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ROW What To Wear To Graduation: A Guide For Graduates And Guests
Congratulations! All your hard work has paid off, and it’s time to think about the upcoming graduation ceremony. Read on for our guide on how to look the part on the big day, whether you’re the graduate or the guest.
What To Wear To Your Graduation Ceremony – For Men
A two-piece suit with a formal shirt is the quintessential graduation ceremony outfit. It’s smart and practical, but still leaves room to put your own spin on the dress code with your pick of fabric, colour and cut. Not sure where to start? Graduate in style with our tips and advice below.
Men's Graduation Outfits
Suits
Time to invest in your suit. Not only is this a big day with photos you'll want to look back on, it's the perfect opportunity to pick up a suit that you can wear to future interviews, jobs and other special occasions. Start with darker shades like black, navy and grey for a classic look, or choose subtle checks to add character to your look. Want to make a statement? Go for a light neutral shade like ecru or beige.
A slim fit suit is the favoured choice for most graduates. It’s a sleek cut and wears well under heavy graduation robes, just like the Limehaus Blue Stretch Suit.
If slim fit isn’t your thing, a tailored suit is cut closer to the body than a regular fit, but maintains a sophisticated silhouette, like the Marc Darcy Ted Tan Check suit.
If you want to go all out with a waistcoat, something like the Montrose pale grey three-piece suit offers a sleek and distinctive look - although a waistcoat certainly isn’t a requirement!
After something a tad unconventional? This double breasted suit in a soft pastel pink by Antique Rogue puts a contemporary spin on classic tailoring.
The Ted Baker Coxon Navy Cotton Linen suit is lightweight and breathable for a summer graduation, and would look just as great at your next formal occasion as it would under your graduation robes.
How To Find Your Size
Finding a suit that fits can feel like a daunting prospect, but it doesn’t have to be with Suit Direct.
Get Measured In-Store
The easiest way to find your size is to visit your nearest store for a free consultation and style tips with our friendly team. Once you know your size, you can get shopping with confidence!
Use Our Handy Size Guide
Ordering online? Our handy size guide contains everything you need to make sure your suit fits perfectly, including how to find your jacket, shirt and trousers measurements.
Already know what size you are? Great - time to get shopping!
Shirts
A plain, formal shirt will always look smart under a graduation robe. Depending on your suit colour, you can opt for white, pale blue or light pink. If you’re not sure which colour to go for, you’ll never go wrong with a good quality white shirt. For a more formal look, choose a shirt with double cuffs so you can finish off your look with elegant cufflinks.
A buttoned shirt means you can securely attach your graduation hood. This white double cuff shirt by Limehaus features a rich cotton blend with a touch of stretch for easy wear and is an ideal match for any suit.
It's worth bearing in mind that if your graduation is in summer, you may choose to go sans-jacket and cool off by layering your robes directly over your shirt – so choose a well-fitting, quality shirt like this Alexandre Non-Iron in pale blue.
Accessories
A tie is a non-negotiable on graduation day – it (literally) ties your whole look together and gives you a put-together appearance. You may want to find out beforehand which colours will be on your academic hood, and select a tie that matches or complements those colours. Opt for a tie in a plain colour with a slim blade like the Limehaus Navy Tie, or treat yourself and go for a pure silk for a touch of luxury.
Shoes
Don't underestimate the importance of shoes! Your smart tailoring can quickly look unkempt with scuffs or dirt. Opt for comfort and practicality in black leather brogues from Racing Green, or turn to Tan Leather Oxford Shoes for lighter suit shades or breaking up a dark suit.
How To Style Your Graduation Robes For Men
Most of us only go through one graduation ceremony in our lifetime, so knowing how to wear your graduation robes properly can be difficult. Generally, there are three elements that come together to form your academic dress: the robe, the hood, and the mortarboard.
How To Wear Your Graduation Robes
Decide whether you're going to layer your robes over your suit jacket, or directly over your shirt – on warmer days we'd advise this! Pull on the robes with the opening to the front, as if you were pulling on a coat. If there's a fastening on the robes, secure it, then turn to your colourful graduation hood.
How To Wear Your Graduation Hood
The graduation hood is constructed in a 'loop' that you pull over your head and layer on top of your robes, and it represents your university or college's symbolic colours. To know which way around to place it, look for the label or loop sewn underneath the pointed edge and place this to the front, then move your tie to the side and loop the loop around one of your shirt buttons. Once secured, place your tie back so it sits on top of the hood, and you might want to secure it with a tie clip to keep things neat and secure.
How To Wear Your Graduation Cap
If you're pre-ordering your mortarboard it's key to take your measurements beforehand – choose a cap that will fit snugly with no room to wobble around! When wearing it, look for the elastic edge and wear this side at the back of your head. Finally, the tassel should fall neatly to one side – often this is the left, but it's sometimes determined by your university.
Congratulations! You've picked out the ultimate graduation look and styled your robes to perfection. All that's left to do is enjoy your day!
What To Wear To A Graduation Ceremony As A Guest – For Men
Attending your friend or family member's graduation celebration offers the chance to get spruced up and celebrate all of their achievements. While the graduate's dress code might be quite clear, it can be tricky to know how to look the part if you're a guest at someone else's graduation. Not a problem, though – Suit Direct has everything you need!
The Graduation Guest Dress Code
A graduation ceremony is undoubtedly a formal occasion, but it's important to strike the right balance. We say a two-piece suit is essential, while a waistcoat might be a tad too elaborate, but a pocket square or cufflinks on a double-cuff shirt can add some flair and personality to your look.
As a guest, you've got more freedom in the colour, fabric and style of your suit than the graduating student has – so why not switch things up!? A tie is an option but not a necessity, so you could swap it for a printed shirt like this understated Dandelion Print Shirt from Limehaus and leave the top button open - ideal if you’re attending a summer ceremony. If you opt for a plain shirt, jazz it up with a floral tie from Antique Rogue for added character.
Choose Comfort
As someone's graduation guest, you'll spend much of the day standing in line and sitting for a long time during the ceremony, so don't underestimate the importance of comfort when choosing your suit. The best way to guarantee a good fit is by getting your measurements spot on, so why not book a free in-store appointment with our team? They'll get you measured up and talk you through our extensive range, helping you pick out the best suit to see you through this event, and all that comes after it.
Don't Forget About The Details
Chances are you'll be on photo duty, so make sure your phone is accessible but neatly stored away – your inside jacket pocket is ideal. Don't forget about your keys, cash and cards too – keep notes and cards organised in a non-bulky card holder.
