Dress Code
The conferment ceremony is not just a celebration, but also a play. It is a ritual, that shows the transition of the promovendi as they go from a student to a master's graduate or a graduate student to a doctoral graduate. As in all plays, in the ceremonial conferment there are roles to play, lines to recite, and costumes in which to dress. Attire visually represents the roles within the ceremony and adds dignity to the occasion.
The division of the promovendi into masters and doctors is visible in their colours. In the Act of Conferment, the colours of the masters are white and black, and that of the doctors is black.
Each participant can freely choose which dress code within their role (promovendi, jubilee masters and doctors, honorary doctors, companion, guest) they identify with. The dress code for each role can be seen below.
In the Act of Conferment and the procession, attire of the same color creates a beautiful ensemble. In order to maintain uniformity, we ask you to choose one of the dressing options mentioned below and adhere to it throughout the day of the Act of Conferment. We are happy to assist with any questions regarding attire, so please feel free to contact us: conferment-biz@aalto.fi.
Dress codes by roles
The dress code in the Ceremonial Conferment follows tradition, which is why each participant is given clear instructions on how to wear in every occasion. We expect that each participant follows the dress code. Please note that no bags or purses are allowed in the Act of Conferment. Essential items can be hidden in a hidden pocket sewn into the dress or placed in the pockets of your companion's tailcoat.
| Role | The Act of Conferment | Conferment Dinner and Ball | Laurel Wreath Weaving and herring luncheon (+ rehearsals) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master promovendi | tailcoat, black waistcoat | tailcoat, white waistcoat, white gloves at the ball | smart casual (non-black suit) |
| white full-length high-necked dress | white full-length evening gown, white gloves at the ball | colourful: short (knee or midi length) dress or light jacket suit or sleeve dress | |
| Companion of Master promovendi | tailcoat, black waistcoat (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | tailcoat, white waistcoat, white gloves at the ball (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | smart casual (non-black suit) |
| white full-length high-necked dress (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | white full-length evening gown, white gloves at the ball (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | colourful: short (knee or midi length) dress or light jacket suit or sleeve dress | |
| Doctor promovendi | tailcoat, black waistcoat, doctoral hat | tailcoat, white waistcoat, white gloves at the ball, doctoral hat | smart casual (non-black suit) |
| black full-length high-necked dress, doctoral hat | black full-length evening gown, black gloves at the ball, doctoral hat | colourful: short (knee or midi length) dress or light jacket suit or sleeve dress | |
| Companion of Doctor promovendi | tailcoat, black waistcoat (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | tailcoat, white waistcoat, white gloves at the ball (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | smart casual (non-black suit) |
| black full-length high-necked dress (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | black full-length evening gown, black gloves at the ball (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | colourful: short (knee or midi length) dress or light jacket suit or sleeve dress |
| Role | The Act of Conferment | Conferment Dinner and Ball | Laurel Wreath Weaving and herring luncheon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jubilee master, jubilee doctor | tailcoat, black waistcoat, doctoral hat for doctors | tailcoat, white waistcoat, white gloves at the ball, doctoral hat for doctors | smart casual (non-black suit) |
| black full-length high-necked dress, doctoral hat for doctors | black full-length evening gown, black gloves at the ball, doctoral hat for doctors | colourful: short (knee or midi length) dress or light jacket suit or sleeve dress | |
| Companion of a jubilee master/doctor | tailcoat, black waistcoat (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | tailcoat, white waistcoat, white gloves at the ball (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | smart casual (non-black suit) |
| black full-length high-necked dress (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | black full-length evening gown, black gloves at the ball (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | colourful: short (knee or midi length) dress or light jacket suit or sleeve dress |
| Role | The Act of Conferment | Conferment Dinner and Ball | Laurel Wreath Weaving and herring luncheon (+ rehearsals) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honorary Doctor | tailcoat, black waistcoat, doctoral hat | tailcoat, white waistcoat, white gloves at the ball, doctoral hat | smart casual (non-black suit) |
| black full-length high-necked dress, doctoral hat | black full-length evening gown, black gloves at the ball, doctoral hat | colourful: short (knee or midi length) dress or light jacket suit or sleeve dress | |
| Companion of a Honorary Doctor | tailcoat, black waistcoat (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | tailcoat, white waistcoat, white gloves at the ball (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | smart casual (non-black suit) |
| black full-length high-necked dress (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | black full-length evening gown, black gloves at the ball (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | colourful: short (knee or midi length) dress or light jacket suit or sleeve dress |
| Role | The Act of Conferment | Conferment Dinner and Ball | Laurel Wreath Weaving and herring luncheon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guest | tailcoat, black waistcoat or black suit (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | tailcoat, white waistcoat, white gloves at the ball (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | smart casual (non-black suit) |
| black full-length high-necked dress or jacket suit (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | colourful full-length evening gown (doctoral hat allowed as a symbol of status) | colourful: short (knee or midi length) dress or light jacket suit or sleeve dress |
More detailed instructions and FAQ
The doctoral hat of the Aalto University School of Business is black with a straight brim and the cockade of the School of Business. The doctoral hats worn by Doctor of Philosophy graduates of the Aalto University School of Business are similar to those worn by Doctor of Science (Economics and Business Administration) graduates.
