Grad orientation may be the most stressful outfit choice you make all year–because you’ve never met your department before, so you have no idea what the norms are (unless you can rack your brain about visit weekend). Also, it’s realllly hot out right now, which led to me choosing shorts for day 1 of my MA orientation. And then we took a department picture. And I was front and center on the website. And my mom has never let me forget it.
There’s nothing wrong with shorts, I was just the only person in them. So here are some other outfit combos that can keep you cool while being a step above that, just to make sure the first day goes smoothly:
1) Semi-businessy dresses
Basically the only thing I want to wear right now are dresses that are ambiguous enough to go anywhere. Here are a few good ones.
J. Crew Factory is making some really pretty printed wrap dresses right now. I just bought this one in this color.
Any dress that appears to be in a t-shirt material needs to get in my closet now.
2) Not a dress person? Try some fancy joggers.
I now own a pair of linen joggers and am here to tell you they are the most comfortable way to wear pants in the summer.
And J. Crew Factory is selling a pair for $35.
I like the way Everlane is styling theirs with a button-up. Their version is $55.
3) Sleeveless button ups
Not only are they useful under suit jackets later so you don’t overheat, they’re a nice way to look slightly dressier at orientation but not overdo it.
H&M has a good selection of $10 options, because grad school budget.
HAPPY ORIENTATION TIME to new grad students. You’re gonna have fun ❤
