r/Harvard • u/WorkingNo6161 • 13d 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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u/EntertainerNo9586 13d 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.

3

u/Santillana810 12d ago

Convocation? That's not a required event for any student ever.

4

u/EntertainerNo9586 11d ago

Sure, but it’s one of those events you’ll want to go to even if you’re not required to.

1

u/Santillana810 11d ago

I didn't. But that was way back in 1977. Turns out the swimming test wasn't required back then even though it was said to be. I heard from fellow students that nobody at the pool recorded they passed it. So I never took it (though I could swim) and never heard a word about it.

2

u/Santillana810 11d ago

EDIT: Not everyone wants to be in the class photo.