<p>I know my concern might sound shallow, so, with that out of the way... I will be TAing this fall (will teach a language class) as a grad student. I have always had a pretty laid back image (jeans and t-shirt kinda person). Did you guys change your wardrobe or seriously reconsidered what you wore to campus as you became grads? I know I shouldn't look like a teenager or a stripper, but I think it would be silly to try and look all professional if I'm only a grad student (as opposed to a prof.). On the other hand, I feel that I need to look a little older/more serious now. What are your thoughts on this? I am not super worried about it, and of course I am more concerned about many other aspects of life as a grad student, but I figured asking wouldn't hurt ;)</p>
<p>Anyone care to share their opinion or any advice?</p>
<p>Once of my favorite classes was taught by a TA whose wardrobe included a few pairs of Levis, a couple band shirts, a few shirts which were obviously given away free at some function, and some casual button ups. Needless to say, if I saw him on the street I would have never imagined he had an MA and was working on his PhD (presumptively); but, when he taught all concerns about the appropriateness of his attire faded, and his class spoke for itself.</p>
<p>I wouldn't worry about it personally, but I can only give you a student's perspective, not that of your supervisor (which may be more important).</p>
<p>Speak to your DGS. This topic will likely be addressed during your department's orientation. </p>
<p>You are already right on track -- there's absolutely no need to dress like you're interviewing. Usually, dressing modestly (as opposed to faddishly) is the key. Jeans and Tshirts are often fine, but this can vary according to departmental and institutional culture. Also, if you find you have trouble getting the respect of your students, some sartorial changes could be in order.</p>
<p>So just wait until orientation, and ask your DGS what the expectations are in your department.</p>
<p>Ok, Prof X...I have a somewhat silly follow-up question:</p>
<p>What do we wear to orientation? I am not overly concerned but it is just one last thing I am slightly stressing over.</p>
<p>it might be somewhat different in your field, but in mine (science), grad students dress a lot like the undergraduate population ... sometimes even worse! </p>
<p>i might dress slightly better for orientation -- if only to look decent for the pictures that are taken for the department facebook. ;)</p>
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it might be somewhat different in your field, but in mine (science), grad students dress a lot like the undergraduate population ... sometimes even worse!
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<p>No kidding! I had an TA (EE department) that use to wear track pants and a t-shirt that said, "World's Best Grandpa!":D</p>
<p>For what its worth, when I was an undergrad (at least the type that would have been taking a language class taught by a TA) I wasn't in the slightest bit aware that TAs were not professors. The ones that dressed professionally just appeared to be less accessible than the ones that dressed like I did. That being said, I suppose a more professional appearance commands more respect and might make a positive impression on your supervisor. So balancing the issues of respect and accessibility might end up being decided by the dynamic of the class. Whatever you wear, just remember, we all can still recall the name of our old TA that wore slutty clothing to section.</p>
<p>One of my good friends was a TA last year, and she wore nice-ish stuff but not really dressy. Like, khakis or casual skirt instead of jeans, and instead of unisex t-shirts, a fitted tee or top. She's a teacher in a middle school now and she has to dress a bit nicer than that now, but not too much. So I think it kind of helped her prepare for that transition. The grad students I've had for classes dressed similar (except science lab TA's, which usually wear practical items like jeans), although I've seen some that dress like EKtaylor described and I wouldn't have known they were TAs unless my friend said, "Oh hey, that's the guy that teaches my spanish class!"
Personally, I think you would want to set yourself apart from your students without seeming unapproachable. I guess that means not wearing a bunch of crap (like people here tend to do... shorts/old jeans and tees) but not wearing interview-type clothes either.</p>
<p>For orientation, dress comfortably. If you're worried, business casual is a "can't miss" and will always work. (In my humanities department, it's much more casual than business casual.) But don't even think about wearing a suit, unless you are in Business. </p>
<p>And no tube tops, no matter what. ;)</p>