A student recently asked me what to wear to a Sigma Pi Sigma initiation. I suggested Physics Formal, which is, a shirt with nothing written on it, long pants or a skirt and shoes. Physics Attire generally does not depend on your gender until one gets very formal.
So here is a rundown on Physics Attire:
Physics Casual – you wear this to the Department Picnic
- Some kind of covering on upper body
- Some covering on lower body
- Shoes optional
Physics Business Casual – you wear this in the un-airconditioned lab.
- Some kind of covering on upper body
- Some kind of covering on lower body
- Close-toed shoes
- Appropriate safety gear
Here former Fermilab Director Leon Lederman models appropriate laboratory attire.
Physics Formal
Appropriate for Departmental Awards, APS meetings etc.
- Upper body covering should not have anything written on it
- Lower body covering should be long pants or a skirt
- Shoes may have open toes but should be clean/polished
- Safety gear is normally not required
Physics Prize Ceremony
It is appropriate to wear a full length dress or white tie if other participants are members of the Swedish Royal Family. Here Leon Lederman again models appropriate attire.
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