How can a simple graduation robe and cap be so complicated to wear? They don’t have to be though. Here are just a few tips to help you look your best as you walk across the stage in your cap and graduation gown:
Make Sure Your Graduation Gown Is Comfortable
- Most graduation robes are a
one-size-fits-all (unless yours is custom-made for you) and will require
some additional adjustment.
- It’s
important that you adjust your graduation gown so that it sits comfortably
on your shoulders and flows down naturally.
- While
graduation robes can be made in various lengths, your gown should
comfortably sit just below your knee and not be so low that it could be a
tripping hazard.
Follow Proper Hood Etiquette If You Are Required To Wear
One
- For
graduation ceremonies, it’s important to maintain consistency on how each
graduate wears their cap and graduation
gown.
- If
your graduation ceremony requires you to wear a hood, it is important to
follow proper hood etiquette by putting the hood on over your head with
the velvet side up and the small tapered end in front.
- Make
sure to drape your hood around your neck with the largest portion of the
hood hanging down your back.
- To
avoid the hood from slipping off, use the cord on the front to secure the
hood to a shirt button or use a safety pin to attach it to a blouse, dress
or graduation suit.
Wear Your Graduation Cap The Correct Way
- Place
the cap on your head so that point is lined up with the middle of your
forehead. The inside of the cap should also tell you which end the front
is.
- From
above, it will look like a diamond shape. Adjust the mortarboard so that
it’s parallel to the ground and not being worn to the side or to the back.
- If
you’re worried about your cap moving, or possibly falling off, we suggest
wearing bobby pins or clips to keep it securely on your head.
- Fasten your tassel to the button on the top of the mortarboard. Make sure to place your tassel on the right side of your cap and don’t turn it until your degree has been conferred.
What to Wear Under a Graduation Gown and Cap
Graduation is an exciting day – getting to put on your cap and gown,
collect your certificate and celebrate your academic achievements. However,
many people still find themselves stuck on what to wear under a graduation
gown.
We've put together our tops tips for what to wear under a graduation gown for women and for men, as well as some hairstyle tips to keep your mortarboard steady. Bear in mind you worked hard to get to this point over many years, so putting thought and effort in at this stage to look your best reflects your achievement and approach.
What Do You Wear for a Graduation?
- Weather
The clothes you wear under your graduation gown will be very
different if you're graduating in August or November. The gown itself will add
a layer of warmth - it was a medieval overcoat after all - so if it's
going to be a hot day, make sure you're wearing something light underneath. If
your graduation is in winter, make sure you wear layers that can easily be
removed and added if you find you’re too hot when inside but want some
photographs outdoors.
- Comfort
You're going to be in these clothes for several hours, if
not all day. There will be pictures, walking and a lot of standing around.
Being comfortable is key to enjoying the day; if you get blisters or things
start to pinch, you won't be able to enjoy yourself as much. If you can avoid
wearing brand new shoes, we suggest that you do. But if you are planning on
wearing heels or smart brand new shoes, either have plasters at the ready or
have a spare comfier option available to avoid battling with this throughout
the day.
- Formality
As fun as it is, graduation is a serious occasion and should
be approached with the appropriate dignity and respect. Your clothes should be
appropriately formal – it's typically not black-tie, but don't be the person
who shows up in a t-shirt. Bear in mind these photographs will be around for a
long time, and a more classic look will stand the test of time better.
Some institutions have
rules about academic dress, so be sure to check ahead of time if your
institution has anything similar.
Men
For men, deciding what to wear under a cap and gown
typically comes down to finding a nice shirt and formal trousers. Neutral
colours are ideal and dark trousers will look best under any colour gown.
- Ties
are optional in most cases, but they do add another formal element,
meaning they can help elevate your look.
- Blazers
or suit jackets can get very warm under a graduation gown. If you would
like to wear a blazer for photos, consider asking someone to hold it for
you while you’re wearing your gown.
- Make
sure your outfit is ironed so you look sharp – wrinkled clothes can
undermine an otherwise crisp look. A tired or creased t-shirt is not the
best in our view.
- Shoes for men should be closed-toe, formal shoes, and should be clean and polished. Trainers usually aren’t appropriate for graduation, even fashionable ones, so try to avoid those.
Women
There are many options for what to wear under a graduation
gown for women, from skirts to dresses, trousers, pantsuits or playsuits.
However, when asking ‘what do you wear for a graduation?’, there are some
guidelines you should follow.
- For
women who prefer skirts or dresses, try to ensure that the skirt isn't too
long or puffy – combined with a gown, this can make the outfit look heavy
and shapeless.
- For
shoes, avoid tall, narrow heels or, if you're set on wearing them, bring a
spare pair of shoes that are more comfortable. Wedges or block heels are a
great way to get the lift from the heel while also staying comfortable.
Flats, pumps or formal sandals are the best options to combine style and
comfort.
- Most
graduation outfits favour neutral, darker colours to avoid overshadowing
the gown – which, of course, is the focus of the look – but if you prefer
to have a pop of colour for contrast, look for colours that complement
your institution's colours. Look on your institution’s graduation pages
as there are often details and pictures there, or ask the robemaker for
details.
Hairstyles
The mortarboard, in particular, needs to be worn correctly
and fit well. No one wants it falling off or wobbling all the time. Depending
on the look you prefer, you may wish to tie up your hair or leave it down. Both
can look amazing on a graduate, but how can you be sure it will fit under your
mortarboard and leave you feeling confident about wearing it?
- Bluntly,
spending a lot of time on your hair could be a waste of time. Mortarboards
can cover and squash hairstyles flat – you probably haven’t worn anything
quite like this before…
- If you
choose to wear your hair in an updo, make sure it's a low style and sleek,
not bulky so that your mortarboard will fit over the top. Buns and
ponytails can be a great look, but they should be at the nape of your neck
rather than high.
- Alternatively,
try an updo that won't interfere with your mortarboard. French braids or a
halo braid across your head can give you an elegant look, keep your hair
out of your face, and you can still wear your cap.
- For
those who wear a headscarf, especially those concealing a bun, bear in
mind that you may have to wear a larger mortarboard than your head size
alone would justify. The same can be true for those with dreadlocks and
cornrows or similar hairstyles. Your robemaker should always make
sure you have a hat that fits.
- Most
graduates opt to have their hair loose – just make sure that your hair is
clean and brushed or combed. Curling, straightening or waving your hair
will help you have a more polished, even look.
However you choose to wear your hair, make sure you have plenty of kirby grips (also known as bobby pins) on hand to help pin your mortarboard in place.