What should I wear to my oral exams? ETA: Added Shoulder Pic

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.

Pic 1: Banana Republic

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.

Pic 3: Ann Taylor

Pic 4: The arm ruffle on dress #2

Thanks everyone!

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13 years ago

cinnamon fern

Veteran

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.

Break a leg! Are these your qualifying exams?

Anonymous

I like 2 or 3 as showing the most maturity (professionalism?)
ETA: I forgot about the ruffle in #2, so vote for #3. You look great in all three dresses.

Gaylene

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.

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!

Raisin

Tough call, they all look great. I think I like #2 because the little details and belt are nice touches.

ClaraT

Gaylene is right on (comfy + professional). I vote #3 with covered arms if possible.

You want your outfit to be 'background' only so they can concentrate on your brilliant responses!

Good luck (and have fun).

Kristin L

Thanks ladies! I live in Georgia and I run hot, so I think I may be ok without the topper for tomorrow.

@cinnamon fern - Yes, it's part of my qualifying exams. I took my writtens back in October.

Glory

they are all lovely on you. I vote 3, then 2. Good luck tomorrow!!

nancylee

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?

Good luck on the orals!

Suz

(website)

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!!!

And remember - after this comes the fun part! (The dissertation.)

bj1111

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.

ps...congrats. getting this far is an achievement in and of itself.

lyn*

I vote #3; it looks a tad more comfy than #2.

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

Good luck!

I like 3 too -- hope it all goes well!

BethL

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.

Good luck no matter which dress you decide upon!

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.

I think 3 is great as is! It's a stronger look without accessories.

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.

I added a pic of the arm ruffle. I've always thought of it as ruffle, but maybe I'm wrong.

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