https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 20 Jun 2026 11:27:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit/page/2#post-1235793 Mon, 28 Apr 2014 18:39:27 +0000 rachylou 1235793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the navy sheath (#4) with the dark fuschia topper.</p> <p>Also, I liked your coordinating hair towels ;)</p> <p>Good luck on your dissertation! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit/page/2#post-1235491 Mon, 28 Apr 2014 11:39:45 +0000 Anonymous 1235491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Best of luck! Sure you'll do great!</p> <p>I think my favorite is the teal&nbsp;blazer and navy dress. It's very flattering and looks streamlined and professional, but not overly formal. I also think the wrap dresses in #2 could work, especially the purple one since the color is more subdued. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit/page/2#post-1235454 Mon, 28 Apr 2014 09:42:28 +0000 Karie 1235454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations! My favorites are #5 (more formal) and #6 (less formal). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit/page/2#post-1235446 Mon, 28 Apr 2014 08:37:27 +0000 jenanded 1235446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Best of luck... its such a relief to get to this stage so well done! I like the dress and soft jacket look to cover all bases... cute shoes too! G L xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit/page/2#post-1235437 Mon, 28 Apr 2014 07:47:25 +0000 E 1235437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope everything goes smoothly with your defense! I'm leaning towards the options in 6 as a good balance between formality and academia.</p> <p>Have you tried the topper of the blue linen suit with the navy sheath? Or is it the topper that's too tight as well as the dress? Obviously comfort comes first. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit/page/2#post-1234411 Sun, 27 Apr 2014 02:39:34 +0000 Ledonna N. 1234411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sending positive vibes to you. I am personally loving 4,5,6 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234377 Sun, 27 Apr 2014 01:53:53 +0000 DonnaF 1234377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the navy - navy look -- but only if you don't mind looking like the chair of the department which I don't think is a bad thing.&nbsp; Second choice is the navy dress with either of the colored jackets.&nbsp; I would wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable and most confident and enables you to forget what you are wearing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234370 Sun, 27 Apr 2014 01:42:37 +0000 JAileen 1234370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like 3, 5, and 6 best, and would wear whichever I felt most comfortable and confident in.</p> <p>Best of luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234362 Sun, 27 Apr 2014 01:35:26 +0000 carambola 1234362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like both dresses in 3 and the navy sheath with the blazer in 5 and the berry cardigan in 6. Any of those options would be appropriate in my field, so go with the one that makes you feel the most confident and comfortable. Congrats on making it this far and good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234358 Sun, 27 Apr 2014 01:32:06 +0000 crutcher 1234358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You should first and foremost be comfortable and confident in what you wear so that you can put that aside and concentrate on presenting the best side of what you have done for your degree...I like 5 the Navy with a jacket...Having a jacket gives the outfit an air of authority...My best to you as you defend your work...I can only remember how nervous I was with my defense just three days away...Will send you the best thoughts for a very successful Tuesday... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234330 Sun, 27 Apr 2014 01:06:38 +0000 Jaime 1234330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations! I like the navy with navy but the dresses in #3 also look good. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234312 Sun, 27 Apr 2014 00:21:13 +0000 Helena 1234312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an achievement.</p> <p>I vote for&nbsp;navy sheath with whichever topper you feel most comfortable in. The wrap-style dresses are really nice but I worry they might feel "fiddly" when you are in the spotlight (e.g. if the cami starts shifting on you and you feel you need to adjust). Hair back so it doesn't distract you.</p> <p>Best of luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234302 Sun, 27 Apr 2014 00:01:48 +0000 Anonymous 1234302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heh, I was going to say jeans and a button down is what faculty usually wear to our defenses!</p> <p>Congrats, and I'll be thinking of you on Tuesday! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234300 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 23:58:15 +0000 Mann 1234300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats!!!!&nbsp; I echo the comments above to focus on finding an outfit that makes you yourself very comfortable and confident for the occasion.&nbsp; It's been my experience in my old department that students have worn everything from a formal suit to trousers and not-very-formal top, and there are no strict guidelines.&nbsp; I myself wore a formal suit for my defense as that's what I was most comfortable in given the occasion, and I did not want my clothes to draw attention in any way - beyond a "oh she's wearing a suit" comment I've found people are not very likely to analyze the details in that case.&nbsp; <br />Good luck!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234289 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 23:43:00 +0000 MuseumGal 1234289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks you so much for all your feedback.&nbsp; Hmmm, those of you who mention that I might be a tad overdressed are totally correct.&nbsp; This is archaeology, I could get away with clean jeans and a button down.&nbsp; OTOH, I'm <i>always</i> overdressed, and known for wearing dresses on campus.&nbsp; For my M.A. defense in 2009 (same Uni, 3/5 same committee) I wore the navy wrap dress in #1 with knee high boots and my Granny's jade jewelry.&nbsp; I wanted to wear the same dress again for continuity, but I'm heavier now, and while it doesn't feel snug, I fear it looks snug.&nbsp; </p> <p>Maybe I need to take a look at my conference wear capsule, which is trouser based ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234284 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 23:36:27 +0000 rabbit 1234284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My fav is #6 with the purple cardigan. &nbsp;Hair maybe down but sleek? &nbsp;I also like the purple dress, and the navy sheath with unbuttoned blazer, but think it might read too corporate.</p> <p>I would wear what feels most 'you', &nbsp;and strong, confident, and thoughtful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234283 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 23:35:49 +0000 Beth Ann 1234283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Happy dance!!</p> <p>I like the navy sheath with the teal blazer.