These Cute College Graduation Outfits Will Look SO Good With Your Diploma (2024)

FAQs

What should college graduates wear to graduation? ›

If your school doesn't have a commencement dress code, you can pretty much wear whatever you want! Feel free to express your own personal style under your gown in a pretty and polished way. That means you can wear anything from floral dresses and little black dresses to sleek blazers, pantsuits, jumpsuits, and rompers.

Since graduation isn't an entirely formal event, it's best to stick with hues that are not too bright and not too dull. Some of the best color choices include black, white, peach, blue, silver, and grey. Regardless of the color you choose, remember to align it with the latest trends and your personal style.

Primarily black, white, or grey to create a timeless and elegant look. These colours also tend to coordinate well with most graduation gown colours. Most graduation gowns will come in black, or black with coloured streaks referring to individual faculties.

Think business casual or professional, and you will be on the right track. College graduation is like a business event, and as such, what you wear can range from business formal to business casual. In any case, you should look pulled together and professional, not glam and party-like.

Opt for classic colors like black, navy, or soft pastels. Choose a dress style that flatters your body shape and makes you feel confident. Opt for a knee-length or midi dress that is appropriate for the occasion. Avoid anything too revealing or too casual.

White robes are great because, like black, they can go with mostly anything! With white robes, look for softer colors, or opt for a dress that matches your school's other color. I suggest baby blue, lavender, burgundy, pastel green, or yellow, or even floral looks to give a little more dimension to your outfit.

DON'T pick a skirt that's too layered, too long, or cut on a diagonal. High-low dresses are awfully adorable but will look odd showing from the bottom of your graduation gown. Same goes for floor-length or full A-line skirts. Avoid dresses that disrupt the shape of your gown and makes you look like a sheathed cupcake.

Graduates should wear smart, neat and professional attire (formal evening wear is typically too dressy). Footwear should be smart but comfortable, as you will need to be able to walk across the stage and stand for short periods.

Women are best wearing either dress pants or a shorter skirt underneath the gown, while men should choose khakis or dark-colored dress pants. 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.

Wearing black to a graduation ceremony is generally acceptable and considered a classic choice. It's a versatile color that exudes elegance and sophistication. However, it's important to consider the dress code or guidelines provided by your educational institution for graduation ceremonies.

What is the most common graduation color? ›

Gold. Gold, the most common accent color in graduation regalia, is used broadly to represent academic excellence and achievement, particularly in the fields of science and mathematics. It's also used to represent honor societies and high grade point averages.

You can choose what length you're comfortable with, but remember, the graduate gowns are usually mid-calf to ankle length, depending on your height. Here's my tip: keep the length of your dress or skirt shorter than your gown length. A hemline hanging out your gown isn't a great look.

There is a wide range for college graduation gifts, but the typical amount given to college graduates is between $100 and $500. Since these grads will be starting new careers, possibly moving, and paying off student loans, giving more is acceptable.

A nice dress, slacks, or a suit will meet any unofficial dress codes. Fall graduations are typically held indoors, so weather doesn't pose as much of a factor. It's a good idea to layer for these ceremonies to account for all temperatures.

When it comes to timeless style, a long sleeve black midi dress is always a safe and chic bet for a mom attending their child's graduation. This is because black dresses never go out of style. Also, they offer a flattering silhouette that can be worn for various occasions beyond graduation day.

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. Don't wear jeans!

If you're a guest at a graduation ceremony, remember that the focus of the event is on the graduates. So, consider keeping your outfit not too attention-grabbing. Women can wear a cute spring dress or skirt, a nice jumpsuit or even slacks with a blouse.

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.