There are two dress options under each heading. While everyone taking part in the conferment festivities has the right to observe the dress code they find the most suitable, the participants are expected to dress in a consistent manner according to their choice at all events included in the festivities. In some of the events, the choice of attire affects the grouping of attendees as well as the dances.
Detailed instructions on the evening dress for men and the conferment dress for women as well as the accessories used with them are at the bottom of the page.
The dress code for the conferment ceremony rehearsal and the rector’s reception is the same as for the sword-whetting dinner, as there is no break before transferring to the restaurant. Those not attending the dinner but only the rehearsal are expected to wear a dark-coloured suit or dress.
Evening dress with white waistcoat
OR
Full-length evening gown, not black or white. Its ornaments or embellishments may feature black or white. The neckline of the dress can be decided by the wearer. The vernal timing of the festivities can be taken into consideration when choosing your dress.
Evening dress with black waistcoat
OR
All-black, full-length conferment outfit with a high neckline. Black gloves and black shoes. A more detailed description of the dress and accessories can be found below.
Evening dress with white waistcoat
OR
All-black, full-length evening gown, as in the conferment ceremony earlier in the day. Participants usually wear the same outfit at both events. The evening outfit must be full-length and discreet with a high neckline. An open neckline or bare back is not suitable for the conferment dinner. The dress must have sleeves, but they need not be full-length.
For the conferment ball, graduands and companions may use the same outfit as for the conferment dinner, or they may change into a ball gown with a lower neckline and a broader hem, but the colour must remain black. The ball gown must include gloves whose length depends on the length of the sleeves. A handbag or clutch bag is permitted, but it must match the dress and not be carried during the actual dancing.
Evening dress with black waistcoat or the formal uniform of one’s profession. No gloves
Dark suit (preferably black) is also permitted. A white shirt and a plain, dark (but not black) tie must be worn with the suit.
OR
Black full-length evening gown with a high neckline, similarly to the conferment ceremony outfit for doctoral graduands
A black dress or a formal pant suit are also permitted. Short skirts or short sleeves are not appropriate, to reflect the solemnity of the occasion. Bags and purses must be left in the cloakroom because they are not permitted in the Great Hall or the Cathedral.
Evening dress with white waistcoat
OR
Coloured evening gown, with something other than black or white as the primary colour. It is recommended that guests wear an outfit with no black or white elements.
The evening outfit must be full-length and discreet with a high neckline. An open neckline or bare back is not suitable for the gala dinner. The dress must have sleeves, but they need not be full-length.
For the ball, graduands and companions may use the same dress, or they may change into a ball gown with a lower neckline and a broader hem. The ball gown must include gloves whose length depends on the length of the sleeves. A handbag or clutch bag is permitted, but it must match the dress and not be carried during the actual dancing.
Departing from the other participants, jewellery is permitted for guests at the ball. However, it is good to remember that most participants will wear subdued outfits.
As the excursion is the most informal part of the conferment festivities, the dress code is more relaxed but still smart, taking weather into account. Sportswear or jeans are not suitable. Student cap.
The evening dress includes a black tailcoat, black trousers, a dress shirt, a waistcoat, a white bow tie and white gloves. A black waistcoat is worn during the conferral of degrees, but a white waistcoat is worn for other occasions of the conferment festivities.
The dress shirt must have a starched winged collar and simple cuffs. Ruffled or pleated shirts must not be worn with a tailcoat. The dress shirt buttons must be either pearl or gold; black buttons are worn only at funerals.
Wristwatches are not worn with evening dress. When wearing a pocket watch, the watch chain should be only moderately displayed.
Black patent leather shoes are to be worn with evening dress. At the ceremonial conferment of degrees, black, polished thin-soled leather shoes are worn. These can also replace the black patent leather shoes, if necessary, in the evening festivities. The socks must also be black.
The most suitable outer garment to be worn with full evening dress is a dark overcoat or cloak. If a scarf is worn, it must be white.
The hem of the full-length conferment dress must cover the ankle bone. The dress must have full-length sleeves that extend down to the wrist as well as a round neckline (rather than a bateau or v-neckline) that rests at the base of the neck.
The dress should be simple and elegant. The dress must be entirely black. Appropriate fabrics include wool muslin, silk dupion or heavy satin. The fabric can feature black embroidery, and it can have a woven pattern (e.g., damask). However, the material must not be sheer or include coloured or metallic embroidery. In addition, the fabric also may not include separate ornaments, such as sequins.
The wearer of the dress must be able to walk up and down stairs in a solemn procession. Consequently, the hem of the dress should not reach the floor, and the dress should not have a train.
To ensure the fit and proper form of the dress, it should be professionally fitted. If a slit is necessary for ease of wear, it should not be unnecessarily high. Any pleats in the skirt should be a minimal single kick pleat, or a short, inverted and hidden accordion kick pleat.
A formal pant suit that meets all the requirements for the conferment dress, such as colour, festivity and high neckline, is also permitted.
Women must wear black gloves that cover the wrist and all fingers so that no skin is visible. Suitable gloves are simple and unadorned and cover the back of the hand. The gloves must match the dress, and their colour must not stand out. Lace gloves are not suitable for the occasion.
Black shoes must be worn with the conferment ceremony dress. The shoes must not be open-toed or backless. Sandals or street shoes are not sufficiently formal. A small necklace and plain stud earrings are permitted. Wedding bands can be worn.
Bags or purses are not permitted. Any necessary small items can be concealed in a hidden pocket sewn into the gown or in the pockets of the evening dress of your companion.
With the exception of graduands, persons entitled to wear a formal dress uniform can wear their uniform at all conferment festivities. The only exception permitted to graduands is clerical dress. Others can wear the uniforms of, for example, the Finnish Defence Forces, the police or the rescue service sector. The regulations on the wearing of uniforms must be observed.
National costumes are not academic dress, which is why they are not appropriate to wear at the conferment festivities.