Not as frumpy as I thought they would be! I highly recommend a camisole under every outfit — I particularly like the tanks from Express. I think I have about 7 in different colors. They help transition less professionally cut tops into the job situation by adding coverage.
Plus, they are really helpful in concealing unflattering sweating on those tense days! I wore them under dresses, under button downs, under everything, basically. Oh, and Spanx the Target kind work great and are much cheaper. Hi, I am excited to be starting a new assistant professor position this Fall.
I am already starting to think about proper attire and want to plan accordingly. I was wondering if you had any advice. I am certain a blazer would be best, but am not sure if a suit would be over the top.
Phil, thanks for asking! I have two responses. This will vary based on region, type of school, etc. At my beloved U of Oregon, no man would show up in a sport jacket unless the President ie, Obama himself were visiting his class. Love this post! They have lots of good basics, in all sizes, and the clothes last long if you take care of them. I also like ATL. Re: the button-down blouse gapping issue — I am also busty, and double-stick fashion tape has made it possible for me to wear button-downs again.
Takes less than a minute to apply and holds all day, in my experience. It can also be used to remedy the visible bra strap issue you mentioned….
The brand I linked to might be slightly pricey for some, but there are other brands that might be cheaper. Hi Karen, thanks so much for this. Any advice??
What would you say to a young grad student applying for a adjunct faculty position? So unfortunately second hand shops are out of the question for me, besides shoes which I buy a lot of on the thrift there is nothing in my size at thrift, or at most department stores even. Poorly fitting clothes are my flaw of life, and seamstresses are so expensive around here.
I normally have to buy pants 3 sizes bigger to be able to purchase a long inseam and then take in the sides 3 sizes down. So I normally wear pencil skirts or curve accentuating dresses empire waistlines make me look eleven , but I fear I still look too young in a skirt or dress. I understand that it is going to get expensive for me no matter what unless I move out of the US to Europe where stores actually cater to people my size so what are some tips to help me make the right clothing choice to look older, authoritative and in charge?
Adjuncts can get away with more than assistant or regular professors. However, we do want to set ourselves apart from our students. Most stores offer long styles on their websites. Stores like Talbots and Ann Taylor Loft do. You can order long styles in a small size, and it should fit better. New York and Company keeps long styles in the store. Wearing turtlenecks with cardigans or jackets over them can help accentuate your body without making you look young.
Then, just find a small, fitted jacket. Jackets today are very fitted, so that should make it easier. Try places like Banana Republic and Express. They are for older, but still trendy, women, so they have smaller clothes than the department stores. Go when they have their sales for great deals. Having a lot of difficulty giving up the backpack. Any links to great bags made for bike commuting?
I like this shop on Etsy for her handmade ones. This Skullcandy is extremely borderline because it looks more backpack than briefcase, but I suspect that it could look kind of hip and urban with the right clothes.
Any suggestions for assistant professors in the physical sciences at a research institution, particularly in the beginning when work in the laboratory is often required? You suggested ditching the ponytail, but what about those of us blessed with frizzy hair in humid climates? Also, it would be great to comment on how to dress during pregnancy at both the interviewing stage and once you have the faculty position.
I had a few job interviews during pregnancy and was able to squeeze into my suits with the help of the belly band at 7 months , but I certainly would have been more comfortable in a dress with a jacket. I believe though that a ponytail would be quite appropriate for that situation! Is the rule of thumb always to take briefcases, or would something like this be appropriate? Yes, definitely. I thought I had something about messenger bags on the blog somewhere—must be in a different post! Hi Karen, Thanks for the helpful advice!
I have a job interview for an assistant professorship soon and I have a question about shoes. I am wearing a dark navy suit with a skirt to the interview. What do you think? This is a long overdue conversation! The sartorial question has puzzled me ever since I began my assistant professorship, three years ago. Because I am a younger-looking female in my 30s and constantly get mistaken for a student, everywhere, including my own university and by undergraduates, I am really mindful of clothes and appearances.
In the first year I tended to wear lots of slacks, heels, blouses, office dresses, all very nicely cut and super comfortable. Yet, I never felt comfortable wearing any of this whilst teaching! I felt like someone who just walked into the wrong room at a convention centre.
I actually felt on show, and exposed. Not to mention that my heels went click-click every time I walked to the board and back in some classrooms! And then, one day, I just said — sod it! I started to wear what I normally would.
