The day you’ve been waiting for is finally here. You’ve been working toward this moment for years, and now it’s finally here: your graduation!

You’re probably excited to celebrate your achievement with family and friends, but we know that deciding what to wear can be tricky. The last thing you want is to worry about what you’re wearing when all eyes are on you—and trust us, they will be. So we put together this guide to help make sure you look like the proud graduate you are!

What to wear on your graduation

There’s nothing like the feeling of graduating from school.

It’s a milestone for young people and their families, and it’s also an important moment for you.

You’ve done it! You’re ready to take on whatever comes next in your life—whether that’s entering the workforce, going on to college, or continuing your education in another way. We’re excited for you, and we know you’re excited too!

But before you throw yourself into the rest of your life, there are some things to consider: what you’ll wear on graduation day.

We know how stressful this can be—you want to look great but not like you’re trying too hard, and at the same time, you need to make sure that whatever outfit you pick is comfortable enough that it won’t get in the way of celebrating after all those years of hard work (and maybe just a little partying).

So don’t worry—we’ve got everything covered here at [company name].

Graduation is a big deal. It’s the culmination of all your hard work, and the beginning of a new chapter in your life.

But before you put on that cap and gown and walk across that stage, it’s important to think about what you’re going to wear while you do it!

A graduation is a milestone in your life. It is a time to celebrate, reflect and move forward.

It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how far you’ve come as well as how much further you have to go.

Whether you’re graduating from college or high school, it’s important that you dress appropriately for the occasion. This means wearing clothes that are appropriate for the environment (i.e., not shorts when it’s cold outside), but it also means wearing clothes that make a statement about who you are.

If you want to stand out from the crowd at graduation parties, here are some tips:

Congratulations! You did it. You’re graduating from high school and entering the next stage of your life. This is an exciting time for you, but it can also be stressful as you prepare for your ceremony and other graduation events.

One of the best ways to make sure you look great in photos, feel confident about yourself, and enjoy the day is to wear something nice. But what? Let’s take a look at some ideas:

You’ve done it! Whether you’re finishing high school, college, or graduate school, graduation is an important and one-of-a-kind event. It’s a moment to look back on all you have accomplished and the time and effort you dedicated to your achievement. It’s time to celebrate as you enter a new chapter and think about all the exciting things that may be next.

Not only does graduation have a huge emotional significance, but there’s also the issue of what to wear. I’m getting ready to graduate college, and all my friends and I are scrambling trying to plan our looks. With so many online and in-store retailers, there are (probably literally) a million options. So when graduation meets the style question, what do you answer?

Like those dreaded homework questions where every number has five sub-sections, the graduation outfit has lots of components to think about. The first thing to do is let go of the idea of perfection. When you find a piece or outfit that speaks to you, don’t wait around for the next best thing—there are so many options out there that you can easily end up in a vicious cycle. Instead, lean in and let yourself be excited about something you love. Let the spirit of the occasion reflect itself in what you wear: pride, joy, celebration, and overcoming.

There are some practical tips, too. Whatever you wear has to work well with your graduation gown. Some silhouettes may leave weird protruding shapes that you’d rather avoid, and when it comes to shoes, you’ll want to be able to walk comfortably without falling while getting your diploma and possibly doing a lot of walking and standing. It’s best to wear something comfortable that fits your personal style in a way that feels classy and timeless.

Taking all these different components into account, I assembled 13 outfits that will give you some ideas of what to wear for graduation. Oh, and by the way, congratulations!

Easygoing Blues
Blue dress outfit collage
DESIGN BY TIANA CRISPINO
This dreamy ruffle dress features beautiful details that will help you stand out on graduation day. It’s a calm blue hue with shimmering metallic hints and an easygoing shape that makes it a stylish, comfortable choice to wear for a day that’s jam-packed with events. Pair it with nude heels and a clutch for a complete look.
Red polo dress outfit collage
DESIGN BY TIANA CRISPINO
While it’s common to see formal outfits and dresses for graduation, you can also maintain elegance with an air of sportiness. A Gucci polo dress paired with red flats and a statement crossbody is a great combination for achieving this effortless and sporty look.

