Graduating from high school is an exciting milestone in a student’s life. After four years of hard work, it’s time to celebrate this achievement at the graduation ceremony. Choosing the right outfit is an important part of making this event memorable. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about what to wear at your high school graduation.
What is the appropriate dress code for a high school graduation?
The dress code for a high school graduation is semi-formal. This means dressier than everyday wear but not as fancy as prom or black-tie events. The standard high school graduation dress code is:
For Guys
- Dress pants (khaki, black, gray, navy)
- Dress shirt with a collar and sleeves
- Tie (not required but recommended)
- Dress shoes and socks
- Suit jacket or sweater (optional)
For Girls
- Dress or skirt no shorter than knee-length
- Blouse or nice top
- Dress shoes (heels, sandals, ballet flats)
- Accessories like jewelry and handbags
Some additional dress code rules to keep in mind:
- No jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sneakers, or flip flops
- Avoid wearing white since that’s traditionally for the graduates
- Make sure clothes are school appropriate – not too tight, short, or revealing
Check if your school has any specific dress code instructions for graduation in its handbook. But following the semi-formal standard is your safest bet.
What do guys wear under the graduation gown?
For guys, the perfect outfit to wear under your graduation gown includes:
- Dress pants – Chinos in khaki, black, gray, or navy are best. Wear a belt if your pants have belt loops.
- Dress shirt – Button-down in white, light blue, or subtle pattern. Make sure it has a collar.
- Tie – Not required but great for pictures when you have the gown off. School color ties are a nice touch.
- Dress socks and shoes – Match socks to pants and wear formal leather shoes.
- Undershirt (optional) – Choose a v-neck or crew neck undershirt if you want an extra layer.
You’ll want breathable, lightweight fabrics since graduation ceremonies can last a couple hours. Stay away from denim, shorts, or t-shirts. Getting dressed up shows you take the event seriously.
What is appropriate for girls to wear at graduation?
For girls, some great options to wear under your graduation gown include:
Dresses:
- Sundress: Choose a casual A-line or flowy dress in a bright, floral print or subtle pattern
- Day dress: Opt for a knee length dress in a solid color or minimal print
- Cocktail dress: A more formal silhouette reaching the knee works perfectly
All dress lengths should hit at least mid-thigh if not longer. Spaghetti straps are okay but avoid strapless, low cut, or backless dresses per the school dress code.
Other Outfits:
- Skirt and blouse: A nice blouse tucked into a knee-length skirt
- Dress pants and nice blouse: Slacks with a formal top looks polished
- Romper: A decorative romper ending below the knee is cute yet dressy
Finish off your girl’s graduation outfit with dress sandals, closed-toe pumps, or wedges. Having your shoulders covered is a good guideline for school dress codes.
Should I decorate my graduation cap?
Customizing your graduation cap is very popular for high school graduations nowadays. Some ways students decorate their caps include:
- School colors, mascot, logo
- Quotes like “Class of 2024” or your graduation year
- Inside jokes with friends
- References to college you’ll attend
- Sparkles, ribbons, flowers
- Thanking parents and teachers
Get creative but do follow any guidelines from your high school on graduation cap decorations. Some schools allow caps to be customized while others have rules against it. Areas to decorate are the top square portion and the tassel. Glitter, puffy paint and simple designs photograph the best.
What should parents wear for a high school graduation?
Unlike students, parents are not required to wear any particular outfit to their high schooler’s graduation. However, here are some suggested ways to dress:
For Moms:
- Sundress or knee-length dress
- Skirt and blouse
- Dark jeans with nice blouse or sweater
- Slacks or dress capris with casual blouse
- Flat, low heel shoes or dress sandals
For Dads:
- Dress pants with button down shirt
- Suit jacket with or without tie
- Dark jeans with collared shirt
- Khaki pants with polo or casual shirt
- Loafers, dress shoes, or nice sandals
Parents may want to represent their graduating senior with their high school’s colors or customize their outfit similarly to the cap and gown. The most important thing is looking nice for all of the graduation photos!
What Should You Bring to Graduation?
