At your own graduation ceremony you choose a polished outfit in a calm colour: a blouse with trousers or a skirt for women, a shirt with trousers for men, and smart shoes you can stand and walk in. If you wear a gown, you only see the collar and the bottom of your clothes. Above all, choose something in which you stand, walk and sit comfortably.
Why this is a special moment
A graduation ceremony marks the end of your studies. Many photos are often taken. Your outfit does not have to be expensive or striking, but it does have to suit the moment: polished, comfortable and with a calm look. Take the temperature in the hall into account and choose clothing that stays pleasant during a long ceremony.
First the ceremony
| Situation | What you see | Choose |
|---|---|---|
| With a gown | Collar, sleeves, hem | Smart blouse or shirt, polished shoes |
| Without a gown | Complete outfit | Polished combination, jacket or cardigan |
| Formal in an auditorium | Seated and standing | Dark trousers or skirt, smart top |
| Informal ceremony | Casual and festive | Smart casual with a festive detail |
Read the instructions from your institution beforehand. Sometimes there is a dress code or a fixed gown that is handed to you, and sometimes a particular colour is requested. If you have no information, ask the organisation.
For women: a blouse with character
A blouse with a beautiful collar is visible in a photo, even under a gown. The Seraphine in light blue is a tailored blouse with white collar and cuffs of 60% cotton and 40% polyester. Light blue and white together make a calm, polished combination. Wear it with the Arabelli in navy, high-waist trousers with pleats, and loafers or pumps with a low heel. If you want a skirt, the Rosa in black suits, an elegant knee-length skirt. You will find more options in the blouses for Women collection.
For men: shirt and trousers
For men a white or light blue shirt is a simple base. The Hamilton shirt in white is made of 100% cotton and has an Italian collar. Wear it with the Vincent in black, slim-fit trousers with mid-rise of 33.5% viscose, 31.6% polyamide, 29.1% polyester and 6.8% elastane, and a tie or pocket square if you like. If you want it a little softer, the Montgomery in navy suits, a smooth-draping polo of 49.5% modal, 43.8% polyester and 6.7% elastane, under a blazer. Also see the shirts for Men collection and the Signature Occasions for Men page.
Colours for the photo
Plain colours usually give a calmer picture in photos: light blue, navy, white, cream and soft grey. They sit calmly next to a gown in a dark colour and do not clash with the background. Above all, look at how the chosen colour works with the gown and the background. A pattern with small stripes can flicker on camera, so choose plain instead. If you have a gown with a coloured band or sash, let the colour of your outfit match it.
Shoes and comfort
You stand, walk up and down the stairs and sometimes stay in the same shoes for hours. Choose shoes you know and walk in comfortably. For women a block heel, loafer or smart flat shoe are practical options. Men choose polished leather shoes or smart loafers. Wear them in a few times beforehand to prevent blisters. Bring a few plasters and spare tights or socks in your bag.
Afterwards: drinks or dinner
After the ceremony there is often drinks, a meal or a garden party. Make sure your outfit can handle that without you having to change. A blouse or shirt that you wear in the afternoon also works in the evening with different jewellery or a tie. Bring a light coat or cardigan for the evening and a pair of flat shoes in your bag if you wear heels. That way you can enjoy the whole day without your feet playing up. Ask a friend or family member to hold your bag and your gown for the photos, so you can shake hands without obstacles.
The family dresses too
- Parents and grandparents: polished and comfortable, in soft colours that do not compete with your outfit.
- Friends and partners: smart casual with a festive detail.
- Children: simple and neat; think of a shirt or blouse without much fuss.
Feel free to discuss colours beforehand. An outfit that matches that palette creates a calm atmosphere in photos.
Practical tips for the day
- Prepare your outfit the evening before. Iron or steam only according to the care label.
- Check that the collar and cuffs lie neatly under your gown.
- Bring a small bag with only the essentials and leave your coat in the cloakroom.
- Check the weather forecast for the outdoor moment afterwards.
- Allow enough time, so you do not arrive in a rush and your clothes do not crease.
What you had better leave
Leave very short dresses, see-through fabrics and clothing with large logos at home. Too many accessories also distract. Keep jewellery small and timeless. Wear new clothes or shoes at least once beforehand: a new shoe or a pair of trousers that is just a little too tight, you only notice after an hour of standing. Choose what makes you feel confident, because you can see that in every photo.
Shop the look
Seraphine: tailored blouse with white collar, light blue
Arabelli: high-waist trousers with pleats, navy
Rosa: knee-length skirt, black
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, white
Vincent: slim-fit trousers, black
Montgomery: modal polo, navy
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear under a gown?
A smart blouse or a shirt with a lovely collar, because that is visible. Choose airy fabrics, because a gown can be warm.
Which colour is best for a graduation ceremony?
Calm, plain colours such as light blue, navy, white or cream. They look lovely in photos and suit any gown.
Do I have to wear a suit?
Not necessarily, unless the dress code asks for it. A well-fitting shirt with trousers, or a blouse with trousers or a skirt, is usually enough.
Which shoes are the most suitable?
Comfortable, smart shoes that you have already worn a few times. You stand and walk a lot on the day itself.
