Is a suit required for Cambridge?

Will there be occasions at Cambridge where it will be preferable to wear a suit? (as opposed to jacket and tie)

You can say yes if you like, as in some ways I'd quite like an excuse to justify the expense of buying one :wink:

-- if so, any advice on the most multipurpose colour/style?

Reply 1

d750

8

Alexander

Will there be occasions at Cambridge where it will be preferable to wear a suit? (as opposed to jacket and tie)

You can say yes if you like, as in some ways I'd quite like an excuse to justify the expense of buying one :wink:

-- if so, any advice on the most multipurpose colour/style?

Matriculation, graduation and many times in between.

Reply 2

Calvin

14

defintely something you'll need. Not all colleges enforce suits to formal meals, but you will certainly need it for matriculation and perhaps if you visit other colleges or go to special occasions. I bought a suit at teh beginning of this year and I've worn it at least 15 times.

Reply 3

Lau200

so lots of smart occasions?
what about dresses for the ladies? many chances to wear them?
Laura
xxx

Reply 4

Alexander

OP

12

Okay, thanks for the info. I was thinking maybe charcoal grey, do you guys think that'd be a good colour for general use?

Reply 5

Socrates

17

Alexander

Okay, thanks for the info. I was thinking maybe charcoal grey, do you guys think that'd be a good colour for general use?

grey is ok but black is better...

Reply 6

Ticki

8

Alexander

Okay, thanks for the info. I was thinking maybe charcoal grey, do you guys think that'd be a good colour for general use?

Yeah, I think that'd be really nice! You don't always need to wear a suit for matriculation, and lots of formals are rather relaxed. I think a suit is generally something useful to have but it doesn't have to be black - I think that would be too formal.

And yes, there are lots of occassions for the ladies to wear dresses. They're not a requirement though as trousers are fine. As long as you look smart it's not a problem. There are a few black tie dinners (e.g. annual subject dinners) and then a few balls where you might want a ball dress.

Reply 7

lskdgjsj

10

Alexander

Okay, thanks for the info. I was thinking maybe charcoal grey, do you guys think that'd be a good colour for general use?

It does depend on your college of course, but the general rule for matriculation photographs, and often formal hall, is subfusc; black is safer, and always suitable.

Reply 8

Ticki

8

svidrigailov

It does depend on your college of course, but the general rule for matriculation photographs, and often formal hall, is subfusc; black is safer, and always suitable.

They specify colours?! Yuck. Alex, your best bet is to check with Downing.

Reply 9

freddie88

5

Lau200

so lots of smart occasions?
what about dresses for the ladies? many chances to wear them?
Laura
xxx

If you're in a drinking society, then yes. I don't go wearing long dresses most of the time though, if you're going to Cindys/Life afterwards then you don't want to ruin your best clothes. A nice skirt and top would be fine. Jeans are too casual unless you're going to Caius.

Reply 10

Camford

12

Suit and dinner jacket. Black is probably the easiest option. As for dj, it's just cheaper to have your own than to rent every time you need it.

Reply 11

d750

8

Ticki

They specify colours?! Yuck. Alex, your best bet is to check with Downing.

You can't seriously email your college before you get there just to ask what colour suit they recommend. They'll think you're a complete joker.

Who cares as long as its dark?

Reply 12

Camford

12

some place might specify the colour of the bowtie.

Reply 13

musicbloke

17

Buy a black suit. I use mine at least once every fortnight. I would recommend buying a dinner suit (or at least a dinner jacket) too as it will be neeeded for balls etc.

MB

Reply 14

homoterror

You will need a dinner jacket sooner or later too, but I waited until Cambridge to buy mine and it seemed to work well. Burton did this awesome reduction on them in the run up to may balls. I can't imagine you'd need one at the beginning or anything, unlike a suit which you will.

Reply 15

Alexander

OP

12

Thanks for the info guys. I've actually got a DJ, it's just that the only suit I have doesn't really fit. I'll probably be getting one -- yay :biggrin:

! (I'm a bit of a fop at heart)

Reply 16

Ticki

8

d750

You can't seriously email your college before you get there just to ask what colour suit they recommend. They'll think you're a complete joker.

Who cares as long as its dark?

I didn't mean to email the fellows, but Downing do have a very active messageboard he could ask on. College usually forewarn you about dresscodes for matriculation etc. when they write to you after exam results are in.

Reply 17

Alaric

10

You'll need a very dark grey/blue but preferably black suit or a DJ for graduation.

A.

Reply 18

Adhsur

15

What kind of formalwear do girls wear? :confused:

Reply 19

Helenia

20

For matric, you’ll need a black skirt and white shirt probably (though some colleges don’t mind so much about this – but your Freshers’ info will tell you). For formals, either trousers or a skirt and a smartish top are fine. For society dinners (Medsoc, Boat Club, CUSAGC), I usually wear a short dress – full length dresses aren’t really necessary. And of course, you’ll need a ball dress :biggrin:

Is a suit required for Cambridge?

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