What to wear to a graduation
For graduates and guests alike: smart clothes that sit well under a gown, with shoes you can climb stairs and stand in. Pick a knee-length dress or a suit in a calm colour and keep the neckline and collar simple, so the gown and the photos show you.
Three outfits that work
Navy dress, cream blazer, block heels
- navy knee-length dress
- cream blazer
- beige block heels
- small brown bag
A knee-length dress with a blazer is smart under a gown and keeps the shoulders covered in a cool hall.
Navy suit, white shirt
- navy suit jacket
- navy suit trousers
- white shirt
- brown leather shoes
A plain suit and white shirt sit well under a gown and look right in family photos.
Midi dress, longline blazer, hijab
- sage long-sleeve midi dress
- cream longline blazer
- beige hijab
- black flat shoes
A long-sleeved midi dress under a longline blazer stays covered through the ceremony, and block heels or flats are steady on stairs.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | A light dress or suit in breathable fabric, a hat for outdoor ceremonies, and water. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | A dress or suit with a blazer you can take off, and closed shoes. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A coat for the walk to the hall, warm tights or socks, and shoes with grip. |
Do and don’t
- Wear shoes you can climb steps in, with a steady heel or flat sole
- Keep the neckline and collar simple so the gown sits well
- Choose breathable fabric because a gown adds a layer
- Bring a small bag, with your ticket and phone in it
- Wear stilettos on lawns, stairs or cobbles
- Choose a big collar or ruffles that bunch under a gown
- Forget that a gown can be warm
- Wear anything so new that it needs adjusting on stage
Check the night before
- Check what the university says about gowns and caps
- Walk a few minutes in the shoes you will wear
- Pack tickets, ID and a charged phone
- Look at the forecast for the walk to and from the hall
- Press the outfit and hang it up
Questions people ask
What should I wear under a graduation gown?
Smart clothes you are comfortable in, in breathable fabric, with a plain neckline. Remember that the gown adds a warm layer.
What should guests wear to a graduation?
Smart casual to business casual: a dress or trousers with a blazer, or a suit. Calm colours work well.
What shoes are best for graduation?
Flats or block heels you can walk in. You may need to climb steps on stage and stand for a while.
Can I wear jeans to graduation?
It depends on the ceremony. For most, smart trousers or a dress are safer; if you are unsure, ask your faculty.
Pick Graduation in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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