&nbsp; It has a bit of great color, but in a business silhouette. </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234282 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 23:30:33 +0000 Lucy 1234282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on getting this far - soon we will be calling you Dr Museum Gal!&nbsp;<br />I think the main thing is to be comfortable, so that you can concentrate on the Defence itself, not the clothes.I like the navy on navy, or the purple dress - that doesn't seem too OTT to me for an academic "occasion". And as for going out afterwards, I reckon you can wear whatever you want to that - it's your day!!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234279 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 23:22:11 +0000 Debra 1234279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have some great dresses I like the navy sheath and navy blazer for your dissertation. A great outfit </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234276 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 23:17:40 +0000 Dee 1234276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, congrats!!! That so exciting to reach this point.</p> <p>I think the navy sheath dress in 5 looks lovely and would totally work, but second the above comments that it may be a little too formal if you're planning on going out after. My department had a long standing tradition of going out for drinks at the local drive bar post-defenses, so we weren't always super-formal. If that's true for you too, I think you could wear one of the dresses in 3. I'd add a scarf for the actual defense and a some tights or nice shoes to make it look a little more professional. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234266 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 22:43:16 +0000 Sveta 1234266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations and best of luck for Tuesday!<br />My preference would be #5 as the most "serious" outfit and the hair up. If you think it is too corporate then either from #6 will do too.<br />What men would wear to the dissertation defense in your field? Suit and tie? Jacket and trousers without a tie? No jacket at all, just button down and slacks? (I hope not jeans and tee &nbsp; )&nbsp;&nbsp;I would take it as a dress code guideline: after all you need to look serious for that day, right?<br />Again - good luck!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234259 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 22:28:20 +0000 Makrame 1234259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like #5 and 6. &nbsp;I would, perhaps, go for #5 for the presentation/oral defense, and then change the topper to one of the colorful versions in #6 for the reception/celebration, if you have one the same day. I agree that #5 might be a touch too formal but (1) it depends on the field and (2) I personally don't mind if the presenter decides to dress overly formally - I figure it's a big day for them, and shows that they take the occasion seriously. &nbsp;</p> <p>Like Diana, my personal choice for this occasion&nbsp;would be pants or skirt and a top (like a button-down shirt, a silk blouse, or a fine-gauge sweater) because we are a fairly informal field,&nbsp;but I like the outfits you picked. </p> <p>Congrats and good luck!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234253 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 22:19:37 +0000 Suz 1234253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I was trying to get at what Diana's saying -- I worry that the navy with navy is too formal/ corporate. But it does depend on your field and your location, I'm sure.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234252 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 22:12:40 +0000 Diana 1234252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations!</p> <p>I vote for #6 - either version. I actually really like the "suit" look in 5, but I worry that it's TOO formal/corporate for the situation. In my field it would definitely be too much. (For the record, I wore bootcut trousers and a purple buttondown to mine, with heeled loafers.). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234242 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 21:55:17 +0000 Peri 1234242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Voting for picture 5!&nbsp;</p> <p>And congrats to you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234238 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 21:50:27 +0000 Angie 1234238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats. Wonderful news.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like the purple dress in #3, and the magenta topper over the black dress is #6. Both fabulous looks on you. I vote hair down.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234212 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 21:24:37 +0000 harmonica 1234212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good question, Suz! In Norway, Sweden, Finland and Germany I know the defense is a formal all-day-(sometimes two days)-and-evening event and two outfits are required. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234205 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 21:16:07 +0000 Suz 1234205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First of all, congratulations!!&nbsp;</p> <p>Secondly, I vote with the others for navy with navy and hair up or half-up (half-back?) -- somehow off your face a bit but not too "studied" or "tight" if that makes sense. You always do great stuff with your hair so I'm sure you will figure out what looks best.&nbsp;</p> <p>But now I will just throw this out there as an additional consideration: What is the custom <b>AFTER</b> a defence where you are? Because my step-daughter defended about a year ago and they immediately went for dinner and drinks following the defence -- so she needed to be wearing something that would work and feel good in that setting as well. No opportunity to go change. What that meant (for our casual small city) was a slightly less formal outfit. I think she wore a jacket with trousers of some kind&nbsp;(not denim, which would be usual around here at the university in her department.) But I know that customs differ in different faculties and different areas.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234203 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 21:12:04 +0000 harmonica 1234203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok - you asked about dress, I know ;-)</p> <p>Is the defense a short thing with just the committee or an all day event open to the public, family and friends? </p> <p>The navy sheath is really great and looks professional. Do you have another lighter topper you could wear? I'm just thinking it is spring and well, for the fun of it. I love the navy jacket too, but would be fun to add a bit of zest for the big day ahead. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help-me-choose-a-defense-outfit#post-1234200 Sat, 26 Apr 2014 21:07:48 +0000 Gigi 1234200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favorite is the navy with the navy blazer, like kkards. I also like the light blue, but you said that was too tight, so I suppose it will be uncomfortable. I also liked no. 6, the navy dress with the teal cardi. I think that the reddish-purple cardi reads a little too casual.</p> <p>I think perhaps wearing your hair up would be a good idea. I think that always adds a touch of professionalism and sophistication.</p> <p>Good luck with the defense! </p>