As a guest at a PhD defence, you wear polished, understated clothing. Think of trousers or a skirt with a blouse, or a shirt with trousers and perhaps a blazer. Choose calm, classic colours and avoid anything too casual or too exuberant. The defence is formal; the reception afterwards is often a little more festive. So choose an outfit that suits both. Below you can read what to expect and how to match your clothing to it.
What happens at a PhD defence?
At a PhD defence, a doctoral candidate defends their thesis in front of a committee of professors. This takes place in a public session, often in a historic auditorium or senate hall, with the committee in gowns. After the defence comes the presentation of the doctoral certificate and usually a reception. Sometimes there is a party or dinner in the evening. So choose something that suits the official character of the day.
The dress code for guests
There is rarely an official dress code for guests, but the unwritten rule is polished and understated. Think of what you would wear to an official reception or a solemn ceremony. Not as formal as a wedding, but clearly smarter than an ordinary working day.
| Who | What is customary |
|---|---|
| Guests | Polished and understated: trousers or a skirt with a blouse, or trousers with a shirt and blazer |
| Family of the candidate | Slightly more festive, but along the same lines |
| Paranymphs | Often more formal and coordinated with each other, in consultation with the candidate |
| Candidate | Formal, depending on the wishes and traditions of the university |
The clothing of paranymphs and the candidate differs by university and by person. If you are a paranymph, always check with the candidate what is intended.
For women: elegant and understated
A blouse with a clear collar works well here. The lavallière blouse with a satin look in white gives a classic, refined look that suits a solemn setting. The satin look gives the blouse just a little more presence for the reception.
Combine the blouse with an elegant knee-length skirt in black. A knee-length skirt is appropriate for both the auditorium and the reception. Wear opaque tights, pumps with a low heel and a tailored jacket or long coat over it. Prefer trousers? Black or navy pleated trousers work just as well.
For men: shirt, trousers and a good layer
- A cotton shirt with an Italian collar in white is the base. With a tie for a more formal look, without a tie and the top button open if you want to keep it a little more relaxed.
- A pleated trouser with a brushed lining in coffee brown gives a warm, rich look that suits February and a historic hall. The brushed lining is welcome in a cool auditorium.
- If you want a lighter combination, a tapered pleated trouser in beige with a navy blazer is a refined choice.
- Finish with polished leather shoes and a blazer or wool cardigan.
Take the venue into account
Many PhD defences take place in old university buildings. These are beautiful, but often cool, with hard wooden benches and staircases. Choose an outfit in which you can sit comfortably for an hour and a half and that keeps you warm enough, with a layer you can take off at the reception. High heels on old stone stairs and wooden floors are not advisable.
Colours: calm and classic
Choose navy, black, grey, white, cream, beige or brown. A colour accent is fine, for example in a scarf or tie, but let the candidate and the committee be the centre of attention. Bright colours and busy prints stand out even more in a solemn setting.
From defence to reception and party
After the ceremony usually comes a reception, and sometimes a party or dinner. You usually do not need to change: the same outfit works all day. If you want something more festive in the evening, bring a piece of jewellery or a different layer. For men, the tie can come off and the blazer can be open; for women, a jacket can come off and a pair of striking earrings can go in.
If you are family of the candidate
Parents, partners and siblings of the candidate often sit at the front and appear in the photos. As family you can choose something a little more festive, for example with a jacket, jewellery or scarf. If you like, coordinate with the candidate so the outfits sit calmly together in group photos. Do keep to the understated line of the day: it remains an academic ceremony.
Photos after the ceremony
After the certificate is presented, photos are often taken, in the auditorium or on the steps of the university building. Plain, calm colours look best in photos and stay timeless. Choose a coat you also like in photos outside, because in February you will rarely stand there without one.
What to leave at home
- Jeans, trainers and sporty clothing.
- Evening wear with a lot of shine or bare shoulders.
- Jangling jewellery that stands out in a quiet hall.
- A large bag you cannot fit under your seat.
A gift and a congratulation
It is customary to congratulate the candidate afterwards. Polished clothing suits the official moment, without needing to be striking. A well-fitting, polished outfit in calm colours says exactly what you want to say.
Be inspired by the Signature Occasions for women and Signature Occasions for men, or take a look at our blouses and shirts.
Shop the look
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, white
Rosa: knee-length skirt, black
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, white
Frederick: pleated trousers, coffee brown
Harrison: tapered pleated trousers, beige
Frequently asked questions
How smartly do you dress for a PhD defence?
Polished and understated, as for an official ceremony. Trousers or a skirt with an elegant blouse, or trousers with a shirt and blazer, is appropriate.
Do you have to wear a suit as a guest at a PhD defence?
That is not necessary. Smart trousers with a shirt and a blazer or wool cardigan are enough. A suit is of course also fine, especially if you are family.
What do paranymphs wear?
That differs by university and candidate. Paranymphs are often dressed more formally and coordinated with each other. Always check with the candidate what is intended.
