https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:12:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2011287 Mon, 11 Mar 2019 09:51:04 +0000 Mel 2011287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beck- I also love the blazer and shoes effect!&nbsp; I gave up on tshirts last summer because I wanted dressier options but now fund myself drifting back to them because of comfort. I figured out that what I really didn't like about them was that they didn't last through too many washings, so now sticking to pima cotton and merino wool "tshirts" which go the distance.&nbsp;</p> <p>Bijou- Thanks!&nbsp; I've actually been eyeing that blazer for awhile. Love the subtle polkadots. Just not sure if I want to take the Boden plunge yet because the returns aren't free. But if I get a list of several pieces together I might do it. I've been disappointed with Banana Republic quality lately and looking for a replacement company.&nbsp;</p> <p>Fashintern- thanks for the clarification!&nbsp;</p> <p>unfrumped- fantastic advice, thanks! I'm realizing now that in the city I am in now I get plenty of hand-me-downs from stylish friends, both quality and subpar stuff, but that in my new city I will probably have to take care of all my own expenses, so need to be a little more discriminating and wise with my purchases.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2011203 Sun, 10 Mar 2019 23:03:07 +0000 unfrumped 2011203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your new program!<br /> So I say middle road. If you have good retail and maybe some sales on fall and winter coats and boots, be prepared with something in each category- good coat, good sneaks and low walking boots. Jeans.<br /> But set aside a chunk for “ fitting in” items and semi- duplicates— can see if certain colors seem more appropriate; do you feel over- or under- dressed; is the winter VERY brrr and you need some really warm gear; are tall boots very common and useful. These could take s chunk of $$. Plus just saving some budget for a winter refresher.</p> <p>I would also focus on FIT Two people wearing exact same types of items- jeans, sweater, puffer— look entirely different if clothing is well- fitting, the right style version, etc. So one purpose of shopping in advance is to be picky about that when you have time to look around. As kind of vice- versa, “ dressier” or more professional clothing- blazers, fancier shoes won’t add anything If not good quality and fit.<br /> This is also where you can take a hint from the minimalist bandwagon. You need enough things for the laundry cycle and a little variety, but you don’t have to load up on items that are below par just to wear something different, because no one is going to notice if judge if you wear things over and over. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2011060 Sun, 10 Mar 2019 07:40:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2011060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't mean to say looking good was looked down on. It wasn't--those two students were discussing what to wear, after all. But looking good was irrelevant--no one was looked down on for whatever they wore. Which is the way I think it should be always and everywhere. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2011049 Sun, 10 Mar 2019 03:28:15 +0000 Bijou 2011049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such great advice here. If you are looking for a nice blazer, I can recommend Boden as good quality and a great way to dress up jeans. I bought this one that Angie recommended a year ago, a number of their blazers are on sale at the moment too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2011035 Sat, 09 Mar 2019 23:53:14 +0000 Beck 2011035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got a humanities PhD in the US a couple years ago. I dressed casual day to day, but used blazers and shoes to elevate jeans and T-shirts for teaching and presentations. The thrifting in my town was awesome, so I was able to add a couple really nice jackets for cheap. I went through a whole stage of shirts with jeans, but drifted back to softer, stretchy shirts, which is what happens to me every time I make a career transition! I really do only need nicer t-shirts and blazers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2011016 Sat, 09 Mar 2019 17:32:01 +0000 April 2011016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Perhaps Bella will also chime in as one of our resident academics... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2011005 Sat, 09 Mar 2019 16:08:08 +0000 Mel 2011005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is all fantastic advice. Thanks so much. </p> <p>April- I too have seen quite a bit of dowdy in my field and it just hard for me to accept that academics are completely blind to appearance. I think there is a part of our human nature that will always respond positively to visually pleasing things.&nbsp;</p> <p>Fashintern- it's fascinating to see that on the other hand, some environments might interpret "dressing up" as a weakness while preferring that other abilites take center stage. I have much to observe and learn.