What to wear under a graduation gown

The best graduation outfit under a gown is a knee length or midi dress in a light fabric with a simple neckline. The gown covers most of the dress during the ceremony, so three things matter: what shows at the neck, what shows at the hem, and how warm you will be.

Neckline. Most graduation gowns open in a V at the front, so the top of the dress shows. A simple round, square or V neckline sits cleanly. High ruffles and big collars fight with the hood.

Hem. A knee length or midi hem sits inside or just below the gown. A maxi dress usually shows beneath it, which can look untidy. A mini dress disappears under the gown, so check you are happy with it once the gown comes off.

Fabric. The gown is an extra layer. Choose a light, breathable fabric such as cotton, linen or a light crepe, and avoid bulky knits and full skirts that bunch underneath.

What colour dress is best for graduation?

White and other light colours are popular for graduation because they stand out against a dark gown in photos. Any colour works for a daytime ceremony. Some schools in the US set a dress colour, often white, so check the instructions from your school or university.

What shoes to wear to graduation

Choose shoes you can cross a stage and climb steps in. Block heels, wedges and dressy flats are safer than stilettos, and ceremonies held on grass rule thin heels out altogether. You will be standing and walking for photos long after the ceremony ends.

Graduation by season

In Australia most university graduations fall in the warmer months, so a sleeveless or short sleeved dress in a breathable fabric is the comfortable choice. In the US, spring and early summer ceremonies call for the same. For a winter graduation, choose long sleeves and tights, and avoid heavy jumpers or sweaters under the gown.

What not to wear to graduation

  • A maxi dress or full skirt that shows and bunches under the gown
  • Bulky layers that make the gown sit badly
  • Shoes you have not walked in before
  • A neckline that sits higher than the gown's opening and crowds the hood
  • Anything you would not want in a photo that stays on a wall for years

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Common questions

What should you wear to graduation?

A knee length or midi dress in a smart fabric is the usual choice. It sits neatly under the gown, suits the ceremony and works for photos and lunch afterwards.

What colour dress is best for graduation?

White and other light colours are popular because they stand out against a dark gown in photos. Any colour you feel good in works, as long as it suits a daytime ceremony.

What do you wear under a graduation gown?

A knee length or midi dress in a light fabric with a simple neckline works best under a graduation gown. The gown opens in a V at the front, so the neckline of the dress is the part that shows.

Can you wear a maxi dress to graduation?

You can, but a maxi dress usually shows below the hem of the gown and can bunch underneath. A knee length or midi dress sits more neatly during the ceremony.

What shoes should you wear to graduation?

Block heels, wedges or dressy flats are the safest shoes for graduation. You will climb steps, cross a stage and stand for photos, often on grass, so choose a pair you have already walked in.

Can you wear a mini dress to graduation?

Yes. A mini dress fits under the gown without showing at the hem. Choose one you are comfortable in once the gown comes off, since most of the photos are taken afterwards.

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