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Outfit ideas for independent school open day with jeans and cashmere

11 replies

User1839423790 · 17/03/2026 23:02

Help me with an outfit for an Independent School Open Day. I live in joggers or jeans but want to try to make a good impression. I have cashmere jumpers, slim jeans, black skinny jeans. White suede trainers or black suede boots. Any good?

OP posts:
PeonyBulb · 17/03/2026 23:08

All fine except the joggers as you already know

hawleybits · 17/03/2026 23:10

I work in an independent school and see many prospective parents touring around campus. I don’t think parents are judged by their outfits, on the contrary, many are pretty ordinary.

Ilovecheeseyah · 17/03/2026 23:13

I would wear smart trousers and a blazer and a silk blouse, but make it look effortless and unstudied. Eg Reiss

mothersdaywoe · 17/03/2026 23:14

Just bring your cheque-book nobody cares what you look like

Ioverslept · 17/03/2026 23:14

Anything will be fine as long as it doesn’t draw too much attention by being extreme in any sense. Are you trying to impress the staff or the other parents? I would say how you interact will be what causes the most impression, just be warm and friendly, you will be fine! Good luck!

franklymydearscarlett · 17/03/2026 23:18

mothersdaywoe · 17/03/2026 23:14

Just bring your cheque-book nobody cares what you look like

This. Long time parent and PTA member here. Also, wear trainers or flat boots and a warm coat if it’s an open day. Some of these schools have enormous grounds and the tours can go on for hours.

user112256479 · 17/03/2026 23:19

As both an independent school parent of three and a governor, hand on heart, if you fall anywhere between Zendaya at the Met Gala and someone wearing a bin bag, no one will notice or remember.

Just be prepared to traipse up and down stairs and across muddy fields. It will be either too hot or too cold, so a layer you can put on or take off.

Comefromaway · 17/03/2026 23:21

The first one I went to I wore a third hand bobbly maternity dress that smelt of wee as toddler Dd had an accident just after we arrived.

others I wore either jeans and a top or black leggings and a top.

LoserWinner · 17/03/2026 23:30

Jodhpurs, Barbour gilet, M&S roll-neck sweater and Chelsea boots (all well-worn) were pretty well standard among the mums at one independent school I knew well.

BlanklyMyDear · 18/03/2026 07:42

For the Lord’s sake take a decent umbrella. The downpour will start when you’re halfway across the 970 acre sports field. Sneezing into the harpsichords and shivering as you traipse up and down endless flights of stairs will not leave you with an encouraging memory of the school.

No one cares what you wear - within the parameters of ‘normal’.

LemonFancy · 18/03/2026 08:06

I’ve been to a lot of independent school open days and honestly… people just dressed normally. Jeans, jumpers etc. Make sure your shoes are comfortable as campuses tend to be large and tours long.

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