Distinguished Young Women’s Program Interview | What to Wear | DYW Interview Tips
Walk confidently in your style
Planning your look for your Distinguished Young Women’s program interview is an important task because this is where you’ll make your first impression on your judges. Now before you break out in hives, I’m here to make it easy for you so keep reading or watch my YouTube video below.
Let’s begin with some do’s and don’ts:
DO
Go bold with color & pattern! Some people think business professional has to be black, white and boring but that’s not the truth! Use this as an opportunity to show your personality through fashion.
Make it personal! Do you have creating custom jewelry on your bio? Wear a piece! Do you have a love of old Hollywood movies and fashion in your bio? Opt for a retro inspired look! Little things like this are great conversations starters and at the end of the day, that’s all an interview is!
Opt for closed toed shoes! This is one professional attire rule I like to enforce because closed toed shoes just look cleaner and more professional. Bonus for you – no pedicure necessary!
Wear the proper undergarments! There’s nothing more distracting for you or a judge than a bra strap that keeps falling down. If you need a strapless bra go strapless! If you’re self conscious about pantilines get some seamless! It’s all about minimizing distractions and letting your words shine.
(For Zoom interviews only) Consider your backdrop! If you are a light skinned blonde standing in front of a white wall, select a bright saturated color to separate you from your backdrop! Similarly, if you have dark hair and will be standing in front of a dark wall, wear something light and bright to allow yourself to shine.
DON’T
Be too revealing! As I’m typing this I am 29 years old, and I am ALWAYS the youngest judge on the panel! When you are planning your ensemble get feedback from parents or grandparents. If it’s too much skin for them, your judging panel will probably agree. Your ensemble should add to your words, not detract from them.
Wear anything you will fidget with! I’ve seen too many girls pulling and twisting their bracelets, touching their hair that keeps falling in their face or crinkling their flowy skirt in their hands. If you are going to be tempted to touch it or play with it, choose a different option. Again we’re limiting distractions here!
Wear heels if you can’t balance in them (unless your program requires it of course, most don’t!) Your interview is 10 minutes, that’s a long time to stand in one place! Many girls will pop out one heel and rock back and forth which I’ve seen lead to wobbles and some near falls! There’s nothing that will derail your train of thought faster than nearly falling over mid sentence! If you can’t stand steady in heels, opt for flats!
THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE OF ALL – don’t feel like you have to break the bank! This is a scholarship program, you are here to win money – not blow it all on your ensemble! You can easily put together a stellar outfit using items you own or borrowing from a friend! Read on to see exactly how to put together a winning outfit.
OPTION 1 – A Dress!
If you’re looking for a chic, easy, one piece option a dress is a great choice for your interview. The best part, most of you probably have a dress hanging in your closet from church, a wedding, funeral, choir concert or other special event! Just make sure the length is longer than your finger tips and it’s not too fitted. Below are a few great dress silhouettes for your inspiration!
If you love fashion and the simplicity of a one piece, the jumpsuit may be for you! Jumpsuits come in all shapes and colors and feature all kinds of fun fashion elements! A big ruffle shoulder, a wide leg pant, don’t be afraid to try something bold with your jumpsuit.
Option 3 – Two Piece Set
A two piece set could be a skirt and blouse, pant and sweater, dress and blazer or any two piece combination. This is a great option for shopping in your own closet. Whether it’s a printed top or a bold color skirt – don’t be afraid to bring in color, pattern, and a dose of your personal style.
Option 4 – Three Piece Set
While this doesn’t refer to a matching three piece suit, the concept is the same. A blouse, a jacket, and a skirt (or pant) is a classic go to for a business professional look. You can easily put this together from your closet or a friends. Word to the wise, be careful trying to match a blazer and a pant if they were not purchased as a set (especially with blacks).
I hope this has been informative and has inspired you to put together a winning DYW interview ensemble! If you’re still looking for more shopping tips or inspiration feel free to check out my DYW Interview Pinterest page here. I know you’re a busy student and don’t have all the time in the world to shop around so I’ve done some of the leg work for you! Feel free to share with your friends! If you’re looking for help preparing for your DYW interview don’t forget to check out my other resources such as Most Common Pageant Interview Questions and my Advice from a DYW Coach. Finally if you are looking for one-on-one coaching feel free to check out my coaching page.
