PhD in Clothes

What to bring to an academic conference: Self care essentials to keep you healthy and comfortable

If you’re looking for ideas of what to bring to an academic conference, I’ve prepared many sample conference packing lists over the years! But today, I want to talk about the non-clothing items I always pack. A conference is somehow a marathon and a sprint, but these essentials help me feel my best throughout the weekend!

Conference wear for women: Clothes and accessories I’m loving in 2026

If you’re looking for conference wear for women this year, maybe you’re a seasoned pro of academic conferences–or maybe it’s your first time attending! As someone who heads to several work conferences a year, sometimes I realize my conference staples could use a bit of an upgrade. So here are my favorite “cool girl” conference picks I would buy this fall!

Winter graduation dresses for graduate students

winter graduation dresses ideas for 2026

Are you attending commencement this winter? Finding winter graduation dresses can be a challenge–even moreso as a graduate student. You might finally be wrapping up your masters or PhD, excited to finally be hooded! But, what to wear? Here are some nice options for winter 2026!

What to Wear on Your First Day of Grad School: A Complete Outfit Guide

what to wear to first day of grad school

If you’re going back to school this fall, you may be feeling those jitters! I remember being sooo nervous about how being a grad student would differ from my undergrad: what to bring to class? What would class be like? Could I wear a backpack?! Here are some outfit ideas for your first day of grad school–because there’s enough to worry about without also stressing about getting dressed!

Modern Citizen Review: An honest take on quality, style & value

If you like modern, chic workwear, chances are you’ve been served an ad for Modern Citizen clothing. The brand boasts modern, slightly edgy women’s workwear that is akin to Aritzia and Everlane. Naturally, I was super sucked in by the aesthetic and have placed a few orders — here is my Modern Citizen review. I include my thoughts on sizing, quality, fabric, and finding Modern Citizen on sale!!!

What to wear to faculty orientation

If you’re starting a new professor or instructor job this fall, congratulations! Amidst all the moving boxes, you may be getting ready for new professor orientation and wondering, what the heck do I wear to faculty orientation? It’s a small, yet stressful, fashion question. Here are some tips!!

What to wear to take your academic headshot

If you are a professor or grad student starting a new position, you may be asked to take an academic headshot soon! These may be featured on the department website and they may haunt you for the forseeable future. So, what to wear?

The best bags and backpacks for grad students in 2026

If you’re headed back to grad school, starting a PhD program, or just gearing up for a new school year as an academic, it may be time to revive your current backpack. Here are 14 of the best bags and backpacks for grad students that I would recommend in 2026!

What to wear to your dissertation or thesis defense, 2026 edition

It has been 8 years since I defended my dissertation, but I still remember the last-minute panic of trying to pick an outfit. If you are finishing grad school soon, you might be in the same boat! So today, some awesome, stylish readers tell us what to wear to your dissertation or thesis defense–and they have some truly amazing ideas for matching your outfit to your research topic!

An unsponsored Tony Bianco women’s shoes review

Every once in a while, I see a new cute shoe brand everywhere–and then I realize how many of those posts are sponsored or gifted to influencers. That was the case with the Tony Bianco Gatsby loafer this year, and I was sooo taken in by its vintage look and promise of super-comfortable leather. So I decided to try the brand for myself! Here’s my Tony Bianco women’s shoes review, including my thoughts on comfort, support, and if the brand is worth the price!