Dress Code

All festivities follow traditional and fixed program. Here are detailed instruction considering the dress code which is rather strict. The aim of the dress code is to promote prestigious and festive atmosphere as well as to honor the event.

The Conferment Ceremony is like a festive play. It is based on centuries old traditions and follows a certain pattern. Costumes and lines are crucial parts of this play. Different groups have their own costumes and dress code in order to promote a sense of unity among them. For example, young doctors’ uniform outfits symbolize their transition from doctoral researchers to doctors. For these reasons, it is expected that participants follow the dress code.

Please choose one dress code option (Option 1 or 2). It is not possible to mix the options in one's outfit.

Young Doctors/Honorary Doctors

• Option 1: black tailcoat, white waistcoat (white vest), white bow tie, black socks and black shoes (patent leather), sword
• Option 2: long evening gown (not black), scarf allowed, no gloves, sword

Companions

• Option 1: black tailcoat, white waistcoat (white vest), white bow tie, black socks and black shoes (patent leather), no sword
• Option 2: long coloured evening gown (not black), scarf allowed, no gloves, no sword

Conferrers of the Degrees

• As Young Doctors and Honorary Doctors, no sword

In Sword-Whetting, no doctoral hat. Jewellery is allowed at the Sword-Whetting.

Young Doctors/Honorary Doctors

• Option 1: black tailcoat, black waistcoat (black vest), white bow tie, white gloves, black socks and black leather shoes (no patent leather), doctoral hat and sword (no breast pocket handkerchief)
• Option 2: long black dress, no low-cut neckline, long sleeves, no long slit, no jewellery or fur, black gloves, black shoes and black stockings, doctoral hat and sword (the buttons of the female dress should be plain)

Companions

• Option 1: black tailcoat, black waistcoat (black vest), white bow tie, white gloves, black socks and black leather shoes (no patent leather), (doctoral hat)
• Option 2: long black dress, no low-cut neckline, long sleeves, no long slit, no jewellery or fur, black gloves, black shoes and black stockings, (doctoral hat)

Conferrers of the Degrees

• As Young Doctors / Honorary Doctors

Invited Guests (including additional accompanying persons of doctors)

• Option 1: black tailcoat, black waistcoat (black vest) (+ white gloves if wearing doctoral hat) or dark suit, academic dress (cap & gown), black socks, black leather shoes (no patent leather), (doctoral hat)
• Option 2: black semi-formal daytime attire (below knees), or academic dress (cap & gown), black shoes, no gloves (black gloves if wearing doctoral hat), no hat, (doctoral hat)

All doctors wear the doctoral hat. The doctors who are awarded a degree on this occasion should also carry the sword. All guests are allowed to wear highest decorations. Please do not wear furs or jewellery during the Conferment Ceremony.

Same as in the Conferment Ceremony. Please notice that no umbrella or over coat is allowed at the procession.

Young Doctors/Honorary Doctors

• Option 1: black tailcoat, white waistcoat (white vest), white bow tie, white gloves, black socks and black shoes (patent leather), doctoral hat and sword
• Option 2: long black evening gown, black scarf allowed, doctoral hat and sword, fine jewellery and jewellery watch allowed, gloves can be worn if they suit the outfit (according to the etiquette the gloves are not worn while eating).

Companions

• Option 1: black tailcoat, white waistcoat (white vest), white bow tie, white gloves, black socks and black shoes (patent leather), (doctoral hat and sword)
• Option 2: long, black or coloured evening gown, scarf allowed (same color as gown), fine jewellery and jewellery watch allowed, (doctoral hat and sword)

Conferrers of the Degrees

• As Young Doctors / Honorary Doctors

Invited Guests

• Option 1: black tailcoat, white waistcoat (white vest), white bow tie, white gloves, black socks and black shoes (patent leather), (doctoral hat)
• Option 2: long evening gown (not black or white), scarf allowed (same color as gown), fine jewellery and jewellery watch allowed, (doctoral hat)

All doctors wear doctoral hats. Young Doctors, Honorary Doctors, Conferrers of Degrees and Officiants carry swords. Other doctors are also allowed to carry swords if they want to. Jewellery is allowed at the Conferment Banquet & Ball.

Casual dress. 'Student cap' or equivalent. If you row yourself, please wear gloves (ordinary, not festive) and flat shoes.

• All participants should wear highest decorations at the Conferment Ceremony and at the Banquet.
• Those wearing highest decorations at the Conferment Ceremony and at the Conferment Banquet & Ball should not wear a breast pocket handkerchief at the same time. Please note, that at the Conferment Ceremony you are not supposed to wear a breast pocket handkerchief at all. In wearing of the decorations, please follow the guide to the orders and decorations in Finland.
• Please do not wear a wrist watch when wearing tailcoat. Pocket watch with golden chain is allowed.
• No umbrella or over coat is allowed at the procession.
• A small evening handbag with evening gown can be carried in the evening ceremonies.
• Please note, that even though the dress code is historically given according to sex (man/woman), this does not apply anymore since this division lacks the understanding of gender diversity. However, please respect the event by following the dress code.

Instructions considering the dress code in pdf:

Pukeutumisohje _Dress Code 2024

Here are some tips considering the clothing stores and hiring a dress in Oulu:

• Sokos Pukumies
• Morsiusateljee Katariina
• Zazabella Oulu
• Chic Pieni Muotihuone
• Juhlapukuliike Glamour