Graduation season is swiftly approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about what to wear under a graduation gown.
If you’ll be graduating in the coming months, whether it’s with a high school diploma or a college degree, woohoo! You did it! There’s a lot of prep to do, including sending all the important details about the ceremony to any family members and other loved ones who plan to attend. (You know, so they can start planning their graduation guest outfit…) After that, there’s your own graduation look to consider. Of course you’ll be matching your whole class in a graduation gown and cap, which is why what you wear underneath the robe is so important—it’s your way to stand out and mark this special milestone in your life.
Not sure what to wear? We’ve got some foolproof tips for a grad to follow that will make them look good in all those graduation photos and will work underneath the robe. For starters, anything voluminous, like a billowy puff-sleeve dress, might not be the best. Even though a graduation gown is quite flowy and usually oversized, garments too large in volume might impact the drape of the robe in a way you don’t love. A slimmer or more body-hugging silhouette is safer for underneath the gown and will photograph beautifully as you receive your well-deserved diploma on stage. That said, avoid anything so tight that you can’t walk up to the platform. Comfortable shoes are key for the same reason.
You’ll also want to double-check any dress codes for the ceremony that your school might have issued. The last thing you want is to have to change your outfit last minute! When in doubt, avoid anything super short, super low-cut, totally see-through, or otherwise provocative. This isn’t the time to be casual, either, so leave the jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers at home and opt for more formal attire. Something in a timeless neutral color like black or navy is usually safe; but if eye-popping prints are more your style, apply them to dressier garments like heels, a dress, or a silky blouse. Another tip, re: undergarments: A pair of spandex or shapewear can help prevent uncomfortable chaffing if the event is taking place outside on a warm spring or summer day.
Ahead, you’ll find several looks that work for a college or high school graduation. Use the one you’d feel the most confident and comfortable in as inspo. Here’s what to wear under a graduation gown to toast your next chapter in life in style. Cheers!
A floral dress
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Florals for graduation may not necessarily be groundbreaking, but the motif is a sound pick for the cheery, sunny weather. A maxidress featuring a bright color palette packs a playful punch, though a midi or mini length may work better with a graduation gown’s hemline. Either way, up the ante with equally bold sandals so your family won’t have an issue spotting you from afar. (Ceremonies can be packed with people, after all!)
A flowy jumpsuit
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When it comes to special occasions and graduation attire, dresses tend to hog all the glory. But if you ask us, jumpsuits are just as show-stopping, especially in a flowy, breezy style. Not to mention, a one-piece will make getting ready for your graduation an absolute breeze. Simply pile on elevated jewelry, like sleek gold hoops and matching bangles, and take the look up a notch or two by tossing on a belt.
A one-shoulder dress
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There’s something so captivating about a one-shoulder dress for a special occasion. The silhouette, like the look above, strikes the perfect balance between classic and trendy. Sure, you won’t see the neckline during ceremony, but it’s bound to turn heads when you remove your gown for a dinner or party afterwards. In terms of styling, allow the chic number to do all the heavy lifting and opt for pared-back accessories.
A pastel suit
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Consider stepping outside the graduation outfit box with a pastel pink or light blue suit. Instead of a super-slouchy set—which is all the rage these days—tailored dress pants will likely appear more polished and won’t compete with the folds of the graduation robe as much. Round out your graduation getup with a pair of dress shoes, such as black leather loafers or a pair of minimalist sandals. If the blazer is too warm for a spring or summer graduation day, opt for a dress shirt in a breezy fabric.
A neutral slip dress
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Never underestimate the power of a good slip dress—there’s a reason the closet MVP has stuck around all these decades! It’s one of those tried-and-true staples that’ll be en vogue season after season. With that in mind, we wholeheartedly recommend the no-frills piece as a graduation dress. Because the silhouette is typically form-fitting, it’s an A+ option under a long robe. From there, all the outfit needs is jewelry—pearls, maybe?—and kitten heels or strappy sandals.
A minidress
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Most graduation ceremonies take place in the spring and summer, which means it’s warm enough to show a little leg. Right now the market is saturated with flirty styles, but we’d encourage you to steer clear of anything incredibly short for your graduation. A look that grazes your mid-thighs, or lower, should be appropriate for the occasion. Select a neutral number, a bold print, a little black dress, or a flashy neon frock—ultimately, it’s about whatever best suits your personal style.
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