Hello! Occasionally someone sends me a question, and today we have a good one–how to look older as a graduate student instructor, young professor, or other young professional. It’s hard to figure out how to dress like a young professor. Here are some ideas!
Abbie writes: I have a pretty professional teaching wardrobe I feel comfortable in (I’ve been instructor of record for years in grad school), but I’m only 27 and tend to get that “oh are you a senior?” awkwardness even still, and want to avoid that as I start my new position. Any advice?
Caroline similarly writes:
I’m not in academia, but work in a student-facing role at a university. So I’m often meeting with students, building relationships with them AND sitting in meetings with administration and other staff. I struggle with dressing in a way that feels comfortable and approachable for students, which also makes me look like a “real” adult who will be taken seriously by my colleagues. And, most of all, feeling like what I’m wearing reflects who I am. Any advice for dressing when you routinely interact with different populations with different expectations?
I TOTALLY get these questions. Feeling “too young” at a job is such an awkward moment and can add to any impostor syndrome you may be experiencing. I had a lot of doubts about my wardrobe and general appearance during my first semester as a professor. This is also a challenge when asking how graduate students should dress.
Here are a few tips that helped me!
- Pick a hairstyle
Caveat for all this advice: absolutely take or leave it depending on what works for you. If you rock air-dried hair or a ponytail daily, do you! But I’ve noticed that doing ~~something~~ to my hair tends to set me apart from my students.
That something could be whatever makes you feel best. I found this dryer brush the easiest way to style my hair type when I had longer hair. I use this shine serum to make my straight hair look more “done” and less frizzy. Hair accessories can also make hair look like you did something to it.
The Curly Girl method is also useful if you have curls and are looking for products for them.
Also, if you can schedule regular haircuts, that’s a nice way to keep your hair looking fresh and maintain any shape you want when you style it.
2. Pick a bag
Walking into the classroom with a work bag, versus a backpack, is a signal that you might be in charge of things.
Here’s a sturdy option (pink is on sale!), the one I have been using for 6 years, and one I would like as a splurge one day.
Or you can pull a power move, like my advisor, and just walk in with a seltzer water and a single file folder with the day’s lesson inside.
3. Aim for structure
Structured clothing items scream “professional!” Slouchy clothing items can give off “tired at 8 am lecture!” This…is true for professors, too. But faking it a little by picking one item with structure, tucking in your shirt, or using a belt, are all good ways to dress up just a tiny bit.
A few I like right now:
You can also add a structure/confidence vibe by practicing standing up with good posture. I say this, slouched in my chair.
4. Add a personality piece, dress in layers.
Now, onto Caroline’s question–how to feel like yourself, and how to toe the line between “approachable” and “real adult” for students. And, what to do if you go between meetings with higher-ups and student-facing roles.
Students have a sense of your age, no matter how you are dressing. So I wouldn’t worry too much about tricking them into thinking you’re older or younger. But, it is true that as a younger professor, students sometimes find you more approachable (at best) and less of a priority (at worst–I have had students tell me they can’t complete my paper on time because they are working on their paper for {insert anyone older than me in my dept here}).
So, I get it. It’s hard to find the line between “I’m a professional force” and “but you can come to me with something if it’s impacting your education.” Add in a meeting with the dean, and your day just turned into the sudoku of dressing.
May I suggest keeping a smart layer around in your office? I often hang a blazer off the back of my chair for big adult meetings and then leave it there during in-office meetings or teaching. You could also leave shoes at work. I leave my only pair of black heels in a drawer just in case!
Second, a joy of academia is that there isn’t typically a strict dress code. I have recently realized I like to wear one accessory that feels fun or inviting. That’s part of my personality with students, why shouldn’t I show it! Here are a few options I like:
Neon earrings (full disclosure my husband makes these!!)
Red bandana (a red lipstick is just as fun)
What other tips do you have for these readers?
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Thank you for addressing this question! Being the youngest in the room always makes my imposter syndrome so much worse, and these tips are out of the normal “wear a blazer” realm 🙂 Last year, I saw all the freshmen with their parents on move-in day and I blended in seamlessly. That was the day decided I need to stop wearing leggings to the lab!
I am so glad!! Thanks for reading. I do love leggings. Dressing for the lab adds some complexity!!!