What to Wear to Your Child’s Graduation
Graduation day is a special moment in your child’s life. It’s an enormous milestone and a step that brings them closer to the bright future that you’ve always envisioned for them. Naturally, it makes sense to dress your best on this important day.
But what should you wear? First things first: This is an opportunity to celebrate your child’s achievements, and dozens of classy, suitable outfit ideas are ideal to wear to the ceremony. Here are five suggestions to keep in mind.
Tailored Dress
An immaculately tailored women’s dress is a beautiful choice for this special occasion. Given that the event will likely take place on a warm day, you have several reasons to put on a light and comfortable dress. The key is to stick with effortless, flattering styles that you can easily dress up with a few key accessories. A flowing jersey dress is always a smart choice for its versatility; you can add a statement necklace and slip into a pair of low-profile heels or wedges for an instantly pulled-together look.
A wrap dress is another option for a graduation ceremony. The style is fluid and relaxed, yet feels structured thanks to the cinched waist. This is a great choice if you prefer this type of silhouette. Step into a pair of heels or classic ballet flats for an easy outfit that looks flawless from head to toe.
Skirt and Blouse
If you choose to wear a skirt, opt for a practical length that hits the knee or just below. Midi skirts and skorts are fantastic because they’re enjoying a trendy moment, yet they’re so traditional that they’ll easily wear well for years.
That they’re so versatile is a huge bonus; you can wear your mid-length skirt with anything from a women's blouse to a short-sleeve T-shirt. For this momentous day, opt for a dressier blouse. Note that you aren’t strictly limited to standard button-down styles. Modern designs feature elements like roll sleeves, notched necklines, and tie details on three-quarter sleeves. These can change the dynamic of your look, and many of them look great with a skirt. Wrap a contrasting belt to bring it all together.
Pants and Cardigan
Comfortable pants always have their place at a special event like a graduation. Your structured go-to jeans could pair nicely with a blouse. Consider wearing leggings under spring dresses. You can also opt for something that you might wear to the office or a meeting, such as sleek trousers in a shade like black, gray, or brown.
Pair them with a comfortable cardigan for a look that’s nicely pulled together. If you want to stay warm and still look formal, a blazer is a great option. A light cardigan provides the same type of finishing touch without sacrificing your comfort. Add a pair of earrings and step into your favorite heels to complete this look.
Maxi Dress
In a particularly warm climate, wearing pants or a cardigan works for layering. You still have great options, such as a cotton sundress in a maxi length. With its sweeping skirt and flowing silhouette, this style is typically reserved exclusively for spring and summer wear. It’s not just a casual piece, however–you can easily make it work at graduation, too! The key is to select the right type of maxi dress.
Look for features that offer a more polished take on the look. Cap sleeves are more appropriate for graduation than a sleeveless style, since you may not otherwise wish to cover your arms. However, if there’s a sleeve-free maxi that you love, consider wearing it–just bring along something light, like an airy scarf, that you can drape around your shoulders if you find you need that extra layer. Maxi dresses are easy to dress up–you can slip into flat metallic sandals and match your jewelry to the shoes for a beautiful look from head to toe.
Fit and Flare Dress
Fit and flare dresses were practically made for graduation days! This attractive silhouette is flattering and available in a variety of colors and patterns. Don’t be afraid to break away from neutrals on this memorable day – a bright color or pattern will add a flash of brilliance to family photographs! You might opt for a soft blush, a floral print, or a bright blue to suit the season.
A pair of wedges is the perfect partner for a fit and flare dress. It will add some height and help create a beautifully balanced look from top to bottom. If you’re wearing a bright color on top, opt for a relatively neutral wedge so the two pieces don’t compete with one another. A simple beige or taupe is always a safe choice during the warmest months of the year.
What Matters Most
This is undoubtedly a day that you and your family will remember and treasure forever. Prioritize your comfort so that you feel your best throughout the day, whether you’re walking around the venue or posing for pictures after the ceremony.