Graduation Styling Guide: Perfect Dresses and Shoes
Your outfit for graduation day needs to be as special as the occasion itself. Consider the long ceremony, taking the stage, and doing photos with family and friends. Graduation is a time to celebrate achievement. Ceremonies have a level of practicality to consider for ceremony caps and gowns, and grads should also be very protective of their personal style. This also involves creating a graduation style guide to defuse stress, and allow participants to focus on the first processional and the last celebratory dinner. Not all graduation dresses were built the same. Consider the head to toe graduation dress, and black graduation dress fabric, off the rack black graduation accessories. Your gown will cloak most of your outfit, and to allow the best graduation day experience, the gown and dress should be in sync. The best graduation photography will come from these graduating silhouettes in black and white. The black graduation outfits and gowns should work together for the sheath, and off the rack gown elegance with any ball gown. Aim for lighter silhouettes. Keep your dress, and head to toe graduation outfit tapered, and your gown will enhance the empty space for your body. Sheath and A-line, and your full robe will be less dramatic, and more functional. Your grad ceremony photography will be polished as you use cross graduation gown styling.
Finding the Ideal Dress Silhouette for Your Ceremony
When balancing your options for length, midi or knee length dresses will generally be better choices as they will be hidden under your gown during the ceremony and they will still look perfectly proportioned once the robe is taken off. For those grads who want to style things a little more simply, the size-inclusive collection from Azazie will not disappoint, offering college graduation dresses from figure-flattering styles to fitted body con Stretch Crepe styles that strike a modern, sophisticated look, ensuring every graduate gets a dress that is designed to feel like a second skin instead of a costume.
In terms of color coordination, you have a little more freedom to express your style while still adhering to the school’s rules. A dress in a more muted color like Sage, Dusty Rose, or a darker shade like Emerald would be a good choice for those who wish to balance out the vibrant accents on their school’s hood or gown. If you are concerned that your dress color may clash with a bright academic stole, wearing a dress in a neutral color like Champagne or Black will be a good option as it will help your academic honors stand out.
Coordinating Colors with Your Graduation Regalia
Color coordination is another area where you have the space to be yourself while still complying to the school’s guidelines. If your school’s hood or gown features large and bright details, opting for a dress of a more muted color like Sage, Dusty Rose, or a darker color like Emerald would be ideal as they will give a subtle pop of color (our green prom dresses guide offers more color-pairing ideas). For those who may be concerned about their dress color clashing with a bright academic stole, opting for a dress in a neutral tone such as Champagne or Black is always a safe option as it will allow your academic honors to stand out.
- Sage and Dusty Rose look lovely with navy or grey gowns.
- Emerald and Cabernet offer great contrast to black regalia.
- For versatility, Champagne and Black is the best choice; see our black prom dresses style guide for more ideas on how to style them.
- To make sure your dress matches your school colors grab some fabric swatches to compare.
Selecting the Best Graduation Shoes for a Confident Walk
One of the best experiences of your life will be walking across that stage! We want to make sure you don’t end up walking across the stage and tripping. That’s why having good balance and a stable pair of shoes is super important. Most graduates choose to wear block heel shoes, which is a great option! They are elegant and still give you that dressy look while being a supportive option. This is super important if you’re graduating on the field, as a stilettos would sink right into the grass! For graduation, shoes similar to block heels are a common option.
When waiting to receive your diploma, comfort is highly important along with stability for that supportive pair of shoes. Blister alert! We suggest you wear your graduation shoes before the ceremony so you can break them in. You don’t want to be looking at the ground while walking and getting your feet stepped on. We want to help you keep the dress and shoes that you choose to wear for graduation to stay at the intended length for the hemline. To achieve that goal, a block heel can elevate a dress to the proper height so it looks more formal. For a knee length dress, wedges work well to keep a dress light and free.
Choosing Breathable Fabrics for All-Day Comfort
Graduation gowns can get pretty hot. Most graduations are held outside in the sun or in a gym that is packed with people. Everyone is in multi-layered outfits and the professors are in jackets. While it is a bit more bearable to wear polyester, chiffon and mesh can help keep you cool in the heat. These fabrics combined with your heavy graduation gown will help you stay cool. For more structured options, the Stretch Crepe fabric is a great choice, and you can really look nice on your celebratory dinner afterwards too. The Stretch Crepe fabric is good at hiding wrinkles so you can look nice for the whole evening.
Stylist Tip:
If you're still unsure about sizing, you can use Azazie's Home Try-On program to your advantage. You can try on three dresses at home plus you get to see how heavy the fabric is, and see how it moves. Then you can decide from there.
Perfecting the Details: Accessories and Outerwear
Now, let’s move on to accessories. This is where you can really let your individuality shine. Remember to choose jewelry that will not get caught in the neckline of the dress or in the tassel of the cap, so steer clear of anything that’s too chunky. Simple stud earrings and classic pendant necklaces are great options. A fitted blazer or lightweight wrap that’s worn underneath your dress will add a touch of sophistication and will keep you warm, and then you can remove the dress for photos and look lovely.
Finding Your Perfect Fit with Azazie’s Made-to-Order Model
Finding your size shouldn’t be an added source of stress while studying for finals. Azazie provides dresses and gowns in sizes 0 to 30 and even offer custom sizes, made to your specific measurements. Because this style is made to order, you will have a lower chance of needing to pay for alterations, and you won't be waiting a long time to receive your graduation dress or gown. Getting a dress or gown that fits your body will give you better photos and more confidence as you receive your diploma. It will also be a more unique shopping experience and environmentally friendly by reducing overproduction.
Are you excited to find your perfect graduation look? Explore Azazie’s collection of high school graduation dresses and accessories!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal dress length for a graduation ceremony?
Knee-length and midi dresses are the best options. The dress will be formal and will not obstruct walking as it will be hidden under the gown during the ceremony. Once you remove your gown for pictures, the dress length will be ideal.
Which graduation shoes are best for walking on grass?
Choose block heels or wedges rather than stilettos! Since they have a wider sole, they are less likely to sink into the grass. Additionally, they offer greater support. Remember to break the shoes in before the ceremony for your comfort.
Can I order a graduation dress in a custom size?
Yes, custom sizing is an option offered by Azazie. This saves you from having to make additional alterations to your dress. Custom made dresses help to maintain a polished look and will be more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.