Now that your studies have finally paid off, it’s time to celebrate all your hard work with your graduation. While it will be one of the most important days of your life, it will also be a day that you will remember for the rest of your life. However, before the day arrives, you’ll want to ensure that you have something to wear. But where to start? This article has all the information you need when it comes to making the perfect outfit choice for your graduation. So, let’s learn more.
For Men
If you’re like most men, your grad party will be the highlight of the entire evening. But before you get to this point, you must graduate first, and with that comes choosing what to wear to the special occasion. A smart, tailored suit tends to be the most popular choice for men, however, dress slacks with a long-sleeve button-down shirt can also be a fantastic choice. Be sure to pair them with matching shoes, pocket squares, or cufflinks to add the final touches which will amp up the style quotient of your outfit.
For Women
Graduation day is a day filled with events and emotions, so you’ll want to look your absolute best. So, what better way to prepare than by planning your outfit well in advance? A white dress, for example, can be dressed up or down with accessories, while a jumpsuit can be worn in several different ways. Or, if your robe is a certain color scheme, you will want your outfit to complement this perfectly. But ultimately, it is what you feel comfortable in. Plan to take multiple pictures of each outfit so you can review them and decide what changes to make in plenty of time.
Academic Dress
The academic dress code varies somewhat by the institution. Some institutions choose a uniform set for the students to wear, while others leave that to the students’ discretion. They come in various colors, materials, and styles, but they are all meant to promote campus unity and foster a sense of pride in that school’s community. Collect your gown and trencher (headwear) at the Graduation venue. The hood/stole is worn over your gown and hangs across your front and shoulders.
Footwear
The importance of good footwear cannot be overstated. Whether it’s for sports, work, or just everyday wear, it’s important to have comfortable and safe shoes. Footwear for your graduation, however, should be smart but comfortable, as you will need to walk across the stage and stand for short periods. So, be sure to bear this in mind when you’re shopping for shoes.
What You Shouldn’t Wear to Graduation
Uncomfortable Footwear
Walking around in uncomfortable shoes can not only put a damper on your walk but can also lead to other foot problems. When shoes aren’t comfortable, it can lead to foot injuries, including plantar fasciitis. There are several reasons you may be experiencing foot pain. It could be your shoes, your shoes are not supportive enough, or your shoes don’t fit properly. The last thing you want to do is cause pain for your graduation, so avoid wearing shoes that you know are uncomfortable.
Wrong Weather Wear
Winter is coming to a close, at least in most places, and the summer weather is on its way. However, before you break out those sandals, remember the importance of good winter-weather gear. Apparel for cold weather is vastly different from that for summer, so it’s important to have the right gear for the season.
Being Underdressed or Overdressed
When the weather is cold outside, many people will bundle up to protect themselves from the cold. But when the weather is hot outside, many people would rather take their chances by wearing less. Some will opt for shorts, while others will wear tank tops and bathing suits. The question then becomes, how much clothing is appropriate? The answer is being underdressed or overdressed.
An Outfit That’s Unflattering in Photos
When it’s time to snap photos, some of us are quick and decisive and know exactly what we want to wear. Others, however, find themselves wearing unflattering attire in photos. To prove this isn’t your fault, consider how you’re dressed for photos when you aren’t even trying. For example, if you wear your favorite comfy sweater because you want to snuggle up at home but not in front of the camera, then you’ve just gifted yourself an unflattering photo.
Anything Inappropriate or That Might Get You in Trouble
These days, you may feel that anything that could possibly be considered inappropriate, morally questionable, or otherwise wrong is fair game for public scrutiny. The golden rule of “do unto others as you would have others do unto you” seems to have morphed into “do unto others as others would do unto you.” As such, people are more vigilant than ever about monitoring the thoughts and opinions of others and are quick to call out anything that they feel is out of line or inappropriate.
Graduation caps and gowns are an important symbol of academic achievement. They are also to be worn by graduates only and are to be thrown on the floor after everyone has placed them on the ground. Yet while these accessories have a big part to play, your clothing choice is also of vast importance too. So before graduating, be sure to consider all our tips above!
