I don’t think that you can just put anything under that gown. Here’s all the guidance you need when it comes to what to wear for graduation.
So, you’re graduating from school, you need guidance on what to wear. First off, congratulations. That diploma, whether it’s high school, your bachelor’s, or your master’s, must’ve been a lot of hard work. Or maybe not. No judgment.
Second, you absolutely must consider what to wear to a graduation — all parts of it! What you wear to a pre-party, wear underneath that cap and gown, and even to an after-party matters.
It’s a celebration, so you can’t just put on any old thing. Be proud and show it with your style! However, a formal suit might not always be conducive to after-ceremony celebrations. (You don’t want to know how many pubs my boys and I went to after finishing our master’s degrees.)
I’m glad I considered everything for the entire day and evening — and you should, too. Here’s everything you should consider when it comes to men’s graduation attire.
What To Wear to a Graduation Ceremony
Let’s start with what to wear to a high school graduation, then move on to college graduation day.
They’re similar, but let’s be real. Teens party differently than adults do, and your graduation outfits will reflect that.
Then we’ll go over what to wear to a graduation as a guest. But first, let’s talk about the most important part of your graduation outfit.
A Quick Reminder on Gown Etiquette
If you’re graduating high school, it’s possible you’ve never worn a cap and gown before. And if you’re graduating college, well, it’s been four years — five if you did a gap year!
So, remember that tassels are worn on the right side of your cap. When you receive your diploma, you proudly move it to the left.
The hem of your gown should land between your knee and your ankle. Zip it all the way up. As such, your shirt, tie, and the bottom part of your trousers will all be showing.
What To Wear to a High School Graduation
If you’re a senior graduating from high school, what’s appropriate to wear differs from school to school. So make sure to check if there’s a written edict somewhere you can access.
Perhaps they require you to wear some form of the school colors. For guys, maybe it’s a strict white shirt and black trousers code and for girls, graduation dresses.
What Shirt Color to Wear for High School Graduation
However, in general, most of you will be wearing a dress shirt, tie, trousers, and dress shoes. It’s basically a business casual situation. Your cap and gown will likely be your school colors, so try to wear a shirt that doesn’t clash with that.
If your gown is red or crimson, or anything in the red family, wearing a green tie or mint shirt would look inappropriately Christmasy.
If your gown is black, you’ll want to avoid trousers in a true brown. However, there are ways to make black and brown work, of course. So, if you really want to do that, just make sure it’s a cooler tone, like dark wood shades and slates.
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with a white or light blue dress shirt and black, navy, maroon, dark olive, or grey pants.
You don’t need to wear a suit jacket under your gown. In fact, it’s best not to. You can, I suppose, but know that it might get hot and that it might look a bit strange.
Rep Your College
And don’t forget — you’re not just celebrating the end of high school. You’re also celebrating the start of college! If your school allows, feel free to show some pride in the school you got into. Maybe wear a tie with the college logo on it or, for a more irreverent approach, socks with the logo on them.
Of course, you can always wear your college colors sans logo.
Shoes for High School Graduation
And speaking of practical approaches, consider where your graduation is taking place when choosing your shoes. You want shoes on the dressier side, but if you’re walking through a football field, you might opt for hybrid shoes.
Avoid athletic
What To Wear to a College Graduation
As I go over what to wear to a college graduation, keep in mind that this applies to all university graduations. So, if you’re wondering what to wear to your MBA or Ph.D. ceremony, just do what you did during your undergraduate graduation.
Or, if you forgot, read on.
Think About Fit
You’re an adult now — mostly. Keep in mind that fit is extremely important. Go for a well-tailored suit and tie. Don’t wear your jacket underneath your gown, but keep it for pre-party celebrations and after-party celebrations. You’ll likely be taking a lot of photos during these parties.
What I Wore to My Graduation
For my college graduation, I went with a broken suit: A navy jacket, khaki-colored trousers, a crimson tie (my school’s color), a light blue dress shirt, and a cable-knit sweater vest. For grad school, I wore a full-blue suit.
Formality levels don’t necessarily have to keep going up with each advanced degree. But it’s a fun way to express the importance of each achievement.
Again, go for colors that won’t clash with your cap and gown.
And again, consider the practical implications of your outfit. College and university graduations often have a lot more ceremony to them, especially if you go to an older school.
My school was founded in the 1600s, so there’s a lot of tradition involved. There are larger morning exercises, a midday ceremony at the candidate’s specific school, and more afternoon speeches.
All of this involves marching throughout the campus with celebratory bagpipes playing.
This is a lot of walking — on concrete, grass, and dirt. This didn’t stop the ladies from wearing their fanciest high heels. But I definitely went with hybrid dress shoes for my master’s ceremony and had on the best insoles for my undergrad.
Even within this traditional dress code, your attire is your choice.
You can definitely have fun with your clothes, even within the business dress code. I love a contrast collar, for example. Sure, it’s a little ‘80s investment banker, but with the gown, it’s more of an accent to the entire combination.
Be yourself and be comfortable.
What To Wear to a Military Graduation
I know that when it comes to what to wear to a military graduation, it’s pretty straightforward. Most military schools have a specific uniform they require you to wear.
West Point, for example, has its special military personnel dress uniforms.
The reason I want to spotlight this really quickly is because I want to remind you that details matter.
Just remember to have all of your necessary accessories. Also, make sure your clothes are pressed and wrinkle-free, your shoes are shined, and that you’re sartorially respectful of your rank. Wear everything you’re supposed to, in the manner you’re supposed to.
What To Wear to a Graduation Party
When attending a graduation party, the two things to consider are the venue and the level of formality.
My high school threw a late-night indoor celebration filled with fun activities akin to carnival games. This is obviously a more casual situation that requires movement.
I kept my dress shirt and trousers from the ceremony, took my tie off, and changed into leather
Smart casual is a good way to go for any casual party.
For graduate school, I had one formal occasion after the ceremony that required a tuxedo. However, afterward, the guys and I went pub hopping all night long. So, I took my tuxedo jacket off and threw on a cashmere shawl collar cardigan.
Don’t get me wrong, seeing men pub-hopping in tuxedos is a way of life on my campus. Again, it’s an old school with a lot of ceremony, but comfort is key.
My best advice for attending different parties with different dress codes is to wear layers of formality. A suit with a pullover under the jacket easily transforms from business formal to business casual once you’ve removed the tie and jacket.
What To Wear to a Graduation as a Guest
Some graduations, such as those at certain military schools, require formal attire of their guests. This usually means a full business suit will suffice if you don’t want to wear a proper tuxedo.
However, for most graduations, whether it’s college or high school, the “Sunday best” approach is a good north star. If it’s appropriate at most weddings, it’ll be appropriate at a graduation.
Go for a full suit or a broken suit with a tie. Don’t feel the need to wear a full black suit unless, again, it’s a formal occasion.
If you’re the father of the graduate, definitely show some pride and wear your favorite suit. Feel free also to incorporate college-themed accessories, especially if he or she is graduating from your alma mater.
Again, a tie with the college logo is a good choice, as is a lapel pin.
Don’t forget the graduation gift to show your graduate appreciation for the fruits of their labor.
Conclusion: Dress for Success
When it comes to what to wear to a graduation, it’s all about being comfortable and confident.
It’s actually similar to dressing for an interview. You’ve achieved a major life milestone, and your outfit should be equally celebratory and professional.
When in doubt, go business formal for the ceremony and business casual for the afterparty (unless it’s a black tie).
Do you have a graduation coming up? What do you plan on wearing? Let us know in the comments!
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