Welcome back to a week of academic outfits, where someone in higher ed shows us what they wear to work! This week, Sarah shows us some female dean fashion and talks about how dressing as a dean is different, how fashion is a form of communication, and her favorite blazers and work pants!
Sarah is the dean of a graduate college in Oklahoma. Her PhD is in Research, Evaluation, Measurement and Statistics (REMS), and she has a flock of chickens and turkeys in her backyard! “I am naturally curious and probably no one who knew me growing up is surprised I ended up in academia!”
Why she loves dressing in academia: I love that academia is professional enough to “dress up” and have the opportunity for professional dress, but also laid back enough that you can incorporate trends–like leopard, sneakers, and university t-shirts–into your regular rotation and no one blinks an eye. In fact, staying on trend may give you a leg up, especially when you work with college students!
How do deans dress differently? As a dean/administrator, my colleagues and I dress similarly–business professional most of the time, but business casual on Fridays (if we can) and for certain events (like orientation, freshman convocation, etc). As the head of a college, the dean position is a more executive-level leadership role, and we dress the part.
We regularly attend meetings with other leaders, executives, community leaders, and industry partners. We need to be prepared to get a phone call to attend an event/meeting on any day. I definitely follow these norms, but of course, incorporate my own style.
Where she shops: I love a mix of affordable and splurges. My go-tos for less expensive options are Old Navy, Loft, Quince, Target, Walmart, and Amazon. My splurges are Anthropologie, Ann Taylor, Boden, and Tuckernuck. I am also a huge fan of local thrift stores and shopping online resale sites like Poshmark and The Real Real.
This is an Anthro sweater + Spanx pants–two splurges for my wardrobe, but I wear these pants SO MUCH. They wear well, wash well, and always look crisp.
Her best fashion advice: I believe style has no age or weight, and how much money you have does not equal how stylish you are. It is possible to develop your own style AND dress professionally. Research shows that what you wear can help you feel good and establish a presence.
What you wear is a form of communication–what you are intentionally and unintentionally telling the world around you about yourself. Your clothes can also help boost your confidence, make an impression, and set the tone for your day. Put simply: It is okay (and not superficial) to care about your clothes and how you dress. It is also better to be overdressed than underdressed.
This look is also a good example of splurges with very affordable pieces. The pants are Spanx, the belt is designer, the shoes are Franco Sarto, but the tank is Amazon, and the blazer is Walmart. These scuba blazers are chef’s kiss!! They are structured but have stretch and are so comfortable. I have this blazer in at least 5 colors!
Some final advice for graduate students from the graduate college dean!
1) Be able to clearly articulate to yourself and others why you are pursuing the degree you are working toward.
2) Relationships matter. Make friends with other students and get to know your professors and college staff.
3) You will make mistakes. It’s okay. Don’t be afraid to admit when you’re wrong, when you just don’t know the answer, and when you need help.
4) A good dissertation is a done dissertation. Your dissertation doesn’t need to change the world (it’s TOTALLY OKAY if it doesn’t–it’s the start of your research endeavors, not the end)…your dissertation needs to earn you your degree.
Thank you so much for sharing your style, Sarah! You can follow Sarah on Instagram here.
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