Congregation Dress Code

Option 2

A black dress or black suit, or a black skirt with a white blouse or a black shirt, or a white blouse and black cardigan. Dresses, suit jackets, blouses and cardigans should have long sleeves. The Praelector may authorise the wearing of black trousers provided that these, and any accompanying garments, are of a design which conforms to the conditions and formality described below. The overall effect should be conservative — excessively short skirts are not permitted.

If choosing to wear a white bow tie and bands, these must be worn together and not singly. If wearing trousers with bow tie and bands then a jacket must also be worn (if wearing a skirt, then a jacket is not required to accompany the bow tie and bands).

Dresses/suits/skirts/cardigans

• These need to be plain black. Dresses may have a plain white collar.

Shoes

• Shoes must be plain black without ornamentation or decoration such as buckles or tassels. Sandals and boots are not permitted, nor are or very high heels. Shoes should be conservative in style.
• Please note that the walk to the Senate House is well over a mile.

Tights

• You must wear a pair of tights — natural or black (black is preferred). No white or patterned tights.

Blouses: plain white

• Off-white or cream blouses are not permitted but black shirts are permitted and they can disguise the problems caused by a heavy hood attached to a lightweight blouse. Sleeves must be full length, even in hot weather.

Special Note

Graduands may wear whatever clothing they are comfortable with so long as it conforms with one of the sets of acceptable styles and colours listed above.

If graduands do not wear the prescribed dress they will find themselves in the embarrassing position of being excluded from the ceremony by the Proctors. Please follow the regulations carefully. You should be all right if all your own clothing, except for the shirt or blouse, is strictly black.

Those who are hiring hoods are advised to make early arrangements with the robe-makers, as there can be very heavy demand. Tattered gowns may also cause their owners to be excluded from the Senate-House by the Proctors. A hood can be very uncomfortable if it rests on one’s neck and can give rise to an untidy look if it is attached to a lightweight blouse. Safety pins can help and graduands wearing option 2 can disguise the problems by wearing a black shirt, a black dress, a black waistcoat or black jacket, but heavy clothing is not a good idea if the weather turns out hot.

Graduands normally kneel when admitted and the Vice-Chancellor pronounces the Trinity. This practice may be waived with prior notice to the Praelector in writing, as it will be necessary for them to make an application on the graduand’s behalf.