Grad Student Style: Dissertation Defense
Well, this is it: my final "grad student style" outfit post! I successfully defended my dissertation to my committee members a week ago and now just need to make a few edits to my dissertation before turning it into the thesis office. I'm super proud of myself for sticking to my schedule of finishing up in summer 2017 (defending before my brother's high school graduation to give me time to make edits before my dissertation is due for summer graduation). Yay! I'm so happy I'm past the last major hurdle!
What to Wear to Defend PhD Dissertation
If you read my recent budget post, you probably noticed that I originally ordered this Leith dress and this Olivia Moon blazer to wear for my defense. I didn't really think about what I was going to wear until about a week before my defense... Not a good plan! I wasn't thrilled with any of the options in my closet (especially because I was planning to wear my black Ferragamo 'Vara' pumps), so that's why I decided to order a couple of other things. The dress turned out to not fit quite right in either size I ordered, and I didn't know what other dress (or top and skirt) to wear with the solid black blazer, so I ended up not wearing either item.
Instead, I opted for my backup plan: my old, solid navy sheath dress by Old Navy (bought and worn a couple of years ago to the commencement ceremony for my master's, but never blogged until now) and my old nude-to-me pumps by Cole Haan. The dress is one of my more professional dresses, and I love the shape! It fits perfectly, plus it has pockets. I'm impressed with the quality considering it's from Old Navy. The pumps are classics and perfect for any formal occasion. The earrings added a touch of sparkle, and my Longchamp bag hauled my computer and other necessities. I brought a cardigan along, but luckily the room wasn't cold enough to need it!
Check out more grad school outfit inspiration!
OUTFIT DETAILS
Old Navy dress / old; similar by Lands' End
Cole Haan pumps / old; similar or similar
J.Crew earrings / old; similar from Macy's
Longchamp bag / exact
Dior Addict Lip Glow in pink / exact