Inside: Graduation picture outfit ideas for the almost grad getting ready for the photoshoot!
Planning your outfit for your graduation photos can go one of two ways: easy peasy because you’re layering it under your gown so it’s pretty hidden anyway, or that only makes it more difficult for you having to think about layering and stacking outfit pieces for a photoshoot.
Hopefully this post will help you narrow down what’s best to wear for graduation photos– there are a ton of options that are cute, flattering, and ready to go for a graduation photoshoot.
We can break down the different colors based on your cap and gown and the college you’re going to next if this is for a highschool graduation, and anything else that can be a factor for what you should wear in your graduation pictures!
Get ready for some of the best times of your life while wearing some of the best outfits of your life.
Table of Contents
What Do You Wear For Graduation Pictures
Graduation pictures tend to usually include more formal looks, so that they can double as professional headshots if that’s something you need for the next season of your life.
So a professional co*cktail dress, jumpsuit, or something along these lines work great!
Depending on your photographer and the photo package you’ve chosen with them, you may have the option for multiple outfit changes. If this is the case, you can always opt for a more fun second outfit if the professional vibes aren’t what you want for all of your graduation photos.
Or maybe these are a high school graduation shoot, in which case you’re likely to be choosing for more personality picture styles of outfits and college choice tee shirt vibes. Whatever you want to wear for your graduation photos are totally up to you, there’s no right or wrong answer! But these are some common themes you will find in graduation picture outfits.
What Are The Best Colors For Graduation Photos
Choosing colors is a pretty big deal when it comes to picking an outfit for pictures of any kind. Colors will make or break an outfit and make or break a picture. One color that always wins in this instance is white. White is always a great option for graduation photos!
It’s a bright neutral that will go with any color graduation gown, any backdrop of your choosing, and everyone simply looks great in white anyway.
If you want to do something a little more intentional than white, there are definitely some colors you can go with that will create a cool vibe for your photos while still keeping in mind the colors that are already present.
If your gown is black or white, any color of your choosing that is a flattering color on you is a good move! Darker colors are always flattering, while white pops. But if you have a favorite shade of blue or red, you can totally rock it in your graduation pictures.
Red graduation gowns are the most challenging– you pretty much have black or white as options. If you want to play with shades and bold colors, a light pink could be a really cute layer! But neutrals will always be a safe option for those of us that are less than bold with colors.
Blue and green gowns are a little easier because they blend with neutral tones better, so you can kind of work with them and with other colors. Baby blue is cute under any royal blue graduation gear and sage green is cool under the emerald tones. Or switch it! Play with that baby blue under the emerald green ones and vice versa. With the darker shades of green and blue that they usually use, I would generally avoid a black outfit underneath.
Any other color that your cap and gown could be all go by the same rules: white always, black sometimes, and colors and shades if you’re bold!
How To Look Natural In Photos
The biggest fear that people have when scheduling photos and getting in front of a camera is looking natural and not knowing how to work it! Especially with graduation photos, they’re usually a one-off for people that don’t generally take a lot of photos.
The good news is, most photographers are really good at getting you to be natural in front of the camera! It’s not an easy task always, but it does make for a great photo, and the more natural you are the more fun you have.
As someone who does take a lot of photos, here are some of my best tips for you to feel more natural in front of the camera.
Remember to relax your whole body. Even your forehead, lips, and hands. All the little things like these make it so much easier to look like you’re not stressed about having a camera in your face. Find any point of tension and release!
Being goofy right before taking a smiling picture always helps your smile feel less posed.
The key to a good serious face is all in the eyes. If your eyes stay engaged with the camera and have energy, it will read in the photo even through your serious expression.
You’ve got this! Don’t stress too much about the camera vibes.
High School
My high school graduation photos were definitely more of the personality picture variety– back in my majorly hippie days, so I was a total boho princess for mine! Looking back, I definitely could have chosen something a little more relaxed, but hey. My mother loves them!
