This is for the ladies of the grad!
The moms, aunties, sisters, grandmas, and friends and neighbors who want to look classy and comfy!
And pick up some outfit ideas on how to dress at the graduation and any post party celebrations too!
Are you stuck on picking the perfect outfit for that graduation invite you just got?
Help is here!
You can elevate your style by grabbing a few graduation-day fashion ideas and must know tips from me today.
Be sure to also check out my original full video with all the tips, as well as links to some classic dress options. Helping you look classy and comfy, as well as feel good for this special event!
Must Know Styling Tips For Any Type Of Graduation Ceremony
These timeless tips come in handy for every kind of graduation party, from high school to college graduation and trade school! These tips will help you look your best at various graduation ceremonies, ensuring you are prepared for any event.
So, if you want to ensure you will look great in any photo album, choosing the right ensemble is key!
And I will be sure to share budget-friendly to high end options since I like choices too!
They’re dresses I would wear to be comfy and classy.
Always Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is crucial for any important event, including a graduation ceremony.
Don’t wait! Don’t wait until the last minute to find out that an outfit doesn’t work the way you imagined.
I made the mistake of not planning ahead a lot when I was younger, and I always ended up stressed because some important or even some minor detail was overlooked or not considered.
Get the dress in and try it on with accessories and all.
Planning saves you time and ensures you as a graduation guest and you’ll feel confident and comfortable.
Feel free to ask advice from friends and fashion experts if you’re confused about a combination. Order all possible outfits weeks or at least days ahead, and try them on for proper sizing and necessary alterations well before the photographed event. You don’t want to start scrambling at the last minute and this goes for every important event!
Plan Undergarments
Don’t neglect your undergarments.
As you plan your outfits, try them with underwear you plan to wear with the dress so that you know how they fit. Know the kind of bra that compliments your dress, maybe a strapless or racerback.
You may need seamless underwear, a slip, or a hugging body shaper.
These also take time to find the right one. Make sure it all works well together and you feel and look great in them and are comfortable as well!
Avoid All Black
I tell people this all the time, and it seems a surprising tip to many. Instead, consider wearing an elegant dress in a neutral color to maintain a classy and respectful look.
But avoid wearing black to any graduation event.
Oftentimes, graduation gowns come in that color, and you don’t want to blend in with the actual graduates.
It’s like wearing white to a wedding and stealing some thunder from a bride.
This too is their special day, let them stand out, let them shine in the all black robe, flanked by loved ones in other colors.
If the school’s grad gown is a different color, then feel free to wear your black dress. But certainly check into this and know what is going on colorwise.
They order their regalia months ahead of graduation day, so this is information someone should be able to tell you easily.
Everybody loves black because it’s slimming, I know, and I love it too. You can find chic ones with bright patterns. That’ll soften the depth of the color and keep you from blending in with the graduate.
Get The Right Shoes
You might want to leave those high pointy heels at home for this one, as you could be standing for several hours or even walking on grass, gravel, or concrete all day.
If you prefer to wear heels, opt for a comfortable pair that you can wear for several hours without discomfort.
Opt for wedge, block heels, or cute flats instead to help you look comfortable and worry less about the terrain.
Ditch The Trends
When choosing an outfit, it’s best to avoid trends and opt for something timeless. Timeless pieces not only look elegant but also align with your personal style. Consider your body shape when selecting an outfit to ensure it flatters your figure and enhances your personal style.
You know I’m all for staying on trend and trying new things while maintaining your personal style!
But, for graduation day events, you need something a bit laid-back, classic, but also timeless.
This means no big logos, sparkles, or glittery pieces; those should be for other celebratory events This is not the time to be the star of the show, no matter how proud you are of the graduate, keep it classy.
No Fuss
Don’t go for anything too fussy to frilly or just too much trouble to deal with. Opt for dress pants paired with a stylish blouse for a comfortable yet polished look.
Cancel out anything that isn’t long wearing and takes too much work. So I am going to recommend you stay away from jumpsuits, strappy dresses, and even short dresses from your list.
This advice will reduce your chances of a wardrobe malfunction or a difficult restroom experience.