Brown jumpsuit outfit collage
DESIGN BY TIANA CRISPINO
If you don’t want to wear a dress and tend to like minimalist styles, consider a clean-cut silk jumpsuit with beautiful accessories. The comfort and simplicity of this Silk Maison jumpsuit balances well with the minimalist gold cuff and flower-embellished stilettos.
White dress outfit collage
DESIGN BY TIANA CRISPINO
If you like romantic details, this effortless midi dress is just what you need to wear to graduation. Its adjustable straps make it easy to fit to your body, while the bow detail accentuates your waist. To bring some color into this look, try eye-catching bangles and colorful shoes.
DESIGN BY TIANA CRISPINO
Why not graduate wearing a power suit? Instead of opting for classic black, look to mix lighter colors that’ll keep you cooler in the sun. A two-tone suit plus colorful heels will give the timeless look a warm-weather twist.
DESIGN BY TIANA CRISPINO
If you don’t like to dress overly formal for events, then try mixing different styles for a look that fits your aesthetic. This J.Crew dress comes in a timeless color and silhouette that pairs nicely with tan leather. Western-inspired heels and a bucket bag are great accessories to bring this look together.
White silk dress outfit collage
DESIGN BY TIANA CRISPINO
Slip into silk for your big day and everything will look effortless. This relaxed-cut dress gives an ease of movement while being lightweight and luminescent in every picture you take. Luxurious shoes and a pearl accessory make this an outfit to remember.

Parisian Flair
Red tweed dress outfit collage
DESIGN BY TIANA CRISPINO
If you want your graduation outfit to be one that everyone remembers, go for chic and easygoing pieces. Really looking to go all out? It doesn’t get much better than Chanel when it comes to a reliable source for all things Parisian. Pair the timeless red dress with hoops and comfortable-but-glam flats to complete the look.

Graduation Goddess
White long sleeve dress outfit collage
DESIGN BY TIANA CRISPINO
This beautiful dress features all the details you need for an unforgettable moment. We love the panel that accentuates the waist. To complete the outfit while keeping the energy, find the right shoes and accessories. A gold necklace that drapes down and gold, gladiator-inspired heels will do just that.
Linen jumpsuit outfit collage
DESIGN BY TIANA CRISPINO
If you love the feeling and simplicity of a jumpsuit, look no further than this linen version, which features a tie-knot front to add a playful flair. The neutral color makes this easy to pair with accessories, plus its pockets make it a lot easier to go hands-free.
This structured dress beautifully contours your body for a look with the most elegance. Its pleated skirt also allows you to move with ease and a sense of grace. Since it comes with a belt, that makes accessorizing much easier. Instead of worrying about details to accentuate the waist, think about statement earrings and shoes to bring the look to life.
Thinking about wearing all white for graduation day? It’s a popular choice, so it’s extra important to figure out how to make the look your own. With its asymmetrical cut and ruffle detail, this dress is sure to stand out. Plus, if you’re likely going to be sitting outside in the sun for hours, this is an ideal choice for staying cool.

After years of studying in dim lighting during the early hours of the morning, and many more sleepless nights finishing difficult class projects, the end is near. You’re finally about to graduate with an undergraduate degree and leave the hallowed hallways of University of Nebraska-Lincoln forever — or until you decide graduate school is necessary.

Before you walk across the stage and accept your diploma, you need to first curate the perfect outfit. You want this day to go down in history as the day you look the best. Not only are you proving to your sometimes-condescending siblings that you are indeed smarter than them, but you’re also going to be standing in front of your whole class. In other words, your crush from pottery class will see you on display. You have to be looking your best so that they will always regret throwing away their chances with you.

Your graduation outfit has to be elegant and express who you will be after college, whether that’s a highly-esteemed lawyer, a fashion forward journalist or a boujee stay-at-home spouse. If this seems like a lot of pressure and you’re overthinking every little detail, no worries, I have you covered with a couple simple outfit ideas.

An outfit for the graduating royalty

When in doubt, wear a dress. Dresses help to keep you cool under the itchy polyester graduation gown. Plus, they require less planning than when you wear pants and a top and have to color coordinate the whole ensemble.

For the dress, I recommend something elegant like a black slip dress with a pair of black low heels. If you are braver, you could go with a bright patterned mid-length dress like this one. Whichever dress you go with, I would keep it mid-length so it doesn’t peek out from underneath the graduation robe.

If you decide to wear a dress, you must also curtsy princess-style before you leave the stage.

Dress to impress

It’s a lot easier to dress for graduation when you’re a man. Basically, just don’t wear your basketball shorts or sweatpants and you’ll be golden. However, sometimes it can be tricky to pick out the perfect fit that will impress your mother and your classmates.

Since graduation day is near the start of balmy summer days, try not to wear a three-piece suit that will have you dripping sweat before the ceremony even starts. Instead, go with striped slacks, a linen long-sleeve top and brown dress shoes.

