Whether for high school or college, a graduation is a big event that marks your passage into another phase of life. Of course, you want to invite your friends and family to share this moment with you and you’ll definitely be taking some photos together to commemorate the day.
You might wonder what the etiquette is for grads and guests when it comes to outfits. Graduations can happen at different times of the year, different times of day, indoors, or outdoors. All of these factors can affect what’s an appropriate outfit to wear. You might find yourself staring at your closet wondering what color to wear for the graduation ceremony. We’re here to help.
Dressing for graduation shouldn’t be stressful, and it won’t be after reading our guide.
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What Colors Should Graduates Wear?
If you’re the graduate, there are a few things to consider when choosing the color of your outfit.
Female Graduates
Traditionally, white and pastel dresses are the most popular for graduations. Since graduations usually take place in spring or early summer, those light bright colors are seasonally appropriate, especially for a graduation in the morning or afternoon. That doesn’t mean you have to go the traditional route, though.
Right now, the trend is for bold and bright colors; just be sure to follow the experts at Sherri Hill’s advice and avoid any bright colors that will clash with the colors on your graduation robe. Jewel tones and neon colors make a fun contrast to the drab graduation gowns you wear during the ceremony. These saturated tones are especially appropriate for evening graduations. They also take you straight from graduation to your after-party or graduation dinner.
When choosing your graduation dress, you can select one in one of your school colors to show school spirit, or in a color associated with your honor society or sorority.
Most importantly, choose a color you love. A color that complements your natural color will make you look amazing in photos. It will also make that dress one that you will be more likely to wear again for events in the next stage of your life.
Male Graduates
Sometimes it feels like male graduates have fewer opportunities to express themselves with fashion. The traditional graduation look, after all, is a black or navy suit and a white dress shirt. Fortunately, you don’t have to go this route.
If your graduation is outdoors in the summer, you’ll probably want to skip wearing a suit jacket or blazer for practical reasons. A neutral pair of slacks (suit pants, chinos, or khakis) is a good base for the outfit, not to mention a good starter piece for a professional work wardrobe. You can play with more colors on your torso.
Instead of a classic white shirt, you can choose a button-down in a color or pattern that expresses your personality or reflects your school spirit. You can also add a tie or bowtie in a complimentary shade. Use the color wheel to help you figure out which colors will look good together and remember not to mix too many patterns.
If your shirt has a bold pattern, choose a solid or subtly patterned tie or vice versa. Choose colors and patterns that will make you look great in photos. You want to stand out because of your awesome smile, not because you’re dressed in highly visible colors.
Graduation Guests
If you’re attending a graduation, you want to support your grad and show your love. You also want to look good for all the inevitable photos, but it’s important to remember that on this day you’re a supporting player.
Choose a color that’s appropriate for the time and place of the graduation, but isn’t too flashy. Avoid neons and metallics that will make you the visual center of photos.
For women, a cotton dress or pair of slacks and a button-down blouse is a good choice for a daytime graduation. Choose neutral or seasonally appropriate colors. A little black dress is also a good option, especially for an evening event.
For men, you can’t go wrong with neutral trousers and a light-colored button-down. Add a blazer or jacket if the event is indoors or after dark. Avoid extremely bright colors or visually distracting patterns on your shirt and, if you choose to wear one, your tie.
Graduate From the School of Style
Whether you’re a guest or a graduate, you can look great and express your personal style in an appropriate way by choosing the right colors. If you’re really struggling, you can fall back on the simplicity of tradition, wearing white as a graduate, or you can be a little more experimental by choosing a color that represents your personality or school pride.
No matter what, choose a color you can wear confidently for this big event.