Edinburgh University graduation fashion advice article criticised for being ‘classist and sexist’

Lead critic says piece is 'more out of touch with the student population than George Osborne'

The University of Edinburgh, pictured (Getty)

The University of Edinburgh has drawn criticism for being classist and sexist after recommending final-year students spend thousands of pounds on their graduation outfits.

In an article which featured in a newsletter, students were advised to visit Harvey Nichols department store and spend costly amounts on clothes and accessories.

While male students were advised to buy “affordable” suits - of which the cheapest was £500 - the suggestion that female students should buy a £785 clutch bag to “store your lippy and smartphone” was the most-criticised by students.

According to a screenshot of the article which was posted onto Twitter, an excerpt from the piece read: “Girls, this is your time to invest in some sophisticated glamour. Think, French chic meets New York business and you’ll get it right.

“A little black dress from a brand like Carven or Iro would be spot on, and go for killer accessories: Gianvito Rossi heels and a clutch with personality to store your lippy and smartphone. Remember, image is everything!”

The editor of The Tab in Edinburgh, Laura Williamson, launched a scathing attack on the piece, and called it “more out of touch with the student population than George Osborne.” She added: “Not only this, but the article is so sexist it’s cringe-worthy,” expressing discontent for the “patronising” way female students are called “girls.”

She also heavily criticised the article for suggesting students spend “two months’ rent” on a clutch bag, and also for its ending sentence, further accusing it of sending “a poisonous message,” saying image was being more high-regarded than the fact students have taken four years to study for a degree.

The university took to Twitter to apologise for the graduation fashion advice piece which was posted in the latest edition of the student newsletter, and admitted that “it wasn’t appropriate.”

A spokesperson for the university said in a statement it was not the institution’s normal practice to promote or advertise any external companies or services, and added: “The page had not gone through the correct approval process and has since been taken down.”