To finalize the outfit, deck out all your fingers in class rings so no one will doubt that you are a college graduate.

An outfit to relieve your sweaty back

Since commencement takes place outside at Memorial Stadium, things can heat up pretty quick and lead to an annoyingly sweaty back. To keep back-sweat stains at bay, wear a cream-colored backless shirt and cool vegan leather cream-colored slacks. You could also wear a formal black backless dress with lace up heels.

Wearing a backless shirt is also sneaky because when you wear your graduation robe, no one will know you have a scandalously bare back, and your grandmother won’t have to shake her head in disappointment at how risqué kids are these days.

For the indecisive graduates

If you like the idea of wearing pants, but you don’t like having to color coordinate a top and pants, then the jumpsuit is the way to go. Jumpsuits have a bad reputation for being too casual, however, I dare to disagree. Wear a jumpsuit like this red one or this sparkly one with some elegant heels, and Anna Wintour will materialize out of thin air and congratulate you on a job well done — in dress and in finalizing your education. After all, Anna Wintour is always watching.

An outfit for the pasture enthusiasts

Sometimes wearing slacks may seem too fancy, especially if you never take off your graduation robe. Instead, you want to dress for comfortability — after all, you will be sitting for at least four hours. If this is the case, then you’ll want to resort to jeans. Jeans are also good for people graduating with an agricultural degree. They’ll be able to easily maneuver and deter any chickens that may mistakenly wander into the graduation ceremony — it is Nebraska after all and chickens are everywhere.

In order to keep things casual but not too casual, wear dark wash jeans with black dress shoes and a black polo shirt. Be prepared to instantly get job offers from highly-esteemed agricultural organizations as soon as you walk off the stage.

No matter what you end up wearing to grace the turf at Memorial Stadium, I hope you feel a sense of pride as you grasp the thin piece of paper that hints at your future career. While I’m not graduating this semester, I will be soon, so you must let me know if the university presents you with your diploma all rolled up and tied with a red bow like they do in the movies. If they don’t, I will be extremely disappointed. Either way, I am still proud of you and I wish you a bountiful future.

What to wear on your graduation day

Congratulations on your graduation!

Whether you are graduating from high school or college, it’s a big deal. You’ve worked hard and studied long hours, so you deserve to celebrate the accomplishment of your goals.

You might be thinking about what to wear for your graduation day. You probably have a lot of options, but there’s no need to overthink it. You can choose a simple outfit that will show off your sense of style and still honor the occasion.

Here are some ideas for what to wear:

You’ve made it!

You’re finally done with school, and you can’t wait to get out there in the world and make your mark. But first: graduation!

Graduation is a momentous occasion, and you want to look your best as you walk across that stage. It’s also a time to reflect on how far you’ve come and what’s ahead of you. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable or distracted by something as minor as your outfit choice—but we know it can be hard to find an outfit that’s both appropriate for the occasion and flattering for your body type.

The good news? We’ve got you covered. Here are some tips for what to wear on your graduation day so that all eyes are on YOU

You’ve worked hard to get to this point. You deserve a day to celebrate with your family, friends, and teachers—and now you have one!

You’ve come so far in just a few years, and now you have all of the skills and knowledge you need to take on the world. Whether you’re heading off to college or entering the workforce, graduation is an exciting time. It’s also an important one: it’s your chance to look back on everything that led up to this moment, reflect on what you’ve learned along the way, and start moving forward with a new sense of self-awareness and confidence.

But how do you make sure your first post-graduation outfit reflects who you are now? Well, we’re here for you! We’ll help you figure out what clothes will make your big day feel like homecoming all over again—and what outfits will help ease into life after high school (or college) like a pro.

There aren’t any hard and fast rules for what to wear to graduation, but when in doubt, wear a dress. You could choose a skirt/slacks and top or a dressy jumpsuit, but this is a celebration of your hard work, so it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed

What to Wear to a Graduation (Guests & Grads)

Late spring and early summer bring so many celebrations to look forward to, including graduations! Whether you’re a graduate or are attending a graduation, I wanted to share what to wear to graduation and a few things to consider as you put together your outfit for the day.

What to Wear to Graduation

What to Wear If You’re the Graduate

When deciding what to wear to your own graduation, it’s helpful to remember a few things about the day that will impact your choices. You want to look your best, but there are other factors to consider, from the weather to the schedule of the day as a whole, and what type of surface you’ll be walking on (grass, for example).