In addition to your cap and gown, here are some essential things graduates and guests will want to bring to the high school graduation ceremony:
| For Graduates | For Guests |
|---|---|
| Phone to take pictures with friends | Flowers or gifts for the graduate |
| Wallet with ID and some cash | Smartphone or camera to take photos |
| Water bottle to stay hydrated | Tissues in case of happy tears |
| Snacks like protein bars in case hungry | Cash for graduation dinner or celebrations after |
| Tassel, honor cords, sashes, or awards | Nice outfit per dress code |
| Extra bobby pins for cap | Parking pass or fare for transportation |
| Breath mints | The graduation ceremony program |
| Change of clothes for grad party after | Water, snacks, umbrella if outdoor event |
Having these items on hand will ensure graduates and their guests are prepared to celebrate this milestone occasion. Taking some snacks, staying hydrated, and bringing anything you might need at the ceremony will guarantee comfort.
How should you style your hair and makeup for graduation photos?
Looking great in your graduation photos is easy with these hair, makeup, and accessory styling tips:
Hair:
- Curly hair: Soft curls or blow out waves work for any length
- Straight hair: Wear hair down straight, half up, low bun or braid
- Short hair: Use mini hair clips or pretty headbands to accessorize
- Bangs: Style bangs swept to the side and pinned back
- Temporary highlight spray adds dimension for photos
Makeup:
- Wear more than usual since lighting washes you out
- Neutral smokey eyes with mascara frame eyes beautifully
- Define brows so they don’t disappear under grad cap
- Warm pink or peach blush looks fresh and youthful
- Rosy nude or pink lipstick complements all skin tones
Accessories:
- Dainty jewelry like small earrings or layer necklaces
- Bracelets to showcase on your wrist when handing diploma
- Floral corsage on the wrist adds pretty detail
Focus makeup application on your eyes and lips so those features pop for photos. And don’t forget to perfect your smile – today is worth celebrating!
What should students wear under their graduation gown for hot weather?
If graduation is held outdoors or you anticipate hot weather, choose lightweight, breathable fabrics for what you’ll wear under the heavy graduation gown. Some hot weather outfit ideas include:
For Guys:
- Lightweight chinos or dress pants in moisture wicking performance fabric
- Short sleeve button-down dress shirt
- Slip on leather or canvas shoes
For Girls:
- Sundress with spaghetti straps out of breezy cotton, chiffon, or linen
- Lightweight blouse with open eyelet details
- Wedge heels or strappy sandals in a bright summer color
The graduation gown will provide plenty of coverage up top so sleeveless dresses and tops work well. And do remember to wear dress socks that prevent blisters if wearing dress shoes or heels without the gown later at graduation parties. Applying antiperspirant is also smart when dressing for hot weather under the caps and gowns.
What should I wear if graduating in winter?
If your high school graduation lands in the colder winter months, choose an outfit under your gown made from cozy fabrics and layers to keep you comfortable:
For Guys
- Flannel lined dress pants or khakis
- Button-down dress shirt under a sweater
- Crew neck tie that’s not too bulky under the gown
- Warm overcoat to wear on the way there
For Girls
- Jersey dress with long sleeves under the gown
- Knit tights paired with a knee length skirt
- Cashmere sweater or cardigan
Conclusion
Deciding what to wear for your high school graduation is an exciting part of commemorating your achievement. While most gowns cover your choice of outfit, having semiformal attire underneath proves you take the ceremony seriously. Guys can never go wrong with dress pants, a collared shirt, and tie while girls have extensive options like dresses, skirt sets, and rompers that meet dress code.
From proper footwear to accessories that photograph well to styling tips for grad photos, use this guide to make your high school graduation outfit special. Customizing your cap and tassel with school pride or future college plans shows off your personality too. Focus on fabrics suitable for the weather and colors that pop under the gown. Most importantly, enjoy celebrating your fabulous accomplishment with friends and family.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions given below:
How formal should my open graduation gown look?
Aim for business casual to semi-formal attire since nice jeans or pants with a dressy top demonstrate you take graduation seriously as an adult milestone.
What color outfit should I avoid since graduates wear white caps and gowns?
Don’t choose cream, ivory or a light beige since those closely resemble traditional graduation gown colors. Opt for medium to darker neutrals or any color on the bolder side.
Is it okay to wear shorts and flip flops under my cap and gown at graduation?
Shorts and flip flops are too casual for a graduation ceremony. The standard dress code calls for dress pants and closed toe dress shoes at minimum for guys and gals.
Do I need to wear formal attire if no one can see it under my closed graduation robe?
It’s still smart to wear semi-formal attire that follows guidelines if your school hosts an open gown ceremony after handing out diplomas or for grad party pictures with the gown off.