The doctoral hat, a symbol of status, merits respect. It should not, for example, be placed upside down on the table.
When ordering your hat, please mention that it is specifically for the conferment ceremony of Aalto University School of Business.
You may also rent or lend a doctoral hat for the conferment. The hats must be neat, right sized and it must be the one used at the Aalto University School of Business.
Note! The hat tailors will be very busy during the spring 2026. We strongly recommend ordering your hat early enough to ensure availability.
Recommendations for hat tailors:
Wahlman: https://www.wahlman.fi/tuotteet/tohtoreille/
Melanders Hattfabrik: https://melandershattfabrik.com/
Harvest EB: Harvest EB tohtorinhatut | doctoral hats
Helsinki Hat Factory: http://www.helsinkihatfactory.fi/tohtorinhatut/
The tailcoat set comprises the black tails, black trousers, a white stiff-fronted shirt, waistcoat, white bowtie and white gloves. In the Act of Conferment, the waistcoat to be used is black, and in the Dinner and Ball, white.
When wearing a black vest, no pocket square (handkerchief) is displayed. However, one may be used with a white vest. Pocket squares are not used with major decorations or with medals of honor.
The shirt worn with a tailcoat has a stiff wing collar with simple cuffs. Frilled or pleated shirts are unsuited to tailcoats. Tailcoat studs are of mother-of-pearl or gold (black studs are used only in funerals).
Do not use a wristwatch with your tailcoat. Pocket watches are allowed, but the fob chains must not be unduly visible.
Black patent-leather shoes are traditionally used with tailcoats. However, in the Act of Conferment also black polished thin-soled leather shoes can be used in place of patent-leathered ones. The socks should also be black.
Dark coats or capes are the best outer garments for a tailcoat. If a scarf is worn, it should be white.
The School of Business conferment dress code is know at least in the following places:
Frakkipalvelu NAM: https://frakkipalvelunam.fi/
Frakkivuokraus Gasell GP: https://www.frakkivuokraus.fi/fi
The black or white dress worn in the Act of Conferment is full-length and demure (color is assigned by the your degree and role, see the dress codes' table above). The dress should be simple and elegant.
The white dress should be pure white, not an off-white or cream white. It is important to maintain uniformity in the tone of the white dresses, as the master promovendi and companions who wear white walk together in the procession, and any color deviations can be seen clearly.
For the same reason, the black dress should be pure black, not dark blue or grey.
The white fabric may include white embroidering (and black fabric black embroidering), or a pattern such as damast. The fabric must not be see-through or contain metallic or colored-thread embroidering.
The dress worn in the Act of Conferment must be full-length and well covering. The sleeves should be full-length, extending to the wrists. The conferment attire can also consist of a full-length gown and a similar colored long-sleeved bolero or coat that covers the upper torso. The dress should allow one to ascend and descend the stairs. Dresses that have trains or extend to the floor should therefore be avoided.
White dress is worn with white shoes. Black dress is worn with black shoes and black tights. The shoes should be closed at the toe and heel. Sandals are inadequately formal for the conferment.
Small pieces of jewelry may be worn.
No bags or purses are allowed at the Act of Conferment. Essential items can be hidden in a hidden pocket sewn into the dress or placed in the pockets of your companion's tailcoat.
