Prom has passed, you’ve finished your finals, now what? It’s time to get yourself diploma-ready, because graduation is looming. This special day represents all the hard work you’ve put into finishing school. You’ll want to look as good as you feel to mark this momentous occasion.
Wondering what to wear to a graduation? Looking for cute and appropriate ways to style your cap and gown? On the hunt for graduation dresses so gorgeous they’ll make you want to toss your cap? For such a joyous occasion, the dress you choose should have you jumping for joy.
This guide walks you through the essential dress dos and don’ts—like choosing a knee-length or floral dress, avoiding styles that clash with your gown, and opting for wedges over heels for comfort. From observing dress codes, reviewing outfit ideas to photo-ready finishing touches, this guide is everything you need to look stylish and feel confident on graduation day.
These graduation dress dos and don'ts will help you light up the stage, so dive in.
What Dress to Wear to a Graduation as a Graduate
Before you go any further, think about the practicalities of the day.
Where is the event being held, is it outdoors? Is it indoors—does the venue have A/C?
Heels aren’t the vibe for walking on grass. Sweating through your outfit (under your robe) on a hot day makes for a memorable graduation picture, but for all the wrong reasons…
- Indoors - When indoors you can choose a dressier outfit and lean formal over casual. Heels are OK too.
- Outdoors - Sensible shoes—block heels, or wedges—-and sun protection (a hat, sunglasses) is the order of the day.
- Weather - Summer weather calls for breathable fabrics, spring and fall for layers and an umbrella that doesn’t overshadow or clash with your outfit.
Your school’s dress code will also shape your decision. Some schools suggest a more formal attire, so short skirts and “sexy” outfits are out the window.
It’s also worth thinking about the impression your outfit makes, according to PubMed Central: Female graduates wearing professional attire (e.g., jackets + trousers or knee-length skirts) were consistently judged as more competent, having invested more effort in their thesis, and expected to achieve higher final marks than those in “sexy” outfits (short skirts/dresses, low necklines, high heels).
If you’re graduating, think about how your outfit will fit under your robe. If you’re a guest, parent, relative or friend of someone graduating, there’s no need to worry about your outfit being encumbered by a robe. We have more tips for graduation guests, read on to learn more about what to wear when you’re supporting a grad.
Now you’ve considered the practicalities of what to wear, it’s time for the fun part, choosing your outfit!
Outfit types
There are many different types of classic dress silhouette appropriate for graduation:
- Short - Anything above the knee will keep you cool in warm weather, but avoid anything too short—short dresses can ride up—and you don’t want to show too much when walking, approaching the stage, and sitting.
- Midi - Elegant, while still appropriate for graduation, midi dresses hit your mid-calf, and work best for traditional ceremonies, especially those held indoors, and those held in warm weather.
- Bodycon - Bodycon dresses may make movement difficult and can cause you to overheat under a robe.
- A-line - Offer room to move during graduation, and after if you’re transitioning into a celebratory lunch or dinner appointment, or hitting the dancefloor. A-line dresses also come in a range of casual to more formal styles to suit the tone of your event.
- Maxi - Maxi dresses may be best left to graduation guests. If you’re wearing a robe, keeping the length of your dress shorter is often best, as a hemline hanging beneath a robe is not the best look! MId-length is OK. Anything floor-length can look too formal.
Graduation Dress Color
Choosing a color takes some careful thinking, too. You might be dictated to by your school’s dress code, with some schools requiring students to wear white, black, or the school’s colors.
Clashing is never fun. So, you’ll want to make sure that your dress doesn’t clash with your cap and gown.
White gowns: avoid white dresses as they will look washed out, instead opt for soft pastels and bold tones.
Black gowns: The choice is yours—lighter and brighter colors work best.
Classic graduation colors:
- White - White graduation dresses are elegant. Associated with celebrations, white is a graduation classic.
- Black - Explore striking, minimal silhouettes, see black graduation dresses.
- Pastels - Are soft, youthful, and flattering in photos.
- Red - A standout, confident look.
- Light blue - Standout, but not too brash.
- Florals & prints - Great for summer, just ensure they’re not too busy, or they won’t photograph well.
White is a particularly popular choice for graduation, it’s a classic and timeless look for graduation. Why? Because it symbolizes new beginnings and celebration, thanks to its association with weddings.
It has historic roots too, many women’s colleges—Wellesly and Smith—began the tradition of wearing white at graduation in the 1800s and 1900s. It was a symbol of modesty and also reflected the times when women’s clothing was more restrictive. Don’t let that put you off though, white is also linked to empowerment, as it was worn by the suffragettes to symbolize unity and hope.
Of course, white also pairs well with most graduation robes which are typically black, or navy. White also works well for coordinated photos when graduates wear the same color.
Besides your outfit, don’t go overboard on the accessories. Statement pieces shouldn’t overshadow your dress. It’s best to keep jewelry simple—stud earrings, slim watches, and delicate necklaces and bracelets.
