What to Wear to a Graduation Ceremony — Outfit Guide

Dress Code

Semi-formal to business casual for guests. Graduates should consider what they're wearing under the gown — it shows in photos.

Do

Wear something that photographs well in outdoor light
Choose a comfortable outfit — ceremonies can be long, with lots of standing
If you're graduating, wear something nice under the gown (it shows in close-ups)
Wear comfortable shoes (you'll be walking on varied surfaces)
Dress for the weather — outdoor ceremonies can be hot or unpredictable

Don't

Wear casual or athletic wear (even if you're covering it with a gown)
Wear very high heels if the ceremony is on grass or an uneven surface
Wear anything too casual as a guest (this is a milestone event)
Forget sunglasses and sun protection for outdoor ceremonies
Wear white if you're a guest at a ceremony where graduates wear white gowns

Best Colors

Navy

Clean and professional. Photographs beautifully under graduation gowns.

White

Fresh and celebratory. Classic under dark graduation gowns.

Light Blue

Approachable and cheerful. Works well in group photos.

Blush Pink

Soft and celebratory. Great for guests and graduates alike.

Sage Green

Modern and fresh. Looks great in spring ceremony photos.

Burgundy

Polished and vibrant. Stands out in crowd photos.

Outfit Ideas

Graduate Under Gown

A pressed button-down in white or light blue with dress pants and comfortable leather shoes. Visible in portrait shots.

Guest Classic

A knee-length dress or tailored separates in a cheerful color. Comfortable heels or wedges.

Guest Smart Casual

Chinos or dress pants with a blazer and a collared shirt. Loafers or clean boots.

Summer Ceremony Guest

A linen dress or suit in a light color, sandals or espadrilles, and sunglasses.

Seasonal Note

Most graduations are in May/June or December. Spring: lighter fabrics and colors. Winter: layered with a nice coat that complements your outfit.

Pro Tip

For graduates: your collar and neckline will show in every photo. A pressed collar in a solid color is the most photogenic choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colors should I wear to a graduation ceremony?

Navy: Clean and professional. Photographs beautifully under graduation gowns. White: Fresh and celebratory. Classic under dark graduation gowns. Light Blue: Approachable and cheerful. Works well in group photos. Blush Pink: Soft and celebratory. Great for guests and graduates alike. Sage Green: Modern and fresh. Looks great in spring ceremony photos. Burgundy: Polished and vibrant. Stands out in crowd photos.

What should I NOT wear to a graduation ceremony?

Wear casual or athletic wear (even if you're covering it with a gown). Wear very high heels if the ceremony is on grass or an uneven surface. Wear anything too casual as a guest (this is a milestone event). Forget sunglasses and sun protection for outdoor ceremonies. Wear white if you're a guest at a ceremony where graduates wear white gowns.