How to Dress for Graduation

You did it! Graduation day is here. This is a wonderful time for you and your loved ones. Everyone is so excited. What will you wear? Stay with something nice because you might be going to a party afterward. However, you don't want to be uncomfortable with what you are wearing under the cap and gown. Give it some thought and come up with the right ensemble for that special night.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. See if they mention a dress code. Check through the literature given to graduates by your school. Consider the weather.

2. Plan on wearing dark colors. If you are male, a pair of black dress pants will work well. For a female, a dark skirt or pants will be what you need.

3. Male and female graduates need to wear nice shoes because you will be walking across the stage in front of everyone. At this point, athletic shoes often look "tacky."

4. After the graduation ceremony, you may remove your cap and gown and go out to celebrate. Show off the nice clothing that you picked for the ceremony and the party afterward.

5. Guests should look nice, but casual is okay. The focus will be on the graduates.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep comfort in mind—any weather will probably translate to "hot" in the packed graduation auditorium.
• Do not wear shorts and a tank top, even if it is not prohibited. Ladies should be aware that light-colored gowns will show through very easily. This means that if you wear a dress, you will need a slip.
• Don't overdress—you are not going to a formal wedding.

Resources

• Search for rules for graduation dress at this university site.
• Search for a history of caps and gowns being worn at graduation.