What to Wear to an Outdoor College Graduation - Outdoor Cabinets

An outdoor college graduation ceremony is a momentous occasion to celebrate your academic achievements. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, don’t forget to think about what you’ll wear to be both comfortable and look your best as you walk across that stage. Here’s a detailed guide on what to wear to an outdoor college graduation to help you make a stylish statement at your commencement.

Dress Codes for an Outdoor Graduation Ceremony

The first thing to keep in mind when choosing an outfit is whether your university has a dress code or guidelines for what graduates should wear. Here are some common dress code policies to be aware of:

Formal attire – Some schools mandate students wear formal business attire like suits and dresses. This projects a professional image but can be impractical for outdoor settings.
Semi-formal – Most colleges recommend graduating in semi-formal attire. This means dress shirts and pants for men and dresses or skirts for women.
School colors – Many institutions encourage graduates to show school spirit by wearing the official school colors. This creates a cohesive look among students.
Cap and gown – The cap and gown are almost always required over your clothing as standard graduation attire.

If your college hasn’t provided dress guidelines, reach out to your academic advisor for specifics. Failing to follow the expected attire could mean getting pulled from the procession lineup.

Dress Code Considerations for Outdoor Ceremonies

While dress codes set the tone, also factor the outdoor environment into your outfit selection:

Weather – Anticipate the forecasted conditions. If it’s hot and sunny, go for breathable fabrics. For cooler weather, dress in layers.
Terrain – An uneven or grassy terrain makes heels inadvisable. Opt for flats or wedges so you can walk comfortably.
Activities – Are any activities planned like throwing caps in the air? Choose clothes that are movement-friendly.
Photos – Remember that photos will memorialize this day forever. Pick an outfit in colors and styles you’ll still like years from now.

Keeping the dress code, weather, terrain and activities in mind will help you pick graduation attire that’s both compliant and practical.

What Should Female Graduates Wear?

Ladies have lots of stylish options for dressing up their cap and gown on graduation day. Here are some recommendations for women’s attire for an outdoor commencement ceremony:

Dresses

A graduation dress makes a classy choice for the occasion. Consider the following dress styles:

A-line or skater dresses – These flared dresses move well and keep you comfortable.
Shift dresses – The straight, loose shape offers breathability on hot days.
Wrap dresses – Flattering wrap dresses cinch the waist. Opt for short sleeves.
Maxi dresses – Longer maxi dresses suit outdoor venues well. Bring a wrap in case of cool breezes.
Cotton sundresses – Sundresses are perfect for spring and summer graduations with their lighter materials.
Cocktail dresses – Shorter cocktail dresses work for formal graduations, just finish the look with flats instead of heels.

When choosing dresses, aim for breathable natural fabrics like cotton, linen or chiffon. Knee-length or just below knee-length hemlines pair well with caps and gowns.

Skirt Outfit Options

Skirts also make great graduation choices, offering versatility to pair with different tops. Consider wearing:

A-line skirts – These universally flattering mid-length skirts suit most body types.
Pencil skirts – A classic pencil skirt with a button-up blouse makes a polished outfit.
Maxi skirts – Breezy ankle-length maxi skirts keep you cool and comfortable.
High-waisted skirts – Pairing a high-waisted skirt with a tucked-in blouse defines your waist.
Midi skirts – Mid-calf midi skirts offer similar coverage as maxi skirts in lighter materials.
Slit skirts – Subtle side slits allow room to walk while giving a sleek silhouette.

Like dresses, aim for skirts in light fabrics like chiffon, cotton and linen. Slits and stretchy fabrics aid movement for any walking across stage.

Top Options to Pair With Bottoms

Once you’ve selected a bottom, choosing a complementary graduations top completes the outfit. Here are flattering possibilities:

Wraps tops – Light wrap tops drape gracefully. Look for 3/4 length sleeves.
Button-down blouses – Crisp button-down dress shirts project professionalism.
Silk blouses – Breezy silk shells or blouses suit the occasion’s elegance.
Halter tops – Fitted halter tops pair nicely with high-waisted bottoms.
Tank tops – Modest tank tops work with casual skirts or pants. Add a blazer or cardigan.

Aim for tops in colors and fabrics that match your bottoms. For hot weather, tank tops and sleeveless blouses keep you cool under gowns. If it’s chilly, finished with a jacket or wrap.

Shoes and Accessories

Finish off your graduation style with shoes and accessories well-suited for both the dress code and outdoor environment:

Flats or low wedges – Heels sink into grass and uneven terrain. Flats and low wedges allow you to walk comfortably across the stage.
Leather sandals – Low-heeled leather sandals complement skirts and dresses without sacrificing style.
Ballet flats – These easy-to-wear shoes complete any casual or dressy look.
Jewelry – Stick to dainty jewelry like simple earrings, bracelets and rings that don’t clatter as you walk.
Clutch – Carry minimal essentials in a small clutch to avoid lugging bags as you receive your diploma.

Prioritize comfort and mobility over impractical footwear and accessories. You want to confidently walk without worrying about sinking heels or jangling jewelry muffling your name.

What Should Male Graduates Wear?

Guys also have plenty of stylish options for dressing up their standard cap and gown getup. Consider these recommendations for men’s outdoor graduation attire:

Pants

The right pair of pants contributes to a put-together graduate look. Good choices include:

Dress pants – In lightweight fabrics like tropical wool and linen, dress pants project sophistication.
Chinos – Crisp chinos work for semi-formal graduations and offer breathability.
Dark-wash jeans – Clean, dark-wash denim is acceptable for casual outdoor events.
Cotton pants – Lightweight cotton dress pants suit the warmer weather.
Pleated pants – A touch of movement from pleats or small cuffs adds visual interest.

Aim for pant colors and fabrics that align with your college’s formality guidelines. For hot weather, lightweight cottons, linens and breathable dress pants are optimal.

Shirt Options

Pair your pants with proper tops for the occasion, such as:

Button-down dress shirts – Long or short-sleeve button-downs project a professional graduation look.
Polo shirts – Collared polos work for casual ceremonies, ideally in the school colors.
Linen shirts – Lightweight linen or textured cotton shirts make warm-weather options.
Patterned shirts – Subtle patterns like gingham and pinstripes add visual flair.
Dress t-shirts – Dark-colored nice t-shirts suit very casual outdoor commencements.

Play with different sleeve lengths for the forecasted weather. Long sleeves prevent sunburns but