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2010578 Thu, 07 Mar 2019 17:49:49 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2010578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I agree with epigal and runs with scissors--wait til you're there. If your whole point is to fit in/impress a specific crew, it will help to know environmental norms. The wardrobe you describe, with the tweed blazers, sounds like what I've seen historians wear at conferences. English seems dressier (but they're mostly women, so probably not where you're going). There may be differences between departments.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When I was in grad school, I felt judgements about me were based on my abilities more than any other time in my life. I loved that. I recall a time that some colleagues in my PhD program (both women) were discussing attire and I felt so small, so dorky. I said something to that effect, and one of them turned to me and said that I was absolutely dressed in a power outfit (it was the era of the "power tie", "power suit" etc). I said "huh?" I was wearing faded cutoff jeans with paint smears on them, a dark green sweatshirt, and probably tennis shoes. She said that dressing that way showed complete confidence in my abilities as an academic. She was right--it hadn't occurred to me to try to do anything else to be part of the department, and based on my funding and advisor, I'd say it was enough. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>All that to say, dress like Mr. Keating if you want, or like Mrs. Doubtfire if you want, but I hope you get the chance to enjoy being completely clothing-worry free for the next few years, while you turn to the discipline that excites you.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2010484 Thu, 07 Mar 2019 13:45:10 +0000 April 2010484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my experience, graduate programs are pretty casual and faculty are not known for fashion sense, so any effort you make toward style will be above and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>My sister has decades of experience in academia and would tell you that there's a great deal of dowdy out there.&nbsp; Your wanting to look nice and a little bit current will be refreshing.</p> <p>Congratulations to you!</p> <p>And yes, academichic was fabulous -- I think it stopped publishing around 2012, so it won't get you current, but our Angie will take care of that.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2010367 Wed, 06 Mar 2019 22:41:51 +0000 mtnsofthemoon 2010367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to say congrats and enjoy the new journey you will be embarking on.&nbsp; I don't have anything to add re your specific question as I think the responses you got were spot on.&nbsp; But yipee for you its a HUGE accomplishment with more to follow.&nbsp; My DS is currently in a top private school on the east coast for his PhD and as a proud mom I am excited for you!!&nbsp; Also I hope you celebrate properly - acknowledge this milestone is very important.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2010247 Wed, 06 Mar 2019 14:26:13 +0000 Angie 2010247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of great advice here. And a big congrats from me too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2010246 Wed, 06 Mar 2019 14:22:05 +0000 Anonymous 2010246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of caffiene and the diss will take much longer than you think (DH currently working on his...)!<br /> You're probably fine for now, unless you Want to shop-which we can help with Since it'll be 4+ years before you're finished, you really wouldn't want to plan that far ahead-as your preferences and body can change in that time. Coats and boots certainly though will be needed straightaway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2010207 Wed, 06 Mar 2019 07:56:12 +0000 Mel 2010207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Meredith</b>- thanks for that tip! I have only one serious winter coat and it's more for hiking than everyday wear, so I'll figure some winter coats into my budget.&nbsp;<br /><b>Lucy</b>- thanks for weighing in! The tip to have a sweater on hand is great. And right- I won't have responsibilities until the second or third year, so can probably hold off on the more formal clothing until then.&nbsp;<br /><b>Sal</b>- great idea about the shoes and bag. I haven't decided whether to get a serious tote bag or a glorified backpack. And I will be walking a lot around campus and town, so going to put aside extra for good shoes.&nbsp;<br /><b>elpgal</b>- I thought of waiting, too, but the city I am in now actually does have some great retail options that are not easily available where I am going. Also, I'm thinking of the time factor. The first two years are heavy with coursework and leave you little time for anything else, so I thought getting a jump on basic wardrobe needs could spare me the time later.&nbsp;<br /><b>Runs with Scissors and bj1111</b>- Thanks for the blog tip! It looks really cute.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2010186 Wed, 06 Mar 2019 04:19:27 +0000 bj1111 2010186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>defo academichic...the blog had great commentary to go with the outfits </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2010172 Wed, 06 Mar 2019 02:59:31 +0000 Runs With Scissors 2010172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got a humanities PhD (quite some time ago now), at a small private school.&nbsp; I found that overall the students were a somewhat dressier than at the public university I'd come from.