Whether it's a bold suit or a slip dress, here's some outfit inspiration.
1COS,Relaxed-Fit Linen-Blend Blazer
2COS, The Silk Scarf Dress
3Asceno, Valencia Wave-Print Twill Silk Dress
4Zara, Asymmetric Cut-Out Dress
5Weekday, Ina Crinkle Dress
6Me+Em, Statement Guipure Lace Jumpsuit
7Jigsaw, Linen Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
10Ganni, Stretch Jacquard Puff Sleeves Mini Dress
11River Island, Lime Green Satin High-Neck Mini Dress
12La DoubleJ, Magnifico Printed Silk-Twill Maxi Dress
If you're graduating in 2023, or you know someone who is, then we're here to help find the perfect outfit. Because choosing what to wear for one of the most memorable days of you life, is high pressure – right? Fear not, though, as we have plenty of outfit ideas for all types of ceremony. With most graduation gowns being black, this gives you the freedom to basically choose any colour outfit underneath. The thing is, the hoods can be a whole host of colours, so it's best to find out which hue yours will be so you can plan your graduation outfits accordingly.
While your chosen colour is very much dependant on your style, we can help with different graduation outfits. And considering you'll most likely have your pictures hung on the walls of relatives for years to come, it's important you look back and love your outfit. If you're a dress person, you could go for a mini or fully embrace the fancy ceremony with a full-length gown. Because why not take advantage of the opportunity to get dressed up? If you prefer separates, you could try a tailored jumpsuit, a full trouser suit or even opt for shorts and a waistcoat if the weather's set to be hot. Basically, it's all about looking the part and keeping your outfit on the smart side. And while most people wear heels, you could of course get away with a smaller block-heel style or even loafers if you want to make sure there are no stumbles on stage.
Keep going to get some ideas for graduation outfits.
Go For Head-To-Toe Black
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While wearing all black may be seen as playing it safe (it kind of is), it's never going to be a bad move for graduation outfits. The colour will never date, it'll always look smart and there's so many ways you can wear it – as a jumpsuit, an LBD or a 'nice' top and trousers will even do the trick.
Take The Opportunity To Wear A Long Dress
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The slip dress is one of those styles you can buy for a fancy occasion, in this case a graduation (or a wedding), and you can rest assured that you'll be able to get the wear out of it afterwards. Wear a bold colour and it'll liven up your graduation gown as it flashes underneath.
Mean Business In A Smart Jumpsuit With Blazer
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As an alternative to a dress, try a jumpsuit. There are so many tailored styles out there, and if you want to look even more polished you could always add a matching blazer. You'll look very professional holding your certificate in this one.
Try Out A Shorts Suit
Street style wearing shorts suit
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With a lot of graduations held in peak summer, it's important to take the weather into consideration when you're planning graduation outfits. Instead of a trouser suit, why not try a Bermuda short with a matching waistcoat? You could wear undone over a cami top like this street-styler or button up as a shorts suit. (It can also double as a holiday outfit if you switch up the accessories.)
Make It A Mini
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And easy go-to for graduation outfits is a mini dress with strappy heels. The shorter length of the dress will be balanced out by the longer length gown and if you're petite, this will stop you from feeling too swamped under all the extra material.
Go For A Look-At-Me Dress
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If you want to make sure you have all eyes on you when you're collecting your graduation scroll, then go for a statement-making dress. A bold colour, or one with lots of detail such as ruffles and puff sleeves (or all three, like this street-styler) will be a way to make an entrance. After all, this is your big day!
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FAQs
1. How To Dress for Graduation (under the gown): Let your students know about appropriate graduation dress. Men generally wear dark trousers and a dress shirt and tie under their gowns. Women usually wear a lightweight dress or a blouse and a skirt that is shorter than the gown so it does not hang below the robe.
What is the best dressing code for graduation? ›
Some of the most popular colors to wear on graduation day are white and black, but you can go for whatever hue you want (unless your school requires a certain color). Whatever you choose will meet the dress code and align with your personal style (we've got some cute purses to match the outfits, too).
