Four Top Tips to Find the Perfect Graduation Outfit
Graduation can be a stressful time, with making your way back to campus, organising all your guests and figuring out where you’d like to take photos.
Written by graduate, Holly Phillips, this blog post is designed to help make one component of graduation — finding a graduation outfit — a little less stressful. Here are some top tips to find the perfect graduation outfit.
1. Remember to dress smartly
Graduation day is a very important day to many who have completed a degree. It is a day of celebration, where all of your hard work is recognised. It’s not one of the most important things to look nice on graduation day, but it’s an added bonus.
The University advises you to dress in formal attire such as a suit or dress, this also includes any formal attire relating to your cultural tradition. Don’t forget you’ll be wearing your gown over the top, make sure to hire yours in advance to get the best deal!
2. Check the weather
As evidenced over the last few weeks, the weather is extremely unpredictable. It can be rainy, cold, or bright blue skies. Make sure that your outfit is appropriate for the weather!
Remember, you will be wearing a gown too, so that’s an extra layer. Bring extra layers if it’s due to be a bit colder. You might even want to pop an umbrella in your bag in case of rain or a change of shoes to keep your toes warm. The last thing you’d want is a soggy outfit when you’re up on the Great Hall stage!
3. Comfort is key.
As much as you may want to look good on graduation day, it is also important to be comfortable. Try and break in your shoes in advance to avoid a suprise blister!
The day may consist of a fair bit of walking, taking photos and walking on stage (which is recorded), so make sure that your shoes and clothing are comfortable and appropriate for the occasion.
4. Shop in advance to save.
The earlier you shop for your outfit, the more likely you’ll be to snag a bargain. Why not look on Vinted, Depop or Facebook Marketplace to find cheaper, second-hand options? Filter by your favourite brands or search for fabrics and colours that you like, you might be surprised at how many pieces there are to choose from — not to mention having a unique vintage piece is much less likely to run the risk of having matching outfits with the person next to you! You could even borrow from friends or family for a super cheap option, with additional sentimental value.
If you’re struggling to find a graduation outfit, why not browse the socials for some inspiration? Instagram and TikTok are great sources to use to feel inspired when looking for graduation outfits.
Hopefully, these top tips have helped you in finding your perfect graduation outfit. But remember, it isn’t all about what you wear and what you look like, it is also about celebrating your years of hard work!
Enjoy!