&nbsp; Within the department, grad students were pretty casual.&nbsp; Most did not have much disposable income, but I remember many with unique personal style.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Cultural norms may depend somewhat on your school (private vs public, region of the country).&nbsp; And of course you may have conferences, etc. where there is a more formal dress code. Perhaps you could gather some clues from your university's website, or even a Google images search.&nbsp;</p> <p>There used to be a great grad school fashion blog called academichic.&nbsp; The blog is long since defunct, but I just spotted their flickr stream:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/academichic/">https://www.flickr.com/photos/academichic/</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2010167 Wed, 06 Mar 2019 02:40:59 +0000 elpgal 2010167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly? If clothing is not significantly less expensive where you are from, I’d wait till you get here before you shop. It will take you a while to suss out what you will need. Is your college located in a place with good retail options? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2010142 Wed, 06 Mar 2019 00:27:15 +0000 Sal 2010142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations!!</p> <p>&nbsp;I agree - nice outerwear will be essential (great puffer, hat and gloves that you love)</p> <p>I think also the right bag (whether a backpack or tote bag) and shoes are the key components.&nbsp; Usually there is lots of walking - either upmarket sneakers or oxfords or loafers or chelsea boots.&nbsp; I have been eyeing up these oxfords today&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.rollienation.com/derby-snow-pink/">https://www.rollienation.com/derby-snow-pink/</a><br />which might also work for you except in winter.....&nbsp; Practical but also feminine.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2010134 Tue, 05 Mar 2019 23:50:11 +0000 Lucy 2010134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations! How exciting to be accepted into such a super program.<br />I'm a Humanities academic in Australia - so a very different different weather situation.<br />Most of my PhD students dress fairly casually most of the time. I never really see track pants on my campus (I am at a fairly elite institution too) but the PhD students wear a lot of jeans, or casual dresses. Sometimes dressier shorts as we are in a hot climate. &nbsp;Flat shoes are good to get around campus.&nbsp;<br />I'm short and have always been fairly young looking, and I found when I started tutoring in courses as a PhD student it was necessary to dress up more, so undergrad students could see I was staff, not a student. Then, I moved to somewhat more corporate attire. I still tend to dress up more than most Humanities academics I think, as I still can look a bit juvenile otherwise. But TBH I wouldn't worry about that until you are further into your program and start taking on department responsibilities. Your current wardrobe sounds very much like what my grad students currently wear - maybe just have a bit of a minor refresh of what you own now, and see if you have any obvious holes once you start. Sounds like a good coat will be essential! I also always keep a warm jumper in my office in a neutral colour, in case the aircon is cold. Sitting still and writing in a cold office is no good for productivity.&nbsp;<br />You've got this! PS and don't worry about all the men. I used to be intimidated by them - now I'm in charge of them :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2010124 Tue, 05 Mar 2019 22:56:06 +0000 Meredith 2010124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations! I’m going to let the humanities folks weigh in on specific suggestions because I’m in an academic field where style is not valued at all. But I do want to make the general suggestion that you leave plenty of room in your budget for outerwear. You will be so thankful in March if you haven’t worn the same coat for the last 90 days. You’ll want a long puffer at minimum for cold walks across campus. And I like to have a tailored wool option in a neutral and in a fun color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/got-tips-for-a-phd-student#post-2010115 Tue, 05 Mar 2019 21:56:33 +0000 Mel 2010115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi everyone. I've just been accepted to a top PhD program in the US, in a humanities field with about 25% women, and feel like I need to refresh my wardrobe a bit before arriving this fall to campus. </p> <p>The climate where I'll live is four season with a longish winter (where I live now, the winter is very short).</p> <p>Most of my current clothing is on the casual side: lots of sweaters, prints, denim and corduroy, comfy flats. I have one suit, two nice dresses, and two pairs of heels. A few blazers, mostly tweeds.&nbsp; Any tips for basics that I'll need as an aspiring academic? Any blogs you follow? </p> <p>I would like to build a wardrobe that is feminine, professional, and "me" all together. </p> <p>I would describe my style as classic and leaning towards "tailored" pieces, but I love to mix textures and throw in modern or boho pieces here and there. I'm trying to get away from black, my "comfort" color.&nbsp; Any advice or experiences are welcome.&nbsp; </p>