What is the thing you wear over your graduation gown? ›
Hood – a hood is worn over your graduation robe and varies in design by the institution, and by colour, which signifies your specific degree or discipline. Honour cords – used to recognize individual achievement for graduating with honours.
Can you wear whatever you want to graduation? ›
There is no official Commencement dress code, but for those who are still scrambling for picture-perfect attire, here are some practical tips to help dress and prep for the big day.
What not to wear under graduation gown? ›
Avoid brightly coloured bottoms if you choose to wear dress pants or a longer skirt, as they can be seen below the hem of the gown and stick to darker colours. For pants and skirts that are shorter in length and can't be seen, a bright colour is acceptable.
Do you have to dress up for graduation as a guest? ›
If the invitation doesn't specifically state the dress code, go with a nice dress or skirt/slacks with a blouse combination. It's a safe bet and you'll always feel more comfortable dressed up than dressed down.
What is the best color to wear to graduation? ›
Wear White or Light colored outfits for a classic look
Your graduation sash and robes will typically be much darker or feature intense colors – it helps to have a lighter base to contrast and highlight the school colors that you might also be wearing on top.
What do most girls wear for graduation? ›
The dress code for a college graduation ceremony is typically formal. For men, this means wearing a suit or dress pants with a button-down shirt and a tie. For women, a dress or a skirt and blouse combination are both acceptable choices. Some institutions may have rules about dress length or colour restrictions.
What should parents wear to a graduation? ›
Despite a continuing trend toward more-relaxed dressing in most settings, graduations in the U.S. are still a time for business attire or at least smart business casual.
What shirt to wear with graduation gown? ›
Opt for a collared shirt that complements your gown and skin tone. Avoid t-shirts, as they can appear too casual and undermine the formality of the event. For the trousers, the goal is to choose an option that compliments your shirt or jacket and provides a polished and cohesive look.
The black robes worn by graduating students and their faculty are known as academic “regalia” – and there's a difference between a master's degree gown vs bachelor's. While undergraduate graduation robes may all seem the same, at the graduate level regalia tell a rich story of the graduate's academic journey.
Do you keep your graduation gown? ›
Saving one's cap and gown as a keepsake is probably the most common post-graduation purpose for them. Although they may end up in a dusty cardboard box in your attic, it provides a sense of comfort and reassurance to know that it will always be there whenever you want to think back on your graduation day.
Can you wear jewelry to graduation? ›
Jewelry is a must-have at graduation since the cap and gown won't exactly stand out in photos. To make sure you make an impact with your jewelry, and it doesn't get lost beneath the cap, choose statement pieces that feature bright colors, unique details, and interesting shapes.
What do seniors wear to graduation? ›
Dressing for graduation
Students are required to wear caps, gowns and tassels when participating in-person in the University Commencement Ceremony as well as any college convocation ceremony and most special interest convocation events. The Stole of Gratitude is an additional amenity to the official cap and gown.
What is the dress code for graduation guests? ›
Go for a Polished Look
Typically, there isn't a dress code to follow when deciding what to wear to graduation as a guest. However, to show respect for the graduating class, I always try to wear something polished.
What do you wear to a basic graduation? ›
Many prefer to dress less casually on graduation day, but that does not mean formal attire. Business casual is perfectly acceptable. Remember, you'll be sitting on the viewing stands, which are bleachers. You'll have to "climb" the bleachers, so mothers may prefer not to wear skirts, dresses or high-heeled shoes.
Can I wear jeans for my graduation? ›
While deciding what to wear, it's also important to know what not to wear. Jeans, t-shirts, and overly casual clothes are inappropriate for graduation ceremonies. Remember, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed for such an event.
What should parents wear to a school graduation? ›
If your child's graduation ceremony is during the day, keep your look light and airy. Opt for a dress in a pastel hue or with floral detailing. If the event is being held in the evening, go for something a little more formal—think: a black dress with heels.
