Spring Style Guide:

What to Wear to a Graduation for Grads & Guests

Trying to figure out what to wear to a graduation?

Whether you’re the graduate or you’re attending a graduation, our Connected Apparel stylists have some good outfit ideas for you!

With high school and college graduations right around the corner, now is the perfect time to find the best outfits for grads and guests to wear to these milestone events. Since graduations can last hours - with some running all day long - it’s important to choose an outfit that’s comfortable without sacrificing style.

Whether you’re invited to a graduation, a proud parent of the graduate, or you’re the one crossing the stage, there is a little bit of pressure to look sophisticated while still conveying your personal style. While the event surely calls for a dress-up moment, with the Spring and Summer seasons, there are plenty of lightweight dresses, tailored dresses, and cute co-ord sets that can work for any graduation. If you are the graduate, the best advice is to stick to specific proportions so you can’t see your look under your cap and gown.

What to wear when you’re the graduate

Get out your camera, cap, and gown, and take center stage in style!

You’ve worked hard, put in the long hours, and had sleepless nights and now it is time to celebrate all of your accomplishments! So, what do you wear? This is a once in a lifetime experience, so make sure to flaunt it! A tight fitting bodycon dress will look great with your cap and gown, or a flowing dress will make you want to party all night in celebration! No matter what you choose, don’t forget to add a little sparkle and glamor to your outfit!

Style tips for graduation style for graduates

Stand on the stage and feel proud of yourself in a stunning outfit.

While the cap and gown form your outfit for the ceremony, you need an outfit underneath that can take you from ceremony to celebration! Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you pick out your outfit:

1. If you ever wanted a pair of statement shoes, now is your chance! - As you walk across the center stage, your gown will cover your dress, so the only thing people will see are your shoes. Don’t leave them as an afterthought!

2. Go with a block heel or wedge. - This will ensure maximum stability when you walk across the stage and in any grass. Either way, go with some kind of heel (not a flat) because it will make you walk and stand with better posture and as we know, a graduation is all about walking and standing.

3. Choose a bold or bright outfit! - It’s your special day, so you should stand out! Once the cap and gown come off, you should be the focus! It’s your chance to shine. If you are graduating in the Spring or Summer, choose a bright solid color or a fun, floral print. If you are graduating in the Fall or Winter, choose a darker solid color or darker floral print (but don’t just default to black!)

3. Keep your dress length shorter than your gown. - The graduate gowns are usually mid-calf to ankle length (depending on your height), so keep the dress shorter. A hemline hanging out of your gown isn’t the best look. Try a midi, knee length, or above the knee length dress.

4. Don’t forget jewelry! - While necklaces and bracelets may get covered up with your gorn, cords, or flowers, don’t forget the earrings! They will be seen under your cap and will help draw attention to your face. Try an oversized stud earring, a simple hoop, or have some fun with a statement earring.

Our top Connected Apparel picks for graduates

Stress no further, we have the perfect graduation outfit for you!

From Spring and Summer graduation styles, to year round staples, we have plenty of stage ready outfits. While your gown may cover up the dress for most of the day, be ready for the celebrations to start with a flattering and stylish dress underneath.

We recommend opting for knee length women’s dresses or easy-to-slip-on jumpsuits so you can move freely throughout your big day!

What to wear when you’re a guest

‘Tis the season for commencement celebrations.

Many schools hand out a limited number of tickets per graduate and if you were one of the chosen ones, congrats to you! However, you might be wondering, what is an appropriate outfit to wear? Deciding on an outfit may seem like a simple task, but there are a few factors you should consider! Whenever celebrating anyone’s major life milestones, you don’t want to take attention away from the honoree, however you still want to look stylish and feel confident.

Style tips for graduation style for guests

Just a few things to keep in mind!

The guidelines for what to wear as a graduation guest are much less specific, however, like with any event, there are a few things to keep in mind. To ensure you have a smooth flowing and fun day, let us help you out with some simple tips!

1. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. - You will always feel better being a little more dressed up than dressed down. Leave the jeans at home! Go with a nice dress, jumpsuits, or fun co-ord set.

2. Wear something comfortable - Graduations are usually pretty long, so you will want to wear something comfortable. Try to steer clear of anything heavy, itchy, or too tight!

3. Let the graduate shine - It’s their special day, not yours, so try not to overshadow the most important person. Try to keep your outfit a little more understated. However, you can still wear colors or prints, just leave the sequins and extra bold pieces to the graduate.

Our top Connected Apparel picks for guests

Graduation dresses, jumpsuits, and matching sets are a click away!

The guidelines for what to wear as a graduation guest are much less specific, however, like with any event, there are a few things to keep in mind. To ensure you have a smooth flowing and fun day, let us help you out with some simple tips!

1. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. - You will always feel better being a little more dressed up than dressed down. Leave the jeans at home! Go with a nice dress, jumpsuits, or fun co-ord set.

2. Wear something comfortable - Graduations are usually pretty long, so you will want to wear something comfortable. Try to steer clear of anything heavy, itchy, or too tight!

3. Let the graduate shine - It’s their special day, not yours, so try not to overshadow the most important person. Try to keep your outfit a little more understated. However, you can still wear colors or prints, just leave the sequins and extra bold pieces to the graduate.