What to wear as a PhD student?

I'm going back to university this month, and thought I would dress a bit smarter than I did as an undergrad (jeans and hoodie). I'll be in some lectures with masters and other PhD students and don't want to come across as a posh stuck up idiot for dressing smart (am female btw). Is this worry unfounded and just go in what I feel comfortable in?

Advice very much appreciated :smile:

Reply 1

username4167452

18

Original post by Noodlzzz

I'm going back to university this month, and thought I would dress a bit smarter than I did as an undergrad (jeans and hoodie). I'll be in some lectures with masters and other PhD students and don't want to come across as a posh stuck up idiot for dressing smart (am female btw). Is this worry unfounded and just go in what I feel comfortable in?

Advice very much appreciated :smile:

wear a roadman tracksuit to emphasise intellect xddd

Reply 2

stettafire

14

Original post by Noodlzzz

I'm going back to university this month, and thought I would dress a bit smarter than I did as an undergrad (jeans and hoodie). I'll be in some lectures with masters and other PhD students and don't want to come across as a posh stuck up idiot for dressing smart (am female btw). Is this worry unfounded and just go in what I feel comfortable in?

Advice very much appreciated :smile:

You might not want to be the guy wearing a suit when all your colleagues are wearing jeans and a t-shirt. But, you can wear a pair of trousers (not necessarily black) and put a casual shirt with it. That way its smarter than scruffy jeans and a t-shirt, but you don't stick out like a sore thumb. Maybe try smart-causal as opposed to all out smart wear.

Reply 3

Noodlzzz

OP

21

Original post by stettafire

You might not want to be the guy wearing a suit when all your colleagues are wearing jeans and a t-shirt. But, you can wear a pair of trousers (not necessarily black) and put a casual shirt with it. That way its smarter than scruffy jeans and a t-shirt, but you don't stick out like a sore thumb. Maybe try smart-causal as opposed to all out smart wear.

Yes I should of clarified - smart casual, not a full on suit! Thanks for the input :smile:

Reply 4

iElvendork

18

The PhD students at my uni dress worse than the students!!
Just be comfortable

Reply 5

stettafire

14

Original post by iElvendork

The PhD students at my uni dress worse than the students!!
Just be comfortable

Ha, ha. Yes, this is true. During my HND graduation ceremony the head of Computing, Science, Technology and Engineering was wearing jeans and trainers underneath his robe

Reply 6

Joinedup

20

Top: Something durable and easy care with a chest pocket so you can have a nice neat line of pens. e.g. poly-cotton polo shirt
Bottom: Black combat trousers - again easy laundry & lots of tactical pockets.

Reply 7

EmperorTortoise

15

Original post by Noodlzzz

I'm going back to university this month, and thought I would dress a bit smarter than I did as an undergrad (jeans and hoodie). I'll be in some lectures with masters and other PhD students and don't want to come across as a posh stuck up idiot for dressing smart (am female btw). Is this worry unfounded and just go in what I feel comfortable in?

Advice very much appreciated :smile:

Clothes are the shackles of an illiberal society. Cast them off and feel the freedom brush against your skin.

Reply 8

Doones

21

Original post by Noodlzzz

I'm going back to university this month, and thought I would dress a bit smarter than I did as an undergrad (jeans and hoodie). I'll be in some lectures with masters and other PhD students and don't want to come across as a posh stuck up idiot for dressing smart (am female btw). Is this worry unfounded and just go in what I feel comfortable in?

Advice very much appreciated :smile:

You should check what some senior academics wear for guidance.

https://thetab.com/uk/cambridge/2018/07/22/caius-economics-fellow-protests-naked-in-viral-video-113007

(In other words, it doesn't matter... :wink:

)

Posted from TSR Mobile

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 9

Joinedup

20

Original post by Doonesbury

You should check what some senior academics wear for guidance.

https://thetab.com/uk/cambridge/2018/07/22/caius-economics-fellow-protests-naked-in-viral-video-113007

(In other words, it doesn't matter...)

Posted from TSR Mobile

Oh it's her again.

Reply 10

mqb2766

21

Original post by Noodlzzz

I'm going back to university this month, and thought I would dress a bit smarter than I did as an undergrad (jeans and hoodie). I'll be in some lectures with masters and other PhD students and don't want to come across as a posh stuck up idiot for dressing smart (am female btw). Is this worry unfounded and just go in what I feel comfortable in?

Advice very much appreciated :smile:

Gown and mortarboard at every lecture, its compulsory.

Reply 11

username2877554

20

A lot of the time I wear a dark tshirt and a black Jean with a black coat on top and I look very smart despite of how much more casual and comfortable they are :smile:

Reply 12

RichPiana

21