Graduation day is a special occasion for students who have spent years studying to reach this point. However, many male students and guests need help knowing what to wear to a graduation ceremony.
Whether you’re a graduate wondering what to wear under your graduation gown or a guest celebrating the significant milestone, knowing what to wear on that special day is essential. As a recent college graduate, I have first-hand experience on what men should wear during graduation season.
In this post, I share what to wear under a graduation gown, and how to dress for a graduation ceremony as a guest.
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What To Wear Under a Graduation Gown
Choosing the right clothing to wear under your graduation gown is important for this special occasion.
As you prepare to walk across the stage and receive your diploma, picking the right clothing to wear under your gown is essential for several reasons.
Keep in mind that it can be quite hot under your graduation gown, and you don’t want to overheat. You’ll also want to choose a comfortable pair of dress shoes so you can walk confidently as you receive your diploma.
With that being said, here is what to wear under a graduation gown for men:
Daytime Graduation Ceremony Outfit
Short Sleeve Dress Shirt
If your graduation ceremony is taking place during the day, wearing a short-sleeved button-down shirt is a good idea. Since graduation ceremonies usually take place in the summer, it can get quite hot under the gown.
Wearing a short-sleeved dress shirt will be more comfortable and prevent you from sweating excessively. Furthermore, wearing a short-sleeved dress shirt is a nice look for a summer graduation outfit once you take off your graduation gown.
Suit Pants
Wearing a pair of dark dress pants under your graduation gown is a great look. Dark pants have an understated look so they won’t take any attention away from your gown and graduation cap.
When you’re shopping for suit pants, be sure to look for a pair that is comfortable to wear all day long. Avoid pants that are too thick, stiff or too tight.
Dress Shoes
On graduation day, a nice pair of Oxford dress shoes will look great with your graduation outfit. Brown or black dress shoes are versatile and have a classic look, making them the perfect style for a graduation outfit. Furthermore, if you’re wearing dress shoes, don’t forget your dress socks!
Alternatively, wearing a pair of sneakers on graduation day has become a popular trend in the last few years. Since many high school and college graduates are into sneakers, wearing your favorite pair of shoes is a good way to express yourself and show off your personal style.
Related: 15 Best Graduation Sneakers that Are Trending this Year
Accessories
On graduation day, you will want to accessorize your outfit by wearing a solid color tie and a belt. You can level up your outfit by wearing a watch and throwing on bracelets and a graduation ring.
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Evening Graduation Ceremony Outfit
For a night time graduation ceremony, you’re going to want to dress a little differently than a daytime event.
Here is what to wear for an evening graduation ceremony:
Long Sleeve Dress Shirt
Wearing a long-sleeved dress shirt is an excellent choice for your graduation ceremony. Since your ceremony is in the evening, wearing a long-sleeved dress shirt is a good idea.
It’s important to wear a dress shirt that you find comfortable and stylish. Wearing a white shirt will look great, as it won’t take any attention away from the rest of your outfit.
Related: College Graduation Checklist: 12 Things to Remember for the Big Day
Suit Pants
A pair of simple dress pants is the perfect choice for this outfit. You’ll want to keep it simple so it matches your graduation gown.
Dress Shoes
Dress shoes are the appropriate footwear choice for a graduation ceremony. A pair of classic brown or black dress shoes is a timeless style and a great option for a formal event.
Accessories
For an evening graduation, wearing a black tie is a good idea. Wearing a nice belt, a watch, and jewelry will enhance your outfit and make you look good for the graduation ceremony.
Related: Do Guys Get Flowers for Graduation?
What To Wear To a Graduation Ceremony as a Guest
As a graduation guest, wearing the right attire is essential to being dressed appropriately for this occasion. When it comes to a men’s graduation ceremony outfit, there’s a variety of styles to choose from.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy outfit, then you can always wear a suit. Here are some great suit colors for a graduation ceremony:
- Black suit
- Navy suit
- Gray suit
- Blue suit
- Beige suit
If you’re looking for a more personalized outfit, here are a few different styles to choose from:
Sports Coat / Suit Jacket
Wearing a suit or sports jacket is a great outfit choice for graduation day. As a guest, you’re going to want to wear formal attire. A suit jacket is the perfect choice for this outfit.
Short Sleeve Dress Shirt / Long Sleeve Button-Up Shirt
If the graduation ceremony is happening during the day, consider wearing a short-sleeved dress shirt. Although this is a more casual style, a short-sleeved dress shirt is more comfortable on a hot day.
A long-sleeved button-up shirt is essential if you’re wearing a suit jacket. A long-sleeved dress shirt looks good with a suit, and it’s a great choice for this occasion.
Suit Pants / Chino Pants
If you’re looking for a formal look, opt for suit pants. Suit pants are a staple in formal fashion and have a timeless look.
Consider wearing chino pants if you’re looking for a more casual option. Chino pants have a business casual style and are comfortable while looking trendy and stylish.
Dress Shoes / Leather Sneakers
If you’re wearing a suit or dress pants, you’ll want to wear a pair of dress shoes. Dress shoes always look good and are appropriate for a graduation ceremony.
Consider a pair of leather sneakers if you’re looking for a trendier and more comfortable option. Leather sneakers look great with a pair of chino pants and have a modern look compared to dress shoes.
Accessories
You can personalize this outfit in many ways when it comes to accessories. You can wear a tie or bow tie, or you can wear no tie at all. Furthermore, wearing a nice belt is a must.
If you want to enhance this outfit, throw on a watch and wear bracelets and other jewelry.
Do I Wear a Suit Jacket to Graduation?
Wearing a suit jacket under a graduation gown is not recommended and is unnecessary. Although some graduates may wear a suit jacket or blazer underneath their graduation robe, this can result in the gown not fitting properly. Instead, opt for a more casual clothing option like a dress shirt.
Can Men Wear Shorts to Graduation?
Male guests should wear collared shirts, dress pants, and sometimes full suits to graduation. Wearing shorts, t-shirts, jeans, sandals, or sneakers is inappropriate for this occasion. Typically, graduation ceremonies require guests to dress in formal or semi-formal attire.
Do Guys Wear Ties for Graduation?
On graduation day, male graduates should wear dress pants, a button-down shirt, dress shoes, and a graduation tie. This formal outfit is a staple in graduation attire. Coordinating your shoes, socks, pants, and graduation robe is essential to have look put-together.
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- College Graduation Checklist: 12 Things to Remember for the Big Day
- Unique Graduation Gifts That Every Graduate Needs – Boys & Girls
Final Thoughts On What To Wear To Graduation For Guys
Whether you’re graduating or attending a graduation ceremony, knowing what to wear for this special occasion can be a real challenge. As a guy, it’s important to dress nicely for graduation to make a lasting impression on those around you.
In this post, I shared what to wear to graduation for guys. I also shared what to wear as a graduation guest for men.