As for the Act of Conferment, white and black are the dress colors for the Dinner (assigned by the role, see table above). The evening dress is full-length and elegant. The Dinner may be attended wearing the same dress as in the Act of Conferment, but without the covering coat or bolero.
Gloves are to be worn at the Dinner and Ball. Their length depends on the sleeve length in the dress. If the dress is sleeveless, long gloves that go either below or above elbow may be used. Gloves are worn when dancing, but not while dining. A purse is allowed but it must be of same color than the dress. However, it is not used when dancing.
Guests seated in the Assembly Hall are asked to be dressed selecting from the following options:
- in tailcoats with black waistcoat or in uniforms appropriate to their profession (please read more detailed instructions on tailcoats and the use of uniforms)
- in full-length, well-covering and black dress or jacket suit
Bags or purses are not allowed in the Assembly Hall, but must be left at the cloakroom.
If there are many guests coming, the Act of Conferment can be followed also outside the Assembly Hall and then the dress code is not that strict. A black/dark blue suit or a full-length dress with subdued colors will do.
A white shirt should be worn with the suit. The necktie is to be subdued and dark-toned, but not black. Short hemlines and short sleeves are inappropriate for the occasion.
For the Dinner and Ball, guests should wear a colored dress, something other than black and white. It would be good that there are no black or white elements in the dress.
The evening gown is full-length and understated. A purse is allowed, but it must be of same color than the dress. However, it is not used when dancing. Guests can wear gloves (of same color than the dress) at the Ball if they wish, but it is not necessary.
Guests may wear jewelry at the ball; however, it should be kept in mind that most participants will be dressed with only small pieces of jewelry.
Uniforms
The promovendi should not use uniforms. Companions and invited guests entitled to official uniforms may wear them to all of the conferment events. In such cases, they are to follow their given rules respecting the use of the uniform.
One should take into account the colour for one's group. For example, such as promovendi companions wearing white according to the dress code, are advised to avoid wearing a dark uniform, especially in the Act of Conferment.
Medals of Honour
Medals awarded by the state may be worn in the Act of Conferment and in the Dinner and Ball. The placement of the medals should follow the directions of the respective order. Finnish medal of honour awardees are obliged to wear their medals, and they should be worn in their original size (not in their miniature-size versions). Academic merits, medals, student association ribbons, etc. are not allowed in either the Act of Conferment or the Dinner.
No types of medals are worn in the Laurel Wreath Weaving event nor the Herring luncheon.
The Act of Conferment involves plenty of walking so comfortable shoes are recommended. Another thing to remember when choosing your footwear is that everyone's shoes will be visible as they step onto the stage.
National dress is not allowed during the conferment ceremony. All kinds of fur trim or fur frills are also forbidden.
As a courtesy to persons with allergies, strongly scented perfumes, colognes, etc. are not advisable. The promovendi have to stand close to each other for several hours.
How revealing can the dress worn in the Act of Conferment be?
Dress for the Act of Conferment should have full-length sleeves, i.e. up to the wrist. Neither the dress, nor sleeves, should be see-through. The neckline should not be open, but close to the collarbones. The dress worn in the Banquet, however, can have more décolletage, and see-through applications and decorations of the same color than the dress are allowed.
Does the dress for the Act of Conferment need to be one piece?
No. You can also wear an evening gown with a jacket or bolero in the Act of Conferment. The important thing is that the color of the attire is right according to your role and that it provides sufficient coverage.
Does one wear gloves at the conferment? If so, what kind?
Gloves are not worn in the Act of Conferment, but they are worn in the Dinner. The gloves can be short or long, and either white, black or with color, depending on the color of your dress and your role. The gloves are taken off while dining, but they are worn during the welcome toast. Gloves are used again when dancing or exiting the table. Bracelets can be worn on top of the gloves, but rings inside them.
What kind of a purse or handbag is appropriate?
One does not use a handbag (purse) in the Act of Conferment. It can be left at the guarded cloakroom. In the Dinner, the handbag must be of same color than the dress. Please note that handbags are not used while dancing.
Pictures for reference
References:
- School of Business previous conferments
- https://fil-promootio2019.helsinki.fi/pukeutumisohjeet/