https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 08:16:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793878 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 22:00:31 +0000 Kristin L 793878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone for the advice and words of encouragement! With either dress, I'm planning to wear my pearl choker and earrings. Having a little bit of jewelry on me feel a little more comfortable.</p> <p>I added a pic of the arm ruffle. I've always thought of it as ruffle, but maybe I'm wrong. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793848 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 21:32:10 +0000 cinnamon fern 793848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A couple people have suggested you need a topper for appropriateness. I don't know what field you're in, but in my humanities field, you would already be more formally dressed for such an occasion than average, and bare arms would be totally appropriate. </p> <p>I think 3 is great as is! It's a stronger look without accessories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793785 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:15:44 +0000 BethL 793785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote for #2 or #3. I really like #2 on you - it's a beautiful dress. And, yes, I understand the criticisms about it. I still think it would be appropriate, especially since it wouldn't need any other accessories. I have to confess that I haven't been to anyone's orals or thesis defense in a really long time. I guess it depends on how obvious/ostentatious the ruffle on #2 really is. It doesn't look so in the photo. #3 is perfectly fine - it's very simple and maybe that's the best thing here. Maybe a scarf? A small square tied right at your neck might be perfect.</p> <p>Good luck no matter which dress you decide upon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793731 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 18:48:16 +0000 Anonymous 793731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like 3 too -- hope it all goes well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793725 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 18:45:17 +0000 lyn* 793725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote #3; it looks a tad more comfy than #2.</p> <p>The last oral exams I sat for; there was one candidate who had a beautiful diamond necklace - unfortunately; all I remember about her is I was blinded by her necklace! So hint to go simple with the accessories :)</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793716 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 18:40:06 +0000 bj1111 793716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>you need a jacket or structured sweater, depending on yur field norms. you want them listening to your words, not distracted by your milky arms.</p> <p>ps...congrats. getting this far is an achievement in and of itself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793711 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 18:37:23 +0000 cinnamon fern 793711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And remember - after this comes the fun part! (The dissertation.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793676 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 18:13:55 +0000 Suz 793676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would vote for #3. It is classy and professional and also, you've worn it before and know you are comfortable in it. Now, go out and WOW them!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793673 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 18:10:53 +0000 nancylee 793673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Initially I thought #2 because it's professional with a little more detail interest than #3. But the more I consider the ruffle, the more I think you should go for #3. It's the most professionally appropriate of the three. Maybe add a subdued necklace or scarf just to add a little interest?</p> <p>Good luck on the orals! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793665 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 18:04:21 +0000 Glory 793665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>they are all lovely on you. I vote 3, then 2. Good luck tomorrow!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793649 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:45:59 +0000 Kristin L 793649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks ladies! I live in Georgia and I run hot, so I think I may be ok without the topper for tomorrow. </p> <p>@cinnamon fern - Yes, it's part of my qualifying exams. I took my writtens back in October. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793644 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:36:09 +0000 ClaraT 793644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene is right on (comfy + professional). I vote #3 with covered arms if possible. </p> <p>You want your outfit to be 'background' only so they can concentrate on your brilliant responses!</p> <p>Good luck (and have fun). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793637 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:30:47 +0000 Raisin 793637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tough call, they all look great. I think I like #2 because the little details and belt are nice touches. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793631 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:27:05 +0000 Gaylene 793631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my opinion, this is one occasion where your goal is to wear something that feels comfortable, yet looks professional. If I was on your committee, I could totally see the Ann Taylor dress working in this context. The other two could work, but they are a bit more attention grabbing, especially with the peep toes on your feet. The Ann Taylor seems to tone down the peep toes, if that makes any sense.</p> <p>I'm also used to seeing arms covered, but I do work in a colder climate, so take that into account. Another tip: you might want to consider finding some means of clipping your long hair back, especially if you tend to fiddle with it if you get nervous. A recent candidate had long hair which she constantly kept flipping around; it was such a distraction that her hair became the first topic of discussion when she left the room! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793630 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:26:44 +0000 Anonymous 793630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like 2 or 3 as showing the most maturity (professionalism?)<br /> ETA: I forgot about the ruffle in #2, so vote for #3. You look great in all three dresses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793629 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:26:26 +0000 cinnamon fern 793629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote #3. I have a thing about ruffles, and 3 seems like more of a work dress than 1. I am worried about the lack of a topper, though - you don't want to be freezing all through your exam.</p> <p>Break a leg! Are these your qualifying exams? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-should-i-wear-to-my-oral-exams#post-793615 Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:05:38 +0000 Kristin L 793615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My oral exams are tomorrow. In an attempt to try to relax a little, I'm debating what I should wear. I'm between 3 dresses and would appreciate some help from the wonderful people of the YLF forums. I've already decided on wearing my my low heeled BCBG heels because I know I can stand and walk around in them for several hours and not be in pain. As much as I'd love to wear my gold glittery heels, I don't think they are quite as professional as I want to look. I've also realized from this that I need to find a dressy cropped cardigan or jacket to wear with my dresses. </p> <p>Pic 1: Banana Republic </p> <p>Pic 2: Antonio Melani - It's hard to tell from the pic, but this dress has a light cream pinstripe and a small ruffle around the arm hole.</p> <p>Pic 3: Ann Taylor</p> <p>Pic 4: The arm ruffle on dress #2</p> <p>Thanks everyone! </p>