajamas.

Here are some outfit ideas that are a little bit more professional but will still be comfy to wear all day:

5. Sweater Vest And Trousers

sweater vest outfit for campus visit
Source: Pinterest

This outfit is the perfect blend of comfy and chic!

The sweater vest and trousers make it feel very elevated, while the sneakers keep it from looking too stuffy.

This is such a good outfit idea if you’re visiting campus in a cooler month.

6. T-Shirt And Trousers

Image Source: Pinterest

Here’s another great outfit idea for anyone wanting to look put together while still being comfortable.

Wear a pair of trousers with a fitted t-shirt for an effortlessly chic look.

You can accessorize with sneakers, a crossbody purse, and some sunglasses.

7. Jeans And A Button Up

Have your heart set on wearing jeans to your college visit?

Don’t worry – you can still make them look professional if you style them right!

Pair your jeans with a basic undershirt and an oversized button up.

You’ll look trendy but still put-together.

If You’re Interviewing Or Auditioning

Some campus tours also include interviews or auditions. These are most common with specialty programs.

If you know that you will be interviewing or auditioning during your college visit, dress in business casual to appear professional.

Here are some cute professional outfit ideas for these types of college visits:

8. Trousers And A Cardigan

business casual outfit for campus tour
Source: Pinterest

A college interview should be treated like any other interview.

One professional interview outfit idea is to wear a pair of trousers and a cardigan.

This is a professional look but still trendy enough for everyday.

9. Skirt And Blazer

Image Source: Pinterest

Another chic outfit idea for a college interview is to pair a skirt with a tailored blazer.

Add a sweater or button up underneath for a polished look.

Just make sure that the skirt you choose is an appropriate length for the situation.

10. Trousers And T-Shirt

Image Source: Pinterest

If you want to be a bit more casual, you can pair a fitted t-shirt with some trouser pants.

This is a great way to still look professional without looking too stuffy.

To make this outfit even more casual, swap out the heels for a pair of white sneakers.

Hopefully this post gave you some good ideas for what to wear to a college visit.

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