Oxford University to allow men to wear skirts

Under the old regulations, male students were required to wear a dark suit with dark socks, black shoes, a white bow tie, and a plain white shirt and collar beneath their black gowns when attending formal occasions such as examinations, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

Female students have to wear a dark skirt or trousers, a white blouse, a black ribbon tied in a bow at the neck, black stockings and shoes.

The dress code is strictly enforced by the university authorities, which have the power to punish students deemed in breach of the rules.

Punishments range from fines to rustication -the suspension of a student for a period of time or expulsion.

However, the university's council, headed by Vice-Chancellor Andrew Hamilton, has dropped any distinction between the sexes by deleting all references to men and women.

While students are still required to dress appropriately for formal occasions and exams, they no longer need to ensure their 'sub-fusc'