1. Fun Shoes
2. College Jersey
3. Lace Dress
4. Super Casual
5. Black Mini
6. Pink Silk
7. White Mini
College
College graduation pictures tend to have a range of different styles, but again, usually lean to a bit more professional for all of the after-graduation uses like LinkedIn profile and resume attachments.
But even if you’re dressed more professionally, the pictures rarely come out boring! Check out these inspiration pictures for you.
8. Blazer Dress
9. White Suit
10. Varsity Vibes
11. Orange Silk
12. White Puff Sleeve
13. White Midi
14. School Merch
15. School Color Romper
White
Curious about what I mean about white being the perfect color for your grad photos? Check all of these out that prove my point– it’s great on everyone and works in every color scenario.
16. Structured
17. Split Hem
18. Midi Dress
19. Off The Shoulder
20. Satin
21. Cut Out
22. High Neck A Line
23. Frill Sleeve
Outfit Ideas
Still need some more ideas to spark the right outfit? Here are some more outfit ideas for your graduation pictures!
Any of these are going to be great.
24. Black Midi Bodycon
25. Black And Yellow
26. Puff Dress
27. Styled Tee
28. Black Slip Dress
29. Green Dress
30. Dramatic Sleeve
31. Colored Suit
Graduation picture outfit ideas are tough, and generally around the time you’re getting ready to graduate, you don’t need one more thing on your plate! So hopefully you’ve found the right inspiration to lead you right to the perfect outfit for your photos.
Enjoy this time as you prepare to leave one space and move onto the next– every moment is so much sweeter during this time! Transition makes for some stressful moments but for some really beautiful ones too. Celebrate hard, you’ve earned it!
And sending out those graduation announcements and posting to your socials is only going to feel so much better when you know your outfit is fire too.
If you’re looking to go more of the professional photo route instead of the youthful graduation shoot, check out these 17 ideas of what to wear for a professional headshot shoot.
Either way, get shooting!
I'm Victoria, I believe in style with a smile... because fashion should be fun! I'm a stylist with 15 years in the home and design online industry. Leave a Reply
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introducing Victoria Hudgins: An Expert in Fashion and Styling
Hello, I'm Victoria Hudgins, a stylist with 15 years of experience in the home and design online industry. Throughout my career, I have developed a deep understanding of fashion, style, and the art of creating the perfect outfit for any occasion. I believe that fashion should be fun and expressive, and that every individual has their own unique style.
I have a passion for helping others find their personal style and feel confident in their clothing choices. Over the years, I have worked with clients of all ages and backgrounds, providing them with expert advice and guidance to help them look and feel their best.
I have also gained extensive knowledge in photography and the art of capturing natural and authentic moments on camera. This expertise has allowed me to understand the importance of choosing the right outfit for graduation photos, as these images often serve as a representation of a significant milestone in one's life.
Throughout this article, "Graduation Picture Outfit Ideas for the Almost Grad Getting Ready for the Photoshoot," I will provide valuable insights and information related to all the concepts discussed. Let's dive in!
Concepts Covered in the Article:
- Graduation Picture Outfit Ideas
- Best Colors for Graduation Photos
- Tips for Looking Natural in Photos
- High School Graduation Outfit Ideas
- College Graduation Outfit Ideas
- The Versatility of White Outfits
- Additional Outfit Ideas for Graduation Photos
By exploring these topics, we will gain a comprehensive understanding of what to wear for graduation photos and how to create memorable and stylish looks that reflect your personal style and the significance of the occasion. Let's start with the first concept.
Concept 1: Graduation Picture Outfit Ideas
The article highlights that graduation pictures often lean towards more formal looks, allowing them to double as professional headshots if needed. The suggested outfit options include professional co*cktail dresses, jumpsuits, or similar attire. Depending on the photographer and photo package chosen, there may be an opportunity for multiple outfit changes, allowing for a fun second outfit that better reflects your personality.
