Grad School Attire

[malat]

I don't think it matters at all. In my (pretty good) law school, folks dressed in whatever. Winter - jeans and sweaters, spring - shorts and t shirts.

 

[Marcellionheart]

Wear a shirt with buttons on it, shoes made of leather, and pants that aren't jeans and you will be better dressed than 98% of grad school including me when I was doing my masters.

 

[bslo]

Originally Posted by Texastyle

Thank you! I just bid on a great looking sport coat so that advice sounds great.

I'd be surprised if any of the other students wore sport coats. You'll have to decide whether that matters to you. It probably should.

 

[ter1413]

Originally Posted by GBR

It makes little difference and changing status grad versus undergrad does not imply any reason why your outlook on clothes should change. Enjoy being young while you can.

That^^

 

[hookem12387]

I doubt tamu is any dressier than Texas, if I'm right just wear what you wore in undergrad. I tend to look 'dressed up' at UT law in chinos and an OCBD. Though obviously there's always an odd suit here or there for interviews. Good luck in sheep land

 

[alliswell]

Originally Posted by Texastyle

I know that's true for undergrad but I'm hoping its a little dressier for grad school. It's for public administration if that helps.

Like my old drill sergeant used to say: I want you to hope in your left hand and **** in your right hand, and tell me which one fills up first.

Originally Posted by JayJay

It's not. If anything, it's worse.

Because people are poorer. Daddy's not so quick to pay for post-grad education.

 

[barzen]

Originally Posted by Texastyle

I know that's true for undergrad but I'm hoping its a little dressier for grad school. It's for public administration if that helps.
How about an OCBD, chinos, and some more casual leather dress shoes? You'll look put together, but you won't stick out as much.

 

[feastmaster]

Originally Posted by ter1413

That^^


I agree. Wear what's comfortable to you every day.

I'm in grad school now, and 99% of the men wear whatever. In my experience, the women are usually dressed better than the men. Don't be afraid to mix it up, wear a smart outfit one day and then shorts and a t the next day. Something to look out for, which may be foolish, is to feel out the mood of the class. Always look professional for an in-class presentation.

 

[Gibonius]

Originally Posted by facet

That sounds hot.

Think more like "lots of little stupid bunny logos" and less "hot girl not wearing much."

 

[facet]

Originally Posted by Gibonius

Think more like "lots of little stupid bunny logos" and less "hot girl not wearing much."
Darn.

 

[yachtie]

Based in the lives of most grad students, a prison uniform would be most appropriate.

 

[HomerJ]

Originally Posted by barzen

How about an OCBD, chinos, and some more casual leather dress shoes? You'll look put together, but you won't stick out as much.
And if you teach, wear a jacket on those days. This helps your students take you a bit more seriously, particularly the non-major seniors in your class who are older than you.

Originally Posted by yachtie

Based in the lives of most grad students, a prison uniform would be most appropriate.
No, that's for your postdoc.

 

[blahman]

Originally Posted by Gibonius

Think more like "lots of little stupid bunny logos" and less "hot girl not wearing much."

Bet she's Chinese.

 

[Texastyle]

Thanks for the advice guys. One other quick question.... I know most of you said that a sportcoat wasn't needed, but I was hoping to pick one up anyway. I really like this herringbone jacket from J Crew but I'm not sure if the fabric is a bit old manish. I can pick it up for 150 so I was wondering if that sounds like a good deal. http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/...bone/33995.jsp Thanks again for all your help!

 

[unbelragazzo]

Originally Posted by Texastyle

Thanks for the advice guys. One other quick question.... I know most of you said that a sportcoat wasn't needed, but I was hoping to pick one up anyway. I really like this herringbone jacket from J Crew but I'm not sure if the fabric is a bit old manish. I can pick it up for 150 so I was wondering if that sounds like a good deal.
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/...bone/33995.jsp

Thanks again for all your help!

Isn't this jacket way too short for the guy in the pic? Anyway, just piling on with everyone else...I just got out of grad school. No one would ever bat an eye if you never wore anything but jeans and tshirt your whole time there. People often dress up a little bit for presentations - like slacks and a buttondown, not a suit or anything. I started wearing a blazer to class when I started teaching just to give me some air of authority and separation from the students, but I don't think anyone else did. At most campuses professors dress very casual as well. Unless you're defending your dissertation, doing a job interview, or graduating, you shouldn't really ever wear a tie.

(caveat that this was a phd program...might be different for law, business, or other professional schools)