What do mature students/postgrads wear these days?

[JemimaMuddledUp]

So, I'm going back to uni to study for a masters. I'm 40. I don't want to look like (a) a lecturer or (b) someone's mum.

What do l wear?

Why not get through the first month or couple weeks, see what your schedule/workload/student social life is looking like and save your pennies for then?

You may find it’s a “go in, nod at fellow students who are polite but don’t really do eye contact, go home and get your Distinction” kind of vibe. If the workload is really heavy, you may just want a “uniform” you can wear every day - I did the whole “black fitted jeans, black fitted t shirt” look beloved by geeks during my last heavy revision session and it worked well not having to think about coordination.

Or you might be at cocktail bars having intellectual discussions every night with stimulating company, in which case you might want to express yourself a bit more

I’m a mature masters student. I’ve worn everything from jumpsuits to jeans to dresses to skirts to workout wear dependant on seasons, weather and what I’m doing immediately after a lecture! There’s no set go to!

I’m a mature (almost 40) student doing a Masters and was also worried before I started about not fitting in/looking too ‘mumsy’. I learnt very quickly that no-one cares what you wear and it’s so liberating! Students wear everything and anything from super smart to scruffy, slouchy. Since starting 6 months ago, I’d say I’ve got more adventurous in my clothing choice, and tend to think ‘why shouldn’t I’, which has been an unexpected bonus of becoming a student! Good luck in your studies - I am loving every minute of it, and hope you do too.

All I can add is that skirts and dresses are rarely worn if ever, and make up is kept to the bare minimum, hair is tied back until nights out when hair and make up is fully done and evening wear dresses and skirts are then worn.

I'm a lecturer and I'd say most students inc mature students are in jeans and a top which may be a t-shirt or a slightly smarter top. Or sweater in the autumn. Lots of workout gear as well.

not look out of place.

Hi @JemimaMuddledUp and congratulations on your place. It might seem strange after years of wearing clothes to 'fit in' in an office, but students are much more likely to dress to express themselves, to show who they are. Who they are will most likely change through the course of studies, so they may have their outward appearance evolve, too.

As PP said, what you have been wearing when off duty, at the weekend, is a good start. Adjusted to suit the difference conditions of different rooms, you would be showing yourself as you are when it doesn't matter what you wear, oh, when you don't have money to waste on clothes /have a mind fixed on more important things.. or, in fact, really enjoy wearing clothes.

It really doesn't have much impact on who you meet and how you get on. Enjoy

@SupposedStudent Nobody Cares. Isn't that lovely? Hurrah

and I've just read @JemimaMuddledUp 's subject update Subject is Computer Science
and felt compelled to add that I work in Technology, and our 'office' wear has been becoming more and more casual over the decades that I have been working in an 'office'. There is now no difference between my work and everyday home wardrobe. Hurrah.

Subject is Computer Science, home of the geeks

I recently finished my masters. Jeans, shirt, hoodie, sneakers.

Thanks for all your replies.

Re the age specific comment, I'm not suggesting that people shouldn't wear whatever they want, but I know I would personally feel ridiculous wearing the cropped tops and distressed jeans that my 12yo daughter wears or the flowery blouses and sensible trousers that my 70yo mother wears. Some styles do lend themselves better to a particular age group.

Delighted to hear that nobody will care, as some of you have said this will be a very welcome change after years of working in an office! The majority of 22/23 year olds I know are recent graduates that have gone to work in offices and they tend to be be very fashion conscious with perfect hair and make up. Good to know that their peers who are still in education are still scruffy!

So, if I base my wardrobe around what I wear at weekends:

Skinny jeans
Vest tops
Check shirts
Breton tops
Plain long sleeved t-shirts
Converse
New Balance trainers
Chelsea boots
Parka over the top when it gets cold
Bobble hat and scarf when it gets even colder
Rucksack for carting all my books around

I won't look out of place and/or nobody will care anyway?

I'll struggle with tying my hair up as I've got a pixie cut. Not wearing much make up won't be a struggle, I only really wear tinted moisturiser, mascara and lip gloss and tidy up my eyebrows.

This really is so much easier than I expected!

I wholeheartedly disagree with @TantricTwist. Dresses and skirts are fine (especially in this weather!). You most certainly could wear your hair out and wear makeup and not look strange; in fact you’ll probably find more students that do both over students who don’t! I studied Psychology and Law at a prestigious university and my coursemates definitely wore makeup. You have to keep in mind that some students will have things to do after lectures eg part time job or socialising, so it makes sense for them to get completely ready in the morning for their full day ahead.

OP, for a lot of students, fashion isn’t a lifestyle so they’ll rock up in mismatched/unfashionable outfits as they don’t care, and so won’t really pay attention to what you’re wearing! You’ll be absolutely fine with just wearing your regular wardrobe, and styling your hair/makeup as you would on an average day. You shouldn’t really need to buy anything new, but maybe you could look into these trousers as they’re pretty versatile and can be worn casually or smartly.

Pyjamas.

I agree that this exceptionally hot weather does warrant skirts and dresses but students are on their summer holidays at the moment.

During the summer term time just finished they have all been wearing loose slightly baggy cotton type trousers that go in at the ankle.

Not hareem trousers though.

Comfy clothes- jeans, jumpers, cardies, t-shirts, basically whatever you would wear to be comfy casual irl.

Loads of students where I teach wear skirts and dresses. Some girls do the full contouring/false lashes look, some wear no makeup at all, and the rest are somewhere in the middle.