For high school graduation photos, the article suggests opting for outfits that showcase your personality and style, such as boho-inspired looks or outfits featuring college choice tee shirts. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to what to wear for graduation photos, as it is a personal choice.
Concept 2: Best Colors for Graduation Photos
Choosing the right colors for your graduation photos is crucial, as colors can make or break an outfit and significantly impact the overall look of the pictures. The article suggests that white is always a safe and great option for graduation photos. White is a bright neutral color that complements any graduation gown, backdrop, and looks great on everyone.
If you want to go beyond white, the article recommends selecting colors that coordinate well with the colors already present in your outfit. For example, if your gown is black or white, you can choose any flattering color that suits you. Darker colors are generally more flattering, while white pops in photos. If you have a favorite shade of blue or red, you can also rock it in your graduation pictures.
For graduation gowns in blue or green, neutral tones tend to blend well, allowing you to work with other colors. Baby blue complements royal blue graduation gear, while sage green looks great with emerald tones. You can also play around with different color combinations, such as wearing baby blue under emerald green or vice versa. However, it's generally advised to avoid wearing black outfits under darker shades of green and blue.
Concept 3: Tips for Looking Natural in Photos
Feeling natural and relaxed in front of the camera is a common concern for many people, especially when it comes to graduation photos, which are often a one-off occasion for individuals who don't frequently take photos. The article provides some helpful tips for looking natural in front of the camera:
- Remember to relax your whole body, including your forehead, lips, and hands. Releasing any tension will make you appear more at ease.
- Being a little goofy right before taking a smiling picture can help make your smile feel less posed.
- The key to a good serious face is engaging your eyes with the camera and maintaining energy, even with a serious expression.
- Don't stress too much about the camera vibes. Trust in your photographer's skills and enjoy the experience.
Concept 4: High School Graduation Outfit Ideas
The article shares some high school graduation outfit ideas, which tend to be more of the personality picture variety. Some suggested outfit options include fun shoes, college jerseys, lace dresses, super casual attire, black minis, pink silk outfits, and white minis. These outfit ideas are meant to reflect your personal style and capture your unique personality during this milestone moment.
Concept 5: College Graduation Outfit Ideas
College graduation pictures often lean towards a bit more professional attire, as they are often used for LinkedIn profiles and resume attachments. However, this doesn't mean the pictures have to be boring. The article presents a range of college graduation outfit ideas, including blazer dresses, white suits, varsity vibes, orange silk outfits, white puff sleeve attire, white midi dresses, school merch, and school color rompers. These outfit ideas strike a balance between professionalism and personal style.
Concept 6: The Versatility of White Outfits
The article emphasizes that white is a perfect color choice for graduation photos, as it works well with any color scenario. It is a bright neutral that complements any graduation gown, backdrop, and looks great on everyone. The article showcases several examples of white outfit options, including structured dresses, split hem dresses, midi dresses, off-the-shoulder attire, satin outfits, cut-out dresses, high-neck A-line dresses, and frill sleeve dresses. These examples demonstrate how white outfits can be versatile, elegant, and suitable for any graduation photo session.
Concept 7: Additional Outfit Ideas for Graduation Photos
To further inspire your graduation photo outfits, the article provides additional outfit ideas. These include a black midi bodycon dress, black and yellow attire, puff dresses, styled tees, black slip dresses, green dresses, dramatic sleeve outfits, and colored suits. These ideas aim to spark creativity and help you find the perfect outfit that represents your style and highlights your personality during this significant milestone in your life.
In conclusion, this article on "Graduation Picture Outfit Ideas for the Almost Grad Getting Ready for the Photoshoot" provides valuable insights and suggestions for creating the perfect outfit for your graduation photos. By considering the concepts discussed, such as outfit ideas, color choices, tips for looking natural in photos, and specific suggestions for high school and college graduation outfits, you can confidently prepare for your graduation photo session and create memorable and stylish looks that reflect your personal style and the significance of this special occasion.
