I was asked today about what to wear for graduations from someone who would like to wear a dress. This is my advice:
Start by checking the colour and style of your gown, as these vary between countries and sometimes universities. I’ve graduated from two (almost three) Aussie unis and found Google Images helpful each time. Next, confirm the colour of your sash or hood. Some examples of what I’ve worn:
• My undergrad gown was black, opened at the front, and I had a blue sash. I wore a patterned blue wrap top, black dress pants and black shoes. I regret the pattern (too visible) and the pants as they just don’t look as nice as the next point. Wearing my hair down was the right call for the hat. My hair was also a matching blue – ah, youth!
• For my master’s, the black gown had a light blue hood. I wore a fitted black, knee length dress with bright ballet shoes – it looked great! Hair up was a mistake; putting on the hat was a pain. My (at the time) very red hair clashed with my outfit, which is why I’d gone with an updo.
• My doctorate gown (next year…I hope) is what I recently heard referred to as a “parrot gown” – blue, green, gold, and red, with an emerald green floppy hat! No black to be seen haha. It’s still open at the front (seems to be an Australian style thing), so I currently think a simple black, grey, or white knee length dress will be the go. Hair down this time – it works better with the floppy hat positioning!
If your gown doesn’t open at the front (more common in the US/UK), I still recommend a knee-length dress – your gown should ideally be longer than the dress unless you have reasons otherwise. Avoid full-length boots; ankle boots or heels/flats look better.
Most importantly – regardless of what you wear – take lots of photos! At my undergrad, I gave my guest tickets to a friend (no regrets – it meant her whole family came), but as a result I only have two photos….and that I do regret.
Melissa Smith 