Crossbody bags may work best as they leave your hands free for holding programs, shaking hands, and hugging coursemates, and relatives.
What Dress to Wear to a Graduation as a Guest
Being a guest at a graduation event is a proud moment, you’re there to celebrate a family member or friend as they mark the biggest academic achievement of their life and look forward to new beginnings.
As a guest, you won’t be bound by the rules that students have to follow. However, remember that it’s their special day, not yours, so be careful not to overshadow them. So, keep the focus on an understated outfit. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear bold colors or prints, just keep them muted as a rule of thumb.
Floral midi dresses work for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, as they are comfortable and timeless.
In spring or summer, sleeveless dresses will keep you cool, in the fall maxi dresses and closed shoes keep the chill away. Layering in cooler weather is a smart choice, and if the forecast is hot, go for moisture-wicking materials like linen, cotton, and polyester.
Choosing a business casual dress can help you avoid dressing too showy or too formal.
Which colors should graduation guests wear?
Generally, guests should choose neutral or muted colors when selecting their attire for graduation ceremonies. Neutrals like gray, white, beige, charcoal, black, eggshell, and cream, are classic, safe choices.
Pastels—lavender, light blue, light pink, blush—and other soft colors are suitable for graduation, especially summer ceremonies.
Be wary of choosing the school colors for your dress to avoid clashing with the graduates, unless the school encourages guests to also wear school colors. Subtle accessories are fine.
Anything too bright can be distracting and take attention away from the graduates, which is a no-no on their big day.
Keep in mind to avoid wearing anything too similar to a graduate’s outfit, and coordinate on colors so you don’t clash. You’ll also want to be mindful about not blending in with the graduate’s outfit.
When accessorizing, subtlety is the keyword. You may choose to include the school colors, but keep it minimal and tasteful. Elegant jewelry like delicate earrings, a classic necklace, and a clutch bag will enhance your outfit without being distracting, or informal.
In short, remember it’s their big day, you’re there to celebrate their success and support them. As a formal event, graduation suits formal, stylish and comfortable outfits to enable comfort when walking and standing, especially during long ceremonies.
Graduation Dos and Don’ts
Dress Smart Under Your Gown
- DO stick to a knee-length dress or shorter with a simple cap sleeve. Off the shoulder dresses also work well and even show a bit of your décolletage from beneath your gown.
- DON’T pick a skirt that’s too layered, too long, or cut on a diagonal. High-low dresses are awfully adorable but will look odd showing from the bottom of your graduation gown. Same goes for floor-length or full A-line skirts. Avoid dresses that disrupt the shape of your gown and make you look like a sheathed cupcake. Anything that hangs below the hemline is also a no-go.
Keep It Cute
- DO find a nice white or floral print dress. Think spring/summer fashion lines meets bridal shower. Once you unzip that grad gown and start snapping pics with your fam, you’ll be glad you did.
- DON’T slip into anything too revealing, short, or low cut. The graduation dress you wear to your graduation dinner is very different from the graduation party dress you wear to the club.
Walk Tall Without Falling
- DO go with a wedge shoe for graduation. It will add some height to that boxy over gown and keep the hem from dragging. Bonus points for seasonally appropriate open toes!
- DON’T break out your nicest red bottom shoes. The higher the heel, the more likely you are to get it stuck in the grass or roll an ankle walking across the stage.
Let Your Accessories Shine
- DO accessorize with your jewelry. Think classic hoop or pearl studded earrings, bangles, and rings. In other words, add some visual interest by decorating the relatively few parts you’ll be able to see over the graduation gown.
- DON’T choose a dress with long sleeves. Even if the sleeves on your gown are longer, you run the risk of them peeking out from under your gown – so not cute.
Nail the Details
- DO spring for a mani-pedi. Fancy fingers and touched up toes are a noticeable detail that really polishes your look.
- DON’T do a dark color that will blend in with your graduation gown. Some sparkle or a bright summer shade will pop against that drab over lay.
Plan Your Hair Ahead
- DO decide in advance how you’ll fix your hair. You’re likely going to have to wear it down thanks to that unflattering cap. Still, you can experiment with ways to curl your coif.
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DON’T forget to trim and recolor your hair. Even if the cap covers most of it, still best to touch up roots and tips in advance.
Hats off to you, grad! Which cute graduation dresses will you choose for your big reveal?
FAQs
What do you wear to a graduation as a guest?
As a guest at a graduation ceremony, aim to keep your outfit semi-formal. A dress with understated coloring is a good choice (that doesn’t clash or blend in with the graduates). GThe length is up to you, but don’t go too short, midi or maxi dresses add an elegant touch.
What do family members wear to a graduation?
Family members should opt for business casual or semi-formal attire when attending a graduation ceremony. Pay attention to where the ceremony is held—indoors or outdoors—and how to stay comfortable no matter the season, think moisture wicking lightweight materials in the summer, and layers in the fall and winter.
