Congrats, you did it! Graduating is by no means easy and requires plenty of hard work. A graduation ceremony is the culmination of all the blood, sweat and tears that went into your studies and therefore is an achievement worthy of celebration. And when it comes to the big day, graduation outfits for ladies will always be a significant aspect that demands both planning and execution.
By this, we mean that it’s essential to look your best and be your most confident self on the day. So, here are a few tips and food for thought to ensure you feel fantastic on the day and are dressed to impress.
Make an Effort
This goes without saying, but it’s always a good idea to make an effort when preparing your graduation attire. Your appearance on the day will live on for years in the photos being taken, whether they’re posted on social media or framed in your family home. So, you can either look back fondly or be horrified. The former is always nicer!
There are many options for female graduation outfits and styles, and smart attire is a must — the same as an interview or a similar scenario. Shift dresses are one of the most popular choices, as they offer a comfortable, smart, and modest approach. However, midi dresses and floaty maxi dresses are really popular amongst graduates as they provide a more modern, elegant look.
Express Yourself
One of the best pieces of advice you can receive in life is to be yourself, and your choice of graduation attire is no different. Don’t feel pressured by endless Pinterest boards of cocktail dresses or people telling you what’s “in this season”. It’s crucial to feel comfortable on the day, both physically and mentally. For some, this means a dress and heels. Whereas for others, graduation suits for ladies offer a unique and stylish alternative.
Regardless of your outfit choice, make sure it’s something YOU want to wear and allows you to express your personality. Of course, there are certain expectations that outfits will be smart for the occasion. But beyond this, there’s free reign to have fun with it. Solid colours are reliable but black, white, and red can affect photographs, so be careful.
Additionally, you should consider the graduation gown and any colours it will feature. Ideally, you want to compliment these colours or make them stand out more (in a good way). Rather than wear contrasting colours that are simply a distraction. If you can find trendy graduation dresses that also complement the rest of your outfit, perfect!
Keep the Weather in Mind
There’s nothing worse than dressing up nice for a big occasion, only for a bout of awful weather to cause problems. And while a jacket and your graduation gown will help, it would be a shame for you to be underprepared for such a big day. For this reason, it’s a good idea to check the weather in advance and at least get an idea of what to expect.
If your graduation is in the summer, you’ll have a lot more leeway with outfit choices. However, wintertime can prove to be more difficult. In this case, graduates tend to opt for warmer materials and more modest styles. Doing so ensures you’re always comfortable and warm, as posing for photos can be difficult if you’re busy shivering in the cold.
Choose Footwear Wisely
When discussing graduation outfits for ladies, one should never neglect the shoes! Footwear is often the downfall of an outfit, and not for aesthetic reasons. Many have fallen victim to finding a pair of shoes they love, only to discover they’re uncomfortable and unsuitable for a day where you’ll be standing around for prolonged periods. A graduation ceremony consists of lots of standing and walking around, so you must make sure your footwear choice is wise.
If you have your eyes on a nice pair of heels, you need to purchase them sooner rather than later to break them in and get used to walking in them. This is why many people opt for flats, as it’s a much comfier solution and prevents the possibility of losing your balance when walking up to collect your diploma.
Accessorise, But Not Too Much
Accessories are a brilliant way to make an outfit more exciting and elegant, but they can also be somewhat distracting and clash with the classic aesthetic of graduation attire. Graduation caps and gowns are traditional attire that dates back centuries, and the addition of lots of jewellery and accessories can take away from this.
Instead, take the time to identify a few accessories you’d like to wear in your graduation pictures and play around with some outfit ideas. This offers plenty of time to work out what suits you most and how you can complement what you’re wearing. As we said, there are many options for graduation outfits for ladies. So, take your time and experiment with a few ideas that offer a stylish yet classic look.
Do you have an upcoming graduation and need suitable graduation attire and accessories? Evess is a leading supplier of academic apparel for graduates. Check out our online store or get in touch if you have any questions!
