A Guideline on What to Wear for Graduation: The Ladies Edition

You’ve worked hard, put in long hours, and had sleepless nights. Now, it’s your time to graduate and celebrate all of your years of studies. 

There's a lot of hype around this particular day and for a good reason! It's a celebration for the blood and sweat put in over the years to complete one's degree. It is also a major transition in life from being a student to becoming a working-class individual.

So, what do you wear? Here are the best outfits for you to rock on your graduation day. Get out your camera, cap, and gown, and take center stage in style!

College/University Graduation

Whether you’ve finished Law or Liberal Arts, show off your degree in one of these stunning dresses. A tight-fitting bodycon looks extra sharp with a cap and gown, and a flowing wrap skirt will make you want to party all night in celebration. Feel free to add some sparkle and glamour to your outfit – this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, why not flaunt it?

Graduation Party

Let the fun begin. Wear something glamourous at the graduation party, show off your pins in a mini dress or let your hair down in an off-the-shoulder gown. If you’re going straight from the stage to a party, opt for a midi bodycon frock that shows off your curves and is super stylish. Dark colors look fantastic at one of these events and you can add a bit of sparkle with a pair of glittery heels or a snazzy clutch. After all of the hard work you’ve done for the past few years, you deserve to have a great night out and celebrate!

Graduation Ceremony

Stand on the stage and feel proud of yourself in one of these stunning outfits. If you don’t want to wear a traditional dress on your big day, rock your cap and gown in a pair of palazzo pants and a chic top in a bold shade. If you want to go all out, why not wear a jumpsuit? They’re comfortable, stylish, and are a timeless option for any graduate!

Graduation Dinner

Finish off the perfect day in a stunning outfit at your graduation dinner. From casual gatherings to a semi-formal event, you can’t go wrong with a classic midi dress to show off your curves. For a laidback feel, opt for a perfect A-line silhouette with a pair of pumps, completed by a subtle set of accessories like a necklace or drop earrings. If you’re heading straight to a party afterward, it’s best to wear something versatile such as a slinky pencil skirt with a crop top or rollneck. These options look great at any time of the year and are a fantastic way to look timeless in your photos.

Here's a couple of more tips you can go by when choosing what to wear for graduation:

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Do not even consider breaking in those new shoes on the D-day because you'll definitely live to regret this. More often than not, you'll spend an adequate amount of time on your feet so again don't aim for 6-inch heels if you're not used to them, stick to a pair of shoes that you can easily walk around in.

2. Wear a Comfortable but Chic Dress

You're advised to go for a classy-chic look and aim for a dress that flatters the shape of your body. Here's a couple of styles you can work with: An all-white, knee-length skater dress; a fitting, knee-length, or slightly beyond knee length body con dress; or a stylish loose-fit jumpsuit; a fitting knee-length casual dress; a full-on African print dress or a midi skirt and slim fit blouse. 

3. Avoid an up-do

Ladies, try aiming for those hairstyles that will accommodate the graduation hat so as to avoid continuous adjustment of the hat throughout the ceremony. What's more, you will also be able to get really nice pictures and selfies that won't make your hat look awkward.

FAQs

Why do you wear white for graduation?

White is a popular color for formal occasions, and simple shapes look especially striking in this hue. Graduations are usually semi-formal events, and rather than opting for loud prints or bold shades; a muted color palette creates a smarter, more modest appearance. It is also a tradition that women have followed for decades, and white tends to symbolize freshness and simplicity, which could be interpreted as new beginnings.

What should I wear to graduation?

Graduation is a time to celebrate all the hard work and sleepless nights you put in to achieve your degree or complete high school. It makes sense then that you want this to be a look that you remember; after all, many photos will be taken. Ideally, you want to pick a comfortable but semi-formal outfit, such as a classic midi dress or a cute lace mini, paired with heels or chic flats. Alternatively, you could wear a relaxed suit. You also want to be modest and not show off too much skin. Consider the temperature, and wear something that is weather appropriate.

What should you not wear to graduation?

Your graduation is a day of celebration and achievement, and you will be in your outfit for a long time, so, with this in mind, comfort is of the utmost importance. Don't choose a look that you feel self-conscious about or that is too tight. Ditch the shoes that will make your feet ache! You also don't want to wear something inappropriate or be underdressed. It is not the time to experiment with bold colors or wild patterns. Instead, opt for a muted color palette with simple and classic cuts. For your hair and makeup, keep it pretty but natural. 

What do mothers wear to graduation?

As the mother of the graduating child, this is an important milestone in your life, too. You want to look smart but not overdone because it is not your day. If the invitation does not specify a dress code, then you can assume it is semi formal. A nice pencil skirt with a button-down shirt or a blouse are great options, or you can pair smart pants with a turtleneck in winter or a pretty top in summer. It is important to pick something comfortable, don't opt for killer heels, and dress appropriately in terms of age, modesty, and weather.

What are graduation colors?

One of the most popular colors to wear for graduation is white, but this is not your only choice. Shades of light blue, ivory, lilac, grey, and even pink are pretty and cute. The idea is to keep it simple, choosing a muted color palette. Your hood's color will be determined by your major at university, for example, purple for law students and pale blue for education. 

What kind of shoes do you wear to graduation?

You want to wear footwear that is comfortable but also smart. A mid-heel is a lovely option because it is not too high that your feet will ache after a few hours but creates a feminine appearance and elongates your legs. A good example would be strappy sandals with a block heel or classic pumps. Kitten heels are also cute. That said, if you prefer not to wear heels, there is no rule to say you must. The biggest things are that your footwear is simple, dressy, and clean.

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