Every March my “what do I wear to my thesis defense” post starts popping off, and I know it’s time. Masters students and PhD candidates everywhere are submitting final drafts and sitting in that two week waiting period between paper and oral defense, and the outfit question starts to creep in. Dressing for a dissertation defense can be such a strange prompt–so I asked three recent grads what they would wear. Their ideas, and outfit options, below.
“Dress confident, feel confident” – one recent grad, who opted for dark wash denim, a black blouse, and brown leather shoes.
She also suggested a black top is a great way to not let them see you sweat (literally and figuratively).
Shoptions:
“Some sort of bright shirt and dress pants” -a recent grad, who also suggested wearing something that is like you but “a bit more elevated.”
This outfit is meant to say: it’s ok to show your personality in your defense! If you wear Doc Martens everyday, wear them, if you like bright feminine colors, go for it! It’s important to dress for you! Shoptions:
-A top in a fun pattern or in a color you love
“Some sort of dress and cardigan” -several professors
Yes, for fun I asked my professor friends what they would wear if they had to defend a thesis right now. Several said a dress and cardigan over top for comfort!
Shoptions:
“I don’t remember, I was quaking in my boots” – one of my recent advisees
I just put this point here to say that what you wear will ultimately be one of the least important parts of the day. Whatever you put on, make sure you feel physically good in it, and that it’s out of your way.
Also, yes, a defense can feel so scary! But remember that it’s a rare opportunity to have 3-5 people in a room to solely discuss your ideas and how to improve them. It’s kind of cool if you think of it as a conversation, versus a grilling session!
Have you planned your defense outfit yet? Please share!
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