College graduation is a wonderful time. Gowns are flowing, caps are flying through the sky, and it’s time to celebrate your biggest achievement to date. Sure, you could just throw the cap and gown over any old outfit, but think about the photos.
That said, you don’t want to be too hot, right? Especially if you’re in a warm area and you don’t want to overdress to the point where your cap and gown barely fit over your fit.
So, what to wear to college graduation? Well, the answer is that it depends, but the good news is that our guide is here to help you. Whether you have your eyes on a few dress styles or you need a little inspo, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on to learn more about what you should wear to your college graduation below.
What to Wear to College Graduation: Step-by-Step
When it comes to your graduation outfit, you should put a little bit of thought into it. We know that the boys have it easy, slacks and a polo or button-down shirt, but it can be a little more complex for the girls.
Thankfully, we have a step-by-step guide to help you build your dream college graduation outfit below.
1. Start With the Shoes
First and foremost, you need to put a lot of thought into your shoes. We know you probably have a pair of heels sitting in your closet for nice occasions, but let them sit this one out. Why? Because heels will sink into the grass, and there’s a good chance you’ll be standing on some come picture time.
Instead of heels, make a statement with a pair of wedges or other cute sandals. You won’t be wobbling around in the grass, and you can still choose shoes that turn a few heads.
2. Choose the Perfect Dress for the Occasion
Next, it’s time to choose the foundation of your fit – your dress. We recommend going with a white dress in the spring or something floral. However, winter graduations happen too, and you may want to consider darker colors in these situations.
If you need a little bit of inspiration, don’t worry, because Sherri Hill has an awesome collection of graduation dresses for you to choose from.
Still, a dress isn’t mandatory. You can always opt for a skirt and a cute shirt or even a jumpsuit or romper. While this may be the case, we always recommend the dress, and you should keep the dress length modest. In other words, it shouldn’t be longer than your cap and gown, which should go down to about your ankles.
3. Don’t Forget the Accessories
Last but not least, don’t forget to accessorize your outfit. Sure, you won’t see a lot of jewelry under the gown, but this is the perfect time to bust out that cute anklet you have. It’s also a good time to wear your favorite bracelets, rings, and anything else that will stick out of the gown.
Essentially, if it’s not covered by the cap and gown, and you can accessorize it, why not? In fact, even the right pair of shades can go a long way.
Of course, the gown is going to come off eventually, so don’t be afraid to wear your favorite necklace and other accessories. Depending on your school, you may even be able to add a charm or two to your cap and gown anyway.
Our Final Thoughts on What to Wear to College Graduation
When thinking about what to wear to college graduation, always remember to think beyond the gown. We know that you’ll be wearing the gown for a large portion of the event, but don’t forget about the photos that take place after.
What’s more, there’s a good chance that your cap and gown will go flying into the air at one point, so having a great fit underneath it is critical. Plus, you may have dinner or another event to attend. That said, don’t overthink it, and make sure you focus on your shoes and accessories to make sure you look stunning from start to finish.
