If your son, your daughter, step child, grandchild, or other loved one is graduating, you must be incredibly proud. And, with good reason. It’s time to celebrate their hard work and achievements before they start a new life chapter. So, what should you wear to celebrate with them? Let’s consider what to wear to a graduation as a guest.
First, some general thoughts on what to wear to a graduation as a guest…
Over dressed is better
If you’re wondering what to wear to a graduation and are worried you might be overdressed, I would always err on the side of being overdressed rather than underdressed. But also think about choosing something that is a timeless classic. Just like a for a wedding, you will have photographs from this special day that you will be looking back on for many years to come. You will want an outfit that can stand the test of time and choose for something that’s timelessly chic.
what to wear to a graduation – Think daywear
While, you want to wear something special, a graduation isn’t a cocktail or evening party, so don’t go too glitzy. Of course, you may celebrate from day to night, so be sure that your outfit is adaptible.
Patricia @madamechicbcn (read her style interview here) opts for a sweater with her full skirt. If you’re heading on to an evening dinner or event, you could always change your top.
Steal her look with this similar top (another option here), midi skirt, sandals, handbag, belt and earrings.
Should you wear colors and prints at a graduation?
When you’re standing next to your son or daughter, it’s likely they will be wearing a gown in a block color. So, you’re fine to contrast with them and wear a different shade or a print.
Are you prepared for the weather?
Perhaps the ceremony is indoors but there’s a gathering outdoors afterwards, or vice-versa. You may want a wrap or a jacket to stay warm.
Think about the shoes you wear to the graduation
Where is the graduation happening? Will you be inside or outside? Are you likely to have the graduation on grass? A block heel, low heel or flat will be more comfortable if you will be on your feet for some time.
Annette @theladyofstyle above (read her style interview here) chooses block heels and a matching bag.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, sandals, handbag and earrings.
Dresses or pants are both great for a graduation
Wear a dress or a pair of stylish pants. Either will look great for your loved one’s special moment. Or, of course, you could choose a hybrid of the two, and opt for a jumpsuit.
Graduation guest outfits
Now that you’re thinking about what might be suitable outfits for a graduation, let’s put together some suggested outfits that will ensure your son or daughter is just as proud to be with you as you are to be with them on their celebratory day.
1. maxi dress and block heels
A maxi dress can look effortlessly glamorous. You can pair with a blazer to add an extra element of formality. Statement jewelry will add modernity to your look, and block heels will be more comfortable than a thinner pair of heels.
1.STATE One-Button Stretch Crepe Blazer – COS Midi T-Shirt Dress – CL by Chinese Laundry Go On Platform Dress Sandal – Nina Crystal Clutch – Shop LC Jewelry Set
2. A little black jumpsuit
You might already have a little black dress in your closet, but how about a little (or long) black jumsuit? I like the idea of a monochrome color palette with a pop of red.
Karen Millen Linen Edge To Edge Cropped Jacket – Karen Millen Soft Tie Knotted Wide Leg Jumpsuit – Cole Haan Goto Park Pump – Nina Crystal Clutch – Shop LC Jewelry Set
3. wide leg pants
Wide leg pants look very stylish as well as being very much on trend right now. Angela @angelamashelle above opts for a pair of pink pants and teams with a black top and black accessories.
Get her look with this similar blouse, pants, pumps, handbag and earrings.
Karen Millen Floral Batik Belted Premium Linen Viscose Woven Jacket – Misook Cascading Lapel Sleeveless Top – FRAME Le Palazzo Wide Leg Pants – CL by Chinese Laundry Go On Platform Dress Sandal – The Drop Addison Soft Volume Top Handle Bag – Shop LC Jewelry Set
4. A dress and slim pants
You don’t have to choose to wear a dress OR pants. You could team a pair of slim leg pants with a shirt dress.
NIC+ZOE Stamped Flowers Sleeveless Midi Shirtdress – Anne Klein Slim Stretch Woven Pants – Cole Haan Goto Park Pump – The Drop Addison Soft Volume Top Handle Bag – Weinuo Hoop Earrings
5. A midi skirt
Rather than a dress, you could also think about wearing separates. Team a mid length skirt with a silky top and blazer.
CAPSULE 121 The Elphis Gilette Blazer Vest – Ted Baker London Nethiia Floral Print Camisole – Zeagoo Satin Midi Skirt – CL by Chinese Laundry Go On Platform Dress Sandal – Nina Crystal Clutch – Weinuo Hoop Earrings
6. A print shirt dress
Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above (read her style interview here) matches some of the tones in her dress with the beautiful shade of her hair.
Steal her look with this similar printed dress (other options here and here), booties, handbag and earrings.
Masai Copenhagen Norana Printed Tie Waist Long Sleeve Shirtdress – CL by Chinese Laundry Go On Platform Dress Sandal – Nina Crystal Clutch – Weinuo Hoop Earrings
7. A belted blazer and print pants
As well as a printed dress, you could choose a pair of printed pants. Keep the top half of your look in block colors if you don’t want it to look too busy for the photos.
MANGO Belted Blazer – M.M.LaFleur Vicky Silk Tank – Anne Klein Slim Stretch Woven Pants – Cole Haan Goto Park Pump – The Drop Addison Soft Volume Top Handle Bag – Weinuo Hoop Earrings
8. Stripe dress
While some prints and patterns can have a dated look, choosing a graphic print will ensure that you look modern and timeless at the same time. I like the mix stripes going in different directions on the striped dress below.
Misook Stripe Knit Dress – CL by Chinese Laundry Go On Platform Dress Sandal – The Drop Addison Soft Volume Top Handle Bag – Weinuo Hoop Earrings
9. A classic suit
Matching suits did fall out of favor for a little while, but are having a moment again. Cathy @themiddlepageblog above (read her style interview here) chooses a well-fitted gray suit.
Steal her look with this similar top, blazer set, sandals and shoulder bag.
YUNCLOS Suit Set – Misook Cascading Lapel Sleeveless Top – Cole Haan Goto Park Pump – Clare V. Foldover Leather Clutch with Tabs – Shop LC Jewelry Set
Your choice of graduation outfits
Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule. You can see you could mix and match the different jackets and tops to get different looks.
shop some of graduation outfits above here:
What to wear to wear to a graduation as a guest? What do you think? If you’ve attended a graduation recently, I’d love to hear around your outfit
Continue reading:
- How To Dress When You Are The Mother Of The Bride (Or Groom)
- The Midi Dress Is Back And We Show You The Best Midi Dresses For Women Over 40
- The Best Low Heel Party Shoes That Look Even Better Than Stilettos
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Feature image by Annette @theladyofstyle
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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