How to Dress for Your Graduation Ceremony

Years of hard work have paid off, and it's your turn to sport the cap and gown. Amid the frenzy of finals, parties and sighs of relief, remember to set out a nice outfit for this special occasion.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Men's Dress Shirts
• Men's Dress Shoes
• Men's Dress Sweater
• Mens' Dress Pants
• Neckties
• Women's Dress Coats
• Women's Dress Pants
• Women's Dress Shirts
• Women's Dress Shoes
• Women's Dress Sweater
• dresses and skirts

1. Consider what type of school you're graduating from. A law school graduate might consider a suit, nice black dress or dressy casual separates. A high school graduate might dress up or take a walk on the wild side in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts.

2. Keep in mind the weather and the venue. Dress in lightweight clothes for an outdoor summer ceremony. Likewise, opt for sweaters and heavier pants for fall and winter ceremonies.

3. Wear comfortable shoes. Between standing, walking and spending time with well-wishers, you'll be putting quite a bit of pressure on your feet.

4. Accent a mandatory outfit with a special pin or meaningful piece of jewelry.

5. Remember some bobby pins to keep your cap on throughout the ceremony!

Who Can Help:

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[chicgirl]

on 10/21/2008 I had two daughters graduate from Catholic girls school who needed White Graduation dresses. I had such a hard time finding a dress that met the school's strict dress requirements (i.e. 2 inch straps, stark white fabric).

Then I found this designer that specializes in white graduation dresses! Kathlin Argiro was a total godsend and my daughters looked beautiful in their dresses!

http://www.kathlinargiro.com/white-graduation-bridal/

[yoursash]

on 1/20/2008 Avoid stripes. Often times stripes come out very bad in photos (that's why you rarely see news anchors wearing them). If you're a male graduating go for solid colors (though a striped color tie is okay) and for females avoid striped dresses at graduation.

- chris
http://www.yoursash.com

on 8/8/2006 Consider the importance, especially first time graduates, of having hair pins (dark color) to keep your hood in place. And put your hood on while checking in a mirror. Also, be ready to accept assistance from someone to see that you are putting academic dress on in the right way.

on 11/22/2005 If your academic gown is white, as was my high school one, keep in mind that bright or dark colors may show through. Also, when measuring for your gown, take into account heel height if you are planning to wear dress shoes with heels to the ceremony. In addition, some of these robes are very warm due to the fabrics used in addition to any hoods or stoles worn. So if you have an outdoor graduation in June, it's a good idea to try and wear something light weight under your robe.

on 11/22/2005 For a Spring graduation, it is advisable to wear layers. Prior to my late May graduation, the weather had been sunny and warm. On graduation night, many of the girls in the class had on their little summer dresses. Unfortunately, a sudden storm blew in, making it uncomfortably cold and windy. And here we females were in small, thin dresses! The moral of this story is: Layers are good! If it is cool, you will be warm enough. And if you get too warm, you can simply take off your cardigan, jacket, overshirt, or whatever!