'Little black dress' gets a dressing down

25 May 2016 - 09:21 By ©The Daily Telegraph

The University of Edinburgh has apologised after endorsing advice to female students to wear a "little black dress" to their graduation ceremonies because "image is everything". Students said the university was "sexist" and "disgusting" after an article, which featured advice from Harvey Nichols on how to "get it right", was sent to this year's graduation class.The article also recommended buying expensive products for the ceremonies, including a £2395 Alexander McQueen clutch bag. It said: "Girls, this is your time to invest in some sophisticated glamour. Think French chic meets New York business."A little black dress from a brand like Carven or Iro would be spot on, and go for killer accessories ... Remember, image is everything!"Laura Williamson, 21, a history student, said the post "disgusted" her and "devalued" the degrees for which she and her classmates had worked.Lauren McDonald, 23, said she had applied to do a masters at Edinburgh but the "sexist" article had made her think twice.She said: "Girls? Really? What year are we in? It simply reinforces the idea of Edinburgh as an elite institution that does not welcome working-class, less affluent students."A spokesman said: "It is not our practice to promote external companies. The page had not gone through the correct approval process and has been taken down."..

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