When it’s time to finally put on the cap and gown after working hard for your college degree or high school diploma, it can be difficult to figure out what you should wear under it. After all, the gown covers a lot of your body, but there are still exposed areas.

The good news is that we have your back. Whether you’re graduating from high school or college, we have some tips to help you finally figure out what to wear to a graduation ceremony.

What to Wear to a Graduation Ceremony: High School vs. College

First and foremost, it’s important to make the distinction between college and high school. While both involve a similar pattern and formality, there are some key differences.

It’s not a bad idea to class it up a little more with jewelry or a nice dress for your college degree. After all, this is one of life’s crowning achievements, so why not make it a slay? That said, sometimes college graduation ceremonies aren’t important to people, so it depends on your feelings.

When it comes to high school, you can often get away with a lot more color. You can use this to express your personality; liven up your look with a warm and playful sun yellow, or show off your romantic, elegant side with a pastel hue like soft blue.

Overall, there really isn’t too much of a difference between high school and college graduation outfits, so don’t stress about it.

What to Wear to a Graduation Ceremony

What you should wear to a graduation ceremony comes down to your goals, fashion desires, and even your comfort level. That said, the main factor to consider is the gown, which usually covers your body down to your ankles. What’s more, you have to account for the cap that covers a lot of your hair.

Also, if you have a professional photographer who’s going to take photos of you, you may want to opt for a timeless look rather than what’s trending.

Learn more about what to wear to a graduation ceremony below.

What to Wear Under Your Gown

First and foremost, it helps to know what you should wear under your gown. When it comes to your options, you usually can’t go wrong with a dress. Fitted dresses add a touch of sophistication and may help you avoid discomfort or looking disheveled during the ceremony.

That said, if you’re going to wear a fitted dress, make sure you work with a brand that understands the assignment. A poorly-fitted dress can look unflattering and feel uncomfortably clingy. This is why we always recommend Sherri Hill for graduation dresses. Plus, they have some flowy options available if that’s more your vibe.

Aside from dresses, you can also consider a jumpsuit or slacks. However, if you go with slacks, make sure you go for a tailored fit to avoid that frumpy look, and draw attention to your feet and ankles.

Jewelry

Jewelry is one of the best ways to accessorize for your graduation ceremony. After all, most people won’t be able to see your outfit until the gown comes off. Therefore, it’s not a bad idea to go all-out with jewelry. We’re talking anklets, bracelets, rings, and delicate necklaces.

You can also wear sleek sunglasses if it’s going to be a beautiful day, and it doesn’t hurt to have a fresh mani-pedi to really complete the aesthetic (and let’s be real: you deserve the self-pamper sesh).

Shoes

This might sound silly at first, but the shoes you wear are very important. After all, you usually can’t see your dress or hair until later, so why not make a statement below the ankle?

Now, you may think this means high heels, but this isn’t the case because they might get stuck in the grass. They’re also uncomfortable at times, and you might be standing in them for a while. Therefore, wedges and other sandals tend to work the best for a graduation ceremony.

If you want to rock with your heels, don’t worry, because you can always take them off after the ceremony. In fact, this is a popular photograph that recent grads end up taking.

Closing Thoughts on What to Wear to a Graduation Ceremony

Overall, what you wear to a graduation ceremony varies based on your sense of style and goals. If you plan on sticking around for professional photos, well, you should probably wear a nice dress, jewelry, and your favorite pair of shoes.

On the other hand, if you just plan on going home after or only taking a few pictures with friends and family, what you wear under your gown doesn’t matter too much. Regardless of your goals, we always recommend wearing something that empowers you on your special day.