I recommend medium to longer-length dresses for that timeless and sexy look.
Keep it Classy
No matter how great you look, you need to keep in mind that these photos will linger for decades. Consider graduation dresses that are elegant and appropriate for the occasion.
Overly sexy or flashy outfits are not suitable for graduations, it isn’t the place to dress this way.
And remember you likely will meet your graduates friends, professors, and families.
I understand the urge to flaunt those fantastic workout results, but keeping it classy and covered for those graduation pictures is where the true timelessness lays and will ensure photos you will be proud of for years and years!
Don’t Go Too Casual
Graduation Outfit No-No: Wear Jeans
When attending your child’s graduation, it’s important to avoid overly casual outfits. While it might be tempting to wear jeans, especially for a high school graduation, opting for a more polished look will help you feel confident and stylish. Consider the formality of the event and choose an outfit that reflects the significance of the occasion.
So while you don’t want to be too flashy, too sexy, too over the top…you also don’t want to me too casual.
Jeans, shirts, and sneakers for a graduation event are a No-No. Instead, find a simple, not-so-formal dress that compliments your figure and elevates your style.
I like to call this the “casual elevated look.” These types of dresses help you look more put together than casual combos.
They are easy to find and instantly improve your overall vibe and style for any event you may attend for the day.
Avoid Constrictive Dresses
You’ll be doing a lot of moving around that day, and you don’t want your outfit to restrict you or worse just be super uncomfortable.
A midi dress can be a great option as it offers both comfort and style.
Issues like poorly fitted bodices, complicated fastenings, stiff fabrics, and complex necklines or sleeves can remove the comfort we’re trying to achieve with your outfit. They make the dress too complicated to wear and you won’t have the best time if you are fidgeting with your dress all day to just do normal things, like sitting and moving about.
Instead opt for something classy and flowy that looks beautiful and timeless.
Avoid Loud Accessories
As a mom of four who’s attended a few graduation events, I get how heavily involved we tend to get in the events, you’re so proud!
But you don’t want to ruin the day making it about you.
So be sure to tone down overly attention-grabbing accessories.
You can absolutely shine and stay classy with a toned-down look and minimal accessories.
Consider The Weather
Graduation ceremonies are often held outdoors, so it’s important to consider the weather when choosing your outfit. A patterned dress can be a great option for outdoor ceremonies, as long as it complements the overall look. Make sure to check the forecast and dress accordingly to stay comfortable throughout the event.
Your outfit style and material must suit the weather conditions.
Consider when and where the event will be held?
Is it outdoors on a hot day under direct sunlight, an evening graduation by the coast with a cool breeze, or an indoor ceremony where they crank up the air conditioner?
I recommend knowing the conditions you will be in and maybe keeping a shawl or wrap on hand to stay safe and comfortable in case the weather changes unexpectedly.
Easy Glam Does It
Graduation is a little more chill than weddings.
Your hair and makeup must look the part by staying simple and light.
Again, you don’t want to outshine the celebrant; maintain that “ casual elevated look” for a really classy and timeless vibe.
Keep your purse Small
Smaller bags are just the right choice for many reasons.
They’re classy and elegant, and they suit every outfit.
A larger, bulkier bag will casual down your outfit.
And you also don’t want to lug a large bag around for several hours on that day.
Be Aware Of Your Smell
Avoid heavy/ overpowering perfumes and be aware of your body scent, too!
Since you’ll be in close quarters with lots of people for several hours. I recommend keeping a deodorant within reach. Especially if you’re going to be outdoors for several hours and sweating the whole day.
Confidence is Key
You need to look and feel your best on that day, so avoid outfits that will make you self-conscious. Whether you are attending the graduation of your child graduate, feeling confident in your outfit is essential.
Confidence and comfort are the keys to maintaining that classy and timeless look.
If you implement all of these tips or consider them when selecting your outfits, I’m certain you’ll achieve a classy, timeless look that you feel comfortable and amazing wearing.
Don’t hesitate to share the tips with more people who might need them.
Until next time! Check out the full video. 🙂
