posted by on February 9, 2010
dmps1065 asked:


I have been invited to a reception/cocktail party that is celebrating the launching of a new academic journal. I am one of the authors (my first pub). I am an alumni, and many of my former faculty members, students, and the Dean will be in attendance. I would expect that I will be speaking, if only briefly. What does one wear?

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2 Comments to “What should I wear to an academic cocktail party at a major university?”

  1. hello Says:

    Formal attire, light-colored shirt, pants and tie

  2. szivesen Says:

    Be yourself, but be professional. A nice suit is never out of place for a guy–maybe a unique tie that is a little funky for a dash of fun. If you are female, a nice dress or fancy pants/top would be fine. Again, maybe an interesting scarf or piece of jewelry is good.

    Although this is hopefully going to be a fun event, and a celebration, treat it more as a work-related outing than as a party and dress and act accordingly. I’ve seen too many people (faculty and others) forget that, have a bit too much to drink, and then get a little more exuberant or outspoken than is really appropriate for the situation. You want to be remembered as the up-and-coming author–not as the life of the party or the loud and abrasive one.

    Good luck! Congrats on the writing project.

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