So before we dive into graduation outfit examples, here are 4 things to keep in mind when deciding what to wear:

REMEMBER YOU’LL BE WALKING ALL DAY AND CHOOSE SHOES ACCORDINGLY

One of the main things I remember about my college graduation is that it was a full day of walking. From my house off campus to the stadium for the ceremony to lunch afterwards, to friends houses for graduation parties, I probably walked 20,000 steps that day.

When choosing shoes to wear for graduation, we are looking for that diamond that is equal parts comfortable, stylish, and stable. This usually means a block heel or wedge (we don’t want any trips on stage) no higher than 3.5”.

I know that stilettos can be tempting, but you’ll likely be walking or standing on grass for family photos or as part of the ceremony. We want to avoid that heel grass sinkage if at all possible.

WHEN IN DOUBT, WEAR A DRESS

There aren’t any hard and fast rules for what to wear to graduation, but when in doubt, wear a dress. You could choose a skirt/slacks and top or a dressy jumpsuit, but this is a celebration of your hard work, so it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

For a spring graduation ceremony, I recommend a white, pastel, or floral dress.

For a fall or winter graduation ceremony, I recommend a dark floral print or a seasonal, dark solid (navy, purple) dress.

KNOW WHERE YOUR GOWN WILL HIT WHEN CHOOSING DRESS LENGTH

Most graduation gowns hit mid-calf or at the ankle, depending on how tall you are. You’ll feel very covered in your gown and graduation cap, and they can be a little heavy.

To make things easier on yourself, keep the length of your graduation dress shorter than your gown.

Avoid a maxi dress and opt for a knee length, mini, or midi dress instead. These will not only look better when you walk across the stage (no random colors or prints peeking out for pictures) but should keep you cool and be easier to move in.

CHOOSE ACCESSORIES THAT WON’T GET HIDDEN

Necklaces and bracelets will get hidden under your robe, especially if you receive awards, flowers, or cords.

For the ceremony itself, I’d wear simple earrings that draw attention to your face. Classic studs are perfect, or you could choose statement earrings, but try to keep them less trendy as you’ll have your grad pictures forever.

Here’s an example of what to wear to your graduation and a few grad-appropriate dresses:

What to Wear to Graduation as a Guest

IT’S BETTER TO BE OVERDRESSED, BUT LET THE GRADUATE SHINE

Most invitations will state the ceremony dress code, but if you’re unsure, it’s safe to assume conservative yet dressy attire. You’ll feel more comfortable dressed up than dressed down, and whatever you do, don’t wear jeans! 

That essentially leaves us working with a nice dress, a skirt with a blouse, or slacks with a blouse.

Keep the graduate the center of attention with your color and print choices. You can still wear florals, colors, and prints, but try to keep them a little more understated.

KEEP IT COMFORTABLE

Graduation ceremonies are long and if it’s an outdoor ceremony, the sun and heat can make them feel even longer.

Wear something you feel good in as you may be sitting for up to two hours. Avoid anything that’s too heavy, itchy, or tight.

KEEP IT COOL OR ADD A LAYER

Planning for the temperature of the ceremony is crucial! If it’s indoors, the A/C is usually blasting to accommodate for the crowd, so consider bringing a smart casual layer (dressy blazer, tailored cardigan, shawl).

If the ceremony is outdoors, weigh the temperature when choosing your outfit. Short sleeve or thin-strap dresses will be ideal in breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, rayon or a synthetic blend. If I knew I’d be sitting in direct sun, I’d bring sunglasses.

Here’s an example of what to wear to graduation as a guest and a few graduation guest dresses:

Graduation Style FAQs

CAN YOU WEAR WHITE? WHAT ARE GRADUATION COLORS?

Certain schools have traditions around what colors to wear for graduation day. In the south, it’s common to see graduates wear a white dress for the ceremony.

I don’t think you need to be beholden to a certain color as a guest or graduate, though. Whether it’s a middle school, high school, college, or grad school ceremony, it’s a celebration, so wear what feels good to you!

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR TO GRADUATION? IS THERE ANYTHING YOU SHOULDN’T YOU WEAR?

Dresses are the safest bet for grads and graduation attendees if the invitation doesn’t state the dress code.

When choosing a dress for graduation, a good rule of thumb is that it should be more formal/dressier than a dress you’d wear on a picnic but not as dressy as a cocktail/semi-formal dress you’d wear to a wedding.

WHAT SHOULD THE MOTHER OF THE GRADUATE WEAR?

If I had a child graduating, I’d want to err on the side of demure to let my graduate shine on their special day. But that’s not to say that the mother of the graduate can’t have fun or express her personal style!

