How to avoid looking like an undergrad in grad school

 

Is this a common grad school anxiety? I think it is. If you’ve come straight out of your undergrad, you probably want to look older so that you don’t get hit on by some guy in the dining hall line who asks, “so, are you a freshman?” (#truestory). Some ideas:

-Messenger bag or tote>backpack. Some suggestions.

-Mix one business casual piece in with your casual wear (in this case, oxfords).

-Sweat pants/workout clothes are awesome and you have every right to wear them but they may increase the risk of the aforementioned junior-guy-hits-on-you scenario.

-Glasses have been shown to boost your perceived credibility.

You could also just decide you don’t care if someone mistakes you for an undergrad! But on days when you do care, the above can be helpful.

What to wear to academic conferences

What to wear to an academic conference, pt. 4.

This year I’m presenting on the last day of the conference. These J. Crew skinnies look nice but will be comfy when I head straight to the airport. This is my last day of outfit planning for an academic conference. Real embarrassing ootd shots from the conference itself coming soon!

Shirt- Loft

Pants- J. Crew

Wedges- Nordstrom Rack, old (similar)

Bag- Thrifted (similar)

What to wear to academic conferences

What to wear to an academic conference, pt.3. A pencil skirt can feel tooo business to me (especially when I show up to a conference and half the people there are in flannel/khakis, though I guess that’s a discipline-specific problem), but this button up is soft and casual, unlike a dress shirt, so it tones the skirt down a little.

Skirt- J. Crew

Bag- thrifted (similar)

Shirt- Madewell

Wedges- Nordstrom Rack (Similar)

Glasses- Zenni

What to wear to academic conferences

What to wear to an academic conference, pt. 2. I like to bring one work dress and wear it on its own and then layer it with a blazer a couple days later.

Dress- J. Crew, old (similar cut, great winter version for freezing hotels, more affordable)

Wedges- Nordstrom Rack, old (similar)

Purse- thrifted (similar)

Cropped Blazer- old (similar)