Not only did I feel much better in my classroom but I became more relaxed, students became more relaxed and more engaged.
And, agains all my expectations, my authority was not compromised. How can I reconcile the need to be mobile, relaxed and comfortable in class with looking professional? Why are some clothing choices ok for the male staff, of all ages and less so for female staff? Or am I just imagining things? Oh, and I must second your advice about the haircut — especially that it should be the first thing invested in! And, moreover, it must be maintained every weeks, otherwise, all that money is wasted.
Never cut corners on personal grooming, even if you have to do that for clothes. I did not do any others—i intended to, but then many more pressing blog topics intervened! Let me check and get back to you!
Here it is! By the way, you all write the same, which explains the glazed expressionless yawn overtaking most- no wonder academia is biting the big one- no creativity, no freedom and certainly no expression.
I want to thank you for a much needed discussion. I would have to agree about the haircut and personal grooming advice. I have a bit of an odd situation here which deviates quite substantially from the picture you have painted of the young female academic in the US. I have finally landed my first sessional instructor position in the faculty of arts. I live in Canada, where six months of the year is ice and snow, and heels are just not practical.
I get mistaken for a student on a regular basis. Our campus in Calgary tends toward a more professional appearance.
I was actually told just after a faculty meeting by one of my old professors that a backpack will not differentiate me from my students. Yet other male Faculty members were in jeans — this is the Art Department after all.
Yes, this is unfortunate as I have a back injuries b tend towards healthy living so I carry a lot of stuff, and c no vehicle at this time, so I take transit.
I see quite a few business people downtown sporting backpacks. I had it done online and I have never been happier. It really does wonders for the appearance. All the colors co-ordinate, and you can actually save a lot of money in the long run. I also researched body type and cut of clothing. There are some excellent websites that explain the basics of design as it applies to body type.
I am not particularly comfortable in a skirt, so I tend towards the pants and sweaters option, and I would like to thank you for the photos at the beginning of this thread, as this is a look I can defiantly pull off.
One wears tights a lot, grey, and dresses no different than a trendy grad student. What I have been doing with my hair up to this point is a loose bun at the back secured by a pewter colored jeweled clip. I would like to do something different but have no idea what. I am still at a total loss as to what do do about shoes, backpack, hat in winter on busses or walking long distances, that will still look professional while most others are wearing tights and boots, or driving.
All this on an extremely limited budget, besides. The other quandary is what to do with my nails as an artist. Basically they take too long and last about three days, or less if I spend time painting in my studio. Fieldwork left me with a neck injury due to having a bag on one shoulder and I have been told I have to wear a backpack by my RMT.
I found one that converts and looks somewhat professional but will only hold a laptop, so I have to do that plus a large purse. I also frequently use scarves, to add some colour, and to keep things modest. But on the U of Oregon campus plenty of faculty bike everywhere and wear basic functional clothes. Also in terms of the backpack, do just get one that has a side handle and can tuck in the straps to convert to a briefcase—-that is, when you actually need that for conferences or interviews.
I have one last question for you, as tall boots are quite on-trend these days, what is the general opinion towards the tights and boots option using, nice tights, or pants, or suit-pants which were designed to tuck into boots, with of course longer tops — as an option in cold weather climates. Is a dressy version of that a realistic option or is that just too casual for on-campus? It is a look I just love, as I have taupe leather flat boots and love silver-grey, muted amethyst etc.
I solved the back-pack problem by ordering a nice leather convertible bag from mims maine on etsy, thank you for that link. It was not technically within my budget but it was worth it. Thank you, once again. I usually end up wearing baggier or sporty clothing to constrict or hide my chest. However, I am about to start interviewing for assistant professorships but I am so nervous about what to wear and being prejudged on my body shape.
I saw something about button up shirts but those never seem very flattering to me. I am very short as well so its kind of hard for me to find clothes that fit right, my legs are long and slim, I have a very short waist and then a large chest, not a fun shape to dress for professionally. Where can I find help to find an outfit that draws attention away from my chest and back to my eyes during an interview or conversation and its not just men, its women too. I would prefer to wear funkier stuff but I fear that with my body type this would further create the wrong first impression.
Can anyone comment on how to deal with this issue? It would be great to get some male specific advice on teaching attire. Also be sure and read the comment stream—some guys wrote in with excellent advice. Like others, I was hoping that you had finished the five part series!
Looking for advice on jewelry for the post-tenure woman since my field is one in which tenured women tend to be very bling-y. Hello, Karen, Thanks for writing such an amazing blog. I have a question about wearing dresses on campus visits. Plus, dresses are the height of practicality! Am I risking looking too girly by waving my femme flag high, so to speak? Thanks for all of your help, C. These stores should be something rather fancy, probably outside of your range if bought at retail, such as Ralph Lauren, Theory, Calvin Klein, Elie Tahari, Kate Spade, j.
Try things on. Be daring. Do not go for what you always wear. Do not pay attention to the price tag, but do take note of your size for each designer. What you want is to figure out a few items that look absolutely splendid on you, in terms of shape.
Maybe you can rock a shift dress, a simple warp dress, or a fit-and-flare dress. Trust your judgement, but be merciless. Find the brands that suit best your shape. Concentrate on finding the shapes you need. I find that it is better to go as bright and saturated as you can pull off. Grey can easily look cheap and, by itself, lacks lustre.
Old black things turn grey… and then looks cheap. Work on establishing colour schemes you like. Some people wear clothing in neutral colours, but use bags, shoes and jewellery that are bright and distinctive.
Others prefer to wear brighter clothing, without accessories or with neutral accessories. Some like jewel tones, some like pastels, some like strong contrasts. Thrift stores are great and are cheaper, but they require more digging than consignment stores. Always pick the stores that are in the poshest districts.
I go to the one in West Hollywood, where all the rich people and the fashion stylists bring their unwanted things. You can also visit the sales section of their stores, or discount stores like Nordstrom rack that tend to carry your brands. Whatever you do, do not buy retail. Also, get used to recognising high quality clothing.
Still, dated is better than ill-fitting. The worst thing that could happen might possibly be that they do work for you!
I have absolutely no idea what to pack. Please, please help me out since I have to start getting ready for the big move soon! Should we just stop listening to this kind of advice in order to look professional in our day-to-day jobs? Is there any hope to come across professionally in flats and a back-pack for daily teaching and normal campus duties?
What do female college professors wear? How should a college professor dress? Is there a dress code for university? Is there a dress code for Oxford University? Does Harvard have a dress code? Does Yale have a dress code? Previous Article How do you use syllogism? Next Article Was Isaac Asimov a genius? If it is a ring, let it match your attire.
For those who wear glasses, remember to swap the frames on the glasses to make them fashionable. Wear a nice watch to add to your outfits. If you intend to glance at the watch too often, then go for the one with a larger face since it will be simple to read. Basically, follow the ideals of good men dressing to avoid wardrobe failures and mistakes. Polish the hair in a way that is easier to maintain.
Whatever the size, it should look clean and well-polished. Put on official shoes that blend well with your suit. A female professor should wear official attires always. For example, she should put on a knee-length skirt plus along sleeve top.
The long sleeve top must not show much skin. Furthermore, you should invest in comfortable blazers and dresses of different colors. The female professor should avoid skin-revealing clothing or low cut dresses.
Such ensures that you are presenting a professional face to your students. Let the top cover your midriff, and let the bottom cover your waist. In her outfit, a female professor can opt for closed-toed shoes plus insoles that have cushioning.
Just like male counterparts, wear statement jewelry such as rings, bracelets, or earrings that polish blend well with your suit. In addition, it is good to keep the make-ups minimal or relatively simple despite the temptation of trying to be a hot professor.
In the same way, style let your hairstyle be easy to maintain. As an intellectual, it is advisable to let the hairstyle appear professional to your audience and the educational tasks you carry as a lecturer. Make sure that your hair remains clean and polished.
A professor should dress well to create genuine impressions because they are not immune to being judged based on how they look. Professors interact with students, and several people hence need to put their best. Here are some of the best tips to follow:. It is vital to wear age-appropriate clothing as a way of cultivating a professional persona.
Dress well, knowing that the public will be judging you by your clothing. You should imagine how your audience will perceive you. You should stick with the latest trends or classics or anything in between the two. Whenever you doubt, you can opt for an approximation of business casual to avoid grey areas. Wear an attire that will command authority to your students. It can be fashionable but official.
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