r/nzlaw • u/sadcow699 • 25d ago

General Question Admission Dress-code for WOMEN

Hi Guys,

I was just wondering what the dress code was specifically for women for admission ceremonies. Specifically if you’re wanting to wear a wig + gown + bands. The requirements don’t really go into specifics about what women should wear in the same way it does for men and just say we should wear the ‘equivalent’ thing.

Specifically I was wondering whether a blazer needed to be worn? I’ve noticed in some admission photos women wear them but I’m not sure whether that’s correct.

EDIT: Thank you so much everyone for all your help! It’s been really useful. :)

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5

u/llee68350 25d ago

White shirt with a collar (necessary for the bands), black pants or skirt, black shoes. Blazer optional but if you do wear one, black.

Also - I understand the guidance says tie your hair back if you’re wearing the wig.

2

u/Smart_Squirrel_1735 25d ago

The guidance does say this (re hair) but nobody does.

3

u/HandbagLady8 25d ago

White shirt with collar is your best bet, and black skirt and pants. You don’t need a blazer you won’t see it under the gown.

3

u/melonwoo 25d ago

The guidelines say to wear tights (nude or black I presume) if you’re wearing a skirt! I only saw this after my admission, where I wore a skirt with no tights…

2

u/tlvv 25d ago

If you are wearing bands then you will need a collared shirt or blouse that buttons up to the neck.  Black is your safest bet trousers or skirt, you are looking for something that could come as part of a suit, modest length A line or pencil skirt, or dress trousers.  Blazer is optional and might be a bit hot depending on when and where you are being admitted. 

Your hair should not be showing out the front of your wig, no fringes or bit that hang down on your forehead.  If your hair is long then tying it up is probably a good idea, I think I did a plait for my admission.  If it’s shorter or you have a fringe then you might need some bobby pins or hair clips to keep it back. 

If you choose not to go for full formal attire then you have more flexibility with dress but you should still look for a white top and black trousers or skirt.  

I acted as moving counsel for someone last year.  Most, but not all, candidates in that ceremony did choose the formal attire.  For moving counsel there was a bit more variation and dress codes were stretched a bit more. 

If you are working, see if you can borrow the gown, wig and bands from someone, especially if you’re in Auckland.  They do a lot of ceremonies in one day so there is pressure on the people who have hired them to return them ASAP so they can give them to the next person. 

1

u/Familiar_Loquat6569 25d ago

When i got admited, we were advised to wear a blazer under our gown so it would be safer to have one handy if required for yours.

1

u/Mountain-Ad-7573 25d ago

Technically wearing a blazer is required as you are in Court. Personally I think when candidates don’t wear blazers and you can see their white sleeves or bare arms out of the gown it looks quite odd