Think of it as a bespoke suit.

I just dropped over $850 on purchasing my doctoral cap, gown and tassel (gold bullion thread, really? c'mon...) for commencement in April.

I was expecting about half that cost, but given that the material looks to be actual silk, as opposed to the polyester blend I had for my bachelor's gown, I'm considering this an investment in my professional academic wardrobe.

Honestly, that's about the same as I spent for my last suit, although I did get several shirts, ties, and a pair of shoes in the package as well...