How to Dress When Attending a College Graduation Ceremony (Female)

Watching a member of your family graduate from college is a joyous and proud moment. Knowing how to dress for such an occasion is not difficult, but should be done tastefully.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a dark or solid-colored dress. While this is a celebration, you do not want your dress to cause a commotion or draw attention from the graduates.

2. Use the same rule for skirts and pair them with a white or light top.

3. Pick shoes based on where the ceremony will be held and how much standing you may have to do. If the ceremony is outside, consider a lower, thicker heel. Choose a shoe with some stability in case of wet sidewalks, grass or rain.

4. Choose tasteful jewelry. A couple of nice pieces are great; it's not the time for something large and outrageous. This is a special time for your family member, not your jewelry. Consider wearing something that the family member gave you as a gift, to show him or her how proud you are of them.

Tips & Warnings

• Take or wear a cardigan, even in warm and dry weather. The weather could turn or if the ceremony is held indoors, the A/C will likely be turned on to accommodate for a crowd.
• Keep in mind that you will have pictures to pose for with your graduate. Remember that your graduate is the star on this special day, not your outfit.
• Most colleges will allow guests to wear sunglasses and the ladies to wear hats, especially if the ceremony is outside.
• Plan carefully for anything. Ask yourself: Will it rain? Is it going to be cold? How long will I be standing? Is there gravel or soft grass?