What's the best outfit for a female at a university interview?

I have my first university interview soon and I’m not sure what’s appropriate to wear as a female. Should I go full business formal, or is something like smart casual acceptable?

In university interviews, the general rule of thumb is to lean towards the more formal side; however, the exact outfit can depend on the type of university you are interviewing with and their culture.

For more traditional higher education institutions, or when interviewing for a competitive program, business formal or business professional is usually a safe choice. This might include a suit with a neutral shade or a structured dress with a blazer.

For many colleges, however, business casual attire could also be suitable. This can include dress pants and a nice blouse, or a conservative dress or skirt with a cardigan or blazer. Always ensure that your clothing is clean and not wrinkled.

Do be aware that regardless of the interview, you don't want to overdress. While dressing slightly too fancy is better than the alternative, you don't want to show up in a ballgown.

Regardless of the outfit you select, try to avoid bright, flashy colors and opt for more muted or neutral tones. This is not the time to showcase your fashion flair, but rather to present a professional image.

Comfort is also crucial. You want to convey confidence and enthusiasm during your interview, and for that, you must be comfortable in what you are wearing.

For more tips on how to pick out the perfect interview outfit, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/what-to-wear-to-your-college-interview/

Best of luck!