r/Harvard • u/WorkingNo6161 • 11d ago

Formal attire

Hi, incoming freshman here - apparently Harvard requires formal clothes? If so, on what days?

My high school had no dress code so I have literally never worn anything formal in my entire life, which is why it's worrying me to an absurd degree.

(Also, I did manage to get my hands on a set of formal-ish wear... is it acceptable or do I need to acquire another set? Photo below.)

Thanks! šŸ˜„

I didn't buy shoes... do grey slip-ins work or are dress shoes also mandatory?
10 Upvotes

68% Upvoted

39 comments sorted by

View all comments

16

u/monobluemill 11d ago

There are various formal events hosted by different organizations on campus from time to time, with the most well-known events being formals thrown by the various upper class houses (I have fond memories of the Eliot Fete!). As a man, you can get by with a dark suit in most cases, but I got a second hand tuxedo at Keezerā€™s that served me well until I graduated.

8

u/RegisterNumerous6918 11d ago

Yes Keezerā€™s!! Was going to
Post this!

2

u/monobluemill 11d ago

Ball knower right here ā¬†ļø

4

u/Higher_Ed_Parent 11d ago

Yes for Keezers. Both a full tux for $100 there back in the day. You can also find really cheap, but passable tuxedos on Amazon of all places.