FAQs
If your school doesn't have a commencement dress code, you can pretty much wear whatever you want! Feel free to express your own personal style under your gown in a pretty and polished way. That means you can wear anything from floral dresses and little black dresses to sleek blazers, pantsuits, jumpsuits, and rompers.
What should I wear to my son's high school graduation? ›
Many moms opt for pastels or cheery colors worn with some neutrals. You can also wear classic colors like navy, taupe, green, gray, brown, etc., which are always appropriate. However, avoid wearing the school colors or all black since you don't want to blend in with your child's graduation gown in photos.
What do you wear with graduation robes? ›
You should wear smart clothing beneath your gown. If you are to wear a shirt then a tie must also be worn. Smart but comfortable shoes are important; no jeans or trainers. We recommend wearing a buttoned blouse or shirt, which will make it easier for you to attach the hood to your clothing.
What should I wear to my daughter's college graduation? ›
College graduation calls for an outfit more formal than jeans but not as dressy as a co*cktail dress you might wear to a wedding. Think business to semi-formal. Wear something similar to what you would wear to a respected workplace, special church service, or an important meeting.
What should a female wear for graduation? ›
The dress code for a college graduation ceremony is typically formal. For men, this means wearing a suit or dress pants with a button-down shirt and a tie. For women, a dress or a skirt and blouse combination are both acceptable choices. Some institutions may have rules about dress length or colour restrictions.
What is the best color to wear to graduation? ›
Wear White or Light colored outfits for a classic look
For a timeless and classic look, outfits with light colors and tones tend to work well, as they will never go out of fashion. Graduation is a joyous and celebratory occasion, so I'd aim for bright and uplifting colors to match!
How much money should a parent give their child for graduation? ›
There is a wide range for college graduation gifts, but the typical amount given to college graduates is between $100 and $500. Since these grads will be starting new careers, possibly moving, and paying off student loans, giving more is acceptable.
What color should a woman wear to graduation? ›
Choose a color that makes you feel like your best self, then look for a dress, jumpsuit, or two-piece set in that color family! You can also choose a bold hue based on the color of your graduation gown. For example, if you have a neutral white or black gown, go for a green, pink, or purple look.
Can a parent wear white to graduation? ›
Black and white are always safe choices, but feel free to experiment with other colors as well. If you're feeling bold, try a patterned dress or even something in in a bright color. Our best tip for graduation attire for guests: just make sure that it's not too flashy and that you feel comfortable in it.
What not to wear under graduation gown? ›
Avoid brightly coloured bottoms if you choose to wear dress pants or a longer skirt, as they can be seen below the hem of the gown and stick to darker colours. For pants and skirts that are shorter in length and can't be seen, a bright colour is acceptable.
If you're graduating in the spring, I'd recommend choosing a dress in a spring-y or summer-y solid color, or a bright, fun floral or other print. If you are graduating in the fall or winter, choose a dress in a darker solid color (but something still colorful — don't just default to black!) or a darker floral print.
Can I wear sneakers for graduation? ›
It's a celebratory but serious occasion, and you want to show up appropriately attired. That generally means a more polished look elevated above ordinary streetwear, such as professional or at least business casual pieces – avoiding items like jeans, shorts and sneakers.
What flower symbolizes graduation? ›
Choose flowers that symbolize graduation, such as roses or lilies. Arrange them in a stylish vase or in a bouquet wrapped with elegant ribbons. Your graduate will cherish this thoughtful, blooming gift.
Is it OK to wear jeans to a graduation? ›
If you're in bleachers or a stadium, white is probably not the best option. While jeans might seem fine, I'd suggest skipping them for all types of graduations, as it's always better to be slightly overdressed. If you want to wear pants, consider wide trousers or cropped ones for a polished look.
How much do you give for a college graduation gift? ›
Bright Hub states that many people give between $100 and $500 as a college graduation gift, but this can depend a lot on their relationships with the recent grad.
Does it matter what you wear to graduation? ›
Graduates should wear smart, neat and professional attire (formal evening wear is typically too dressy). Footwear should be smart but comfortable, as you will need to be able to walk across the stage and stand for short periods.
Can I wear jeans to my graduation? ›
It's advisable to leave the jeans behind as they can be considered far too casual against the backdrop of a formal or semi-formal graduation ceremony. Tailored trousers or chinos paired with a dress shirt permit the comfort jeans offer, but retain the formality expected at such an event.
Is it OK not to wear a dress at graduation? ›
Wear whatever you want. Congratulations on this milestone in your life and keep in mind, the choices are only going to get more difficult from now on. As you continue living your life, wearing or not wearing a dress to your graduation will seem like one of the easiest choices that you ever had to make.
Are you supposed to wear a certain color to graduation? ›
Unless your school has a strict dress code, wear whatever you like. You will probably be wearing a graduation robe, so whatever you have on underneath will likely not be seen during the ceremony. Really there is no traditional color unless your school has some kind of tradition or requests a color scheme.