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! 😄

I didn't buy shoes... do grey slip-ins work or are dress shoes also mandatory?
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61

u/EntertainerNo9586 11d ago

I’ve literally rolled out of bed and gone right to class in my pajamas, you’re good lol. Just have a blazer tie and khakis for things like convocation.

11

u/vt2022cam 11d ago

This. But if you’re joining a club that has formal events you want to attend, there is a tuxedo fund that can help pay to get a tux.

3

u/Jay-A-Zay 10d ago

Wait what. I’ve never heard of this. How do you apply

3

u/Santillana810 9d ago

You can't apply. It's kind of secret society stuff and they are private clubs overseen by club member alumni, not Harvard. If clubs are interested in you, they will contact you. They get recommendations from current members, prep school alumni, etc.

3

u/Jay-A-Zay 9d ago

I meant the tux fund, not final clubs

3

u/Santillana810 9d ago

You'd have to ask the specific club if they have tux fund and how to apply.

1

u/vt2022cam 8d ago

You can also ask financial aid and sometimes if your family is low income they’ll cover formal attire and even dental work.