Moms of grads should wear a celebratory dress, skirt/slacks and blouse combo, or dressy jumpsuit in a seasonal print or color, but nothing so loud that it detracts attention from the graduate.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO A GRADUATION PARTY?

For graduation parties hosted by a family or several families, I’d wear something on par with what you’d wear to a spring/summer baby shower or bridal shower. A sundress, conservative mini dress, or summery midi dress would be perfect.

Graduation parties that are hosted by the school, a club, or a sorority/fraternity are usually slightly more formal events. Always check for the dress code on the invitation, but business professional dress is a safe choice. For example, a sheath dress, a midi dress with a conservative neckline, or slacks with a blouse.

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8 Spring Date Outfit Ideas

Spring has to be one of the best seasons to go on a date. I don’t know if it’s the extra sunshine or seeing everything in bloom, but it’s a special time of year to get out on the town!

Figuring out what to wear on a spring date can be challenging, thanks mostly to the weather, which can be all over the place. Not to mention, there’s usually more to do, from concerts to sporting events and al fresco dining, and each activity calls for a different look.

To help you feel your best, I compiled a list of the most popular dates and came up with eight spring date night outfits for eight occasions. I hope this post gives you outfit inspiration for your next date, and if nothing else, a few date ideas for springtime!

My Go-To Spring Date Night Outfit

My go to date night outfit usually involves a pair of jeans and a flirty top. In the spring, that looks like white or light wash denim, a floral print blouse, and heeled sandals as pictured above.

Unless it’s unseasonably warm, I like to bring a lightweight spring jacket. I layered the Cinq a Sept Khloe blazer, a new addition to my closet that I’ve been absolutely blown away by. I plan on writing a full review of the blazer soon, but I already anticipate it being one of my top 10 wardrobe purchases of 2022!

I’d wear this outfit to dinner or cocktails, but you could dress it down for a casual date by swapping in flat sandals and a denim jacket.

What to Wear on a Spring Date

See below for seven more cute spring date outfits by date type!

Spring Day Date Outfit Ideas

WALKING OR PICNIC

For dates that involve a stroll (park, picnic, Farmer’s Market), try a tank, cropped jeans, and sandals. Show off your personality with accessories. I’d wear a sun hat for extra coverage and flare! Outfit details here.

ENTERTAINMENT: CONCERT OR SPORTING EVENT

Ball games and outdoor concerts are common in spring and can be warm. I’d dress similar to the walking date but even more casual.

Cutoff shorts are perfect if it’s hot enough; if not go for distressed jeans and a tank. I like to wear my hair up to stay cool and usually choose a hands-free bag (crossbody or backpack) so I can grab a drink. Outfit details here.

ACTIVE: BIKING, MINI GOLF, HIKING

If you think you’ll sweat even just a little on an active date, a tennis dress/active dress with a ball cap and white sneakers is a great choice. You could also try an athletic mini skirt, skort, or shorts with a tank. If you’ll be in the shade or it’s too chilly for shorts, try a tank and leggings set. Outfit details 

FOOD-FOCUSED: CASUAL COFFEE, CASUAL LUNCH, BRUNCH

For casual food/drink outings, you can’t go wrong with a cute top and jeans. Shorts could work in this scenario too, depending on if you’ll be outside.

As far as tops go, a white blouse is a classic, feminine piece that looks good on everyone. If that’s too plain for you, try a floral or pastel blouse. Outfit details here.

Spring Date Night Outfit Ideas

COCKTAILS

For a drinks-only date, I tend to lean on the sexier side while keeping things classy. You can always go for a dress or a skirt that shows a little skin, but I feel my best in tops and bodysuits that have a pretty necklines, cutouts, or a low back.

I “ground” these types of tops with white, light, or mid-wash denim grounds so I don’t appear too dressy, then I layer a leather jacket for a little bit of edge. Finish the look with heels and a cute clutch! Outfit details here.

CASUAL DINNER DATE

My spring dinner date outfits are similar to what I wear to bars but with a more coverage. Pair spring denim with a sleeveless floral blouse and bring along a blazer just in case it’s chilly.

I try to wear block heels as often as possible so that I’m comfortable if we go somewhere afterwards (drinks, ice cream, movies, etc.). Outfit details here.

DRESSY DINNER DATE

If you’re headed out on a special evening, it’s the perfect excuse to get all dressed up. Bring out that dinner dress—I love a long sleeve floral mini to keep me comfortable in A/C, but a midi or maxi with a jacket works beautifully as well! Outfit details here.