Private school open day -what to wear?

[Prideandjoy2]

We are going to an open day at a school where my dd is considering applying for sixth form. She has been at state school until now, but wants to pursue a sport which is really well supported in this school which is private.I have no experience of private schools and feel a bit intimidated. My question is, what sort of thing do do you to a private school open day? Do people dress formally - suits, dresses etc?

Unless it’s one of the really ‘elite’ schools like Eton it will be fairly informal. At ours the dads usually wore checked shirts and dark jeans type stuff, rarely a jacket and never a suit. Smart trousers & a blouse or an informal summer dress would be fine. Avoid strappy tops baring lots of flesh and any kind of sportswear (football shirts etc)

Do they have photos of events on their Facebook page - on ours there are lots of pics with their kids at parents evenings etc /concerts etc - should give you an idea.

They wear literally everything from formal expensive suits to primark jogging bottoms.

know that it doesn’t matter- an open day is about selling the school to you and not the other way around (entrance tests/interviews are for selling the kids to the school - which is a horrible way to put it but you know what I mean!).

If you don’t want to stand out go smart casual. Clean, tidy and that will do.

Wear comfy shoes, as you may be walking miles especially if you'll be looking round sports facilities!

We went to our first private school open day recently. I wore black jeans and a cream and pink stripy jumper with smart flat boots and a nice handbag. My husband wore jeans and a shirt. Everyone I saw was smart casual - no suits.

They want your cash. They're not going to turn you down if you're wearing Primark.

I wore smart jeans with a blouse to ours, along with a mac for the weather and some smart flat shoes for comfort.

DH was probably in trousers and a shirt or jumper

Just be yourself, no need to dress any smarter than you normally would

Whatever you like but go towards casual rather than over the top.

I sat next to a woman who needed a chair for her bag, everyone was crammed in, she refused to move it off the chair. Don't be that person.

Unless it’s one of the really ‘elite’ schools like Eton it will be fairly informal.

What makes you think parents attending an ‘elite’ school open day wear anything other than their normal ‘outside the house’ / smart casual day clothes?

Which is exactly what I suggest you choose, OP. Anything in which you feel confident and relaxed. The fact you’re there means you want to do your best to support your daughter. That’s all the staff care about.

Tip; if the grounds are relatively extensive wear comfy shoes.

Thanks for replies. I was going to wear jeans, top and linen jacket so think that will be ok.

@Prideandjoy2 that sounds perfect!

Hope it goes well