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Original poster

Do you dress up for work?

32 replies

teeminus8 · 22/06/2026 11:21

Im very early career in a London university, and I've started to dress up on days I'm going in (tiny bit make up, hair tamed, proper shoes etc). I'm starting to resent the mental energy I give to thinking what will I wear on this day, and I need to buy X or Y.

I'm not extravagant by any means, but I'm annoyed I need a summer blazer- but also appreciate I shouldn't show up department wide talks in a t-shirt and shorts.

My HOD is a lovely lady in her 70s and she walks around in her normal biking into work clothes, and I wish we all could. I do know she's earned that in a way and in a league of her own.

Anyways how much do you 'dress up'? Do you think it adds to your career? If I could see the positive benefits I might not be so resentful!

OP posts:
oliviaAustin · 24/06/2026 15:01

Is it really that much energy to buy some nicer clothes and throw them on in the morning? If so why are you so tired

Athwart · 24/06/2026 15:05

CheeryOchreCat · 24/06/2026 14:31

I’m in a humanities department at a London university.

We’re generally quite casual. Jeans are common for both men and women, as are trainers. Casual dresses are also widespread; I generally only see more ‘dressed up’ looks if someone is hosting or attending an event, like a guest speaker or making a presentation.

I think like with many workplaces Covid made us even less formal than we were beforehand. Some older male profs wore suits and ties semi-regularly before Covid but it’s a rarity now. My female colleagues don’t tend to go for blazers or similar.

I do put a bit of thought into what I wear when teaching, mainly as I don’t want to distract or draw attention away from what I’m saying/doing. So I tend to dress quite boring on those days but will often wear jeans for instance, I don’t feel the need to dress up. I’m on the younger side of the department, though whether that makes me more relatable, or tragic, is open to interpretation from the student perspective!

The last guest speaker I hosted for our regular research seminar is a quite eminent professor, and he wore a black hoodie, jeans and runners. 😀

I think the only time I see much male dressing-up is fir graduations, and that’s probably in part because a Thin Lizzy T-shirt looks pretty dopey with a gown and hood.

CheeryOchreCat · 24/06/2026 15:09

Athwart · 24/06/2026 15:05

The last guest speaker I hosted for our regular research seminar is a quite eminent professor, and he wore a black hoodie, jeans and runners. 😀

I think the only time I see much male dressing-up is fir graduations, and that’s probably in part because a Thin Lizzy T-shirt looks pretty dopey with a gown and hood.

Edited
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Sounds familiar to be honest! As are the stories of cycling gear and similar.

My biggest sin is probably turning up with damp hair regularly, as I often swim before work and just throw some product into my (curly) hair and let it dry naturally. It probably does look scruffy. But I think my colleagues (and many students) are used to me by now, also the faint eau-de-chlorine that often accompanies me.

Athwart · 24/06/2026 15:12

CheeryOchreCat · 24/06/2026 15:09

Sounds familiar to be honest! As are the stories of cycling gear and similar.

My biggest sin is probably turning up with damp hair regularly, as I often swim before work and just throw some product into my (curly) hair and let it dry naturally. It probably does look scruffy. But I think my colleagues (and many students) are used to me by now, also the faint eau-de-chlorine that often accompanies me.

Show quote history

It makes you look fit and organised enough to get up early to go to the pool!

Nocommentisacomment · 24/07/2026 10:38

I do. I always dress smartly. Unfortunately, many of my colleagues don’t.

What I find strange is the message this sends. We expect students to take us seriously as academics and professionals, yet some people seem unable to meet even the most basic standard of presentation; something as simple as wearing a clean, appropriate shirt.

Respect and professionalism are communicated in many ways, and appearance is one of them.

Blackcordoroys · 24/07/2026 13:01

I am fairly young and I got promoted to full prof this year. I am sure appearing professional at all times was part of it (not on purpose, just the general aura of Being a Professor Already iyswim). Highly eminent old guys can look like crap and people still take them seriously - the same is not true for women in their 30s

BCBird · 24/07/2026 13:20

I think of my work clothes as a uniform. I like to wear dresses and a jacket- casual look is not for me when working. If i wear something to work, it remains as work clothing. It does not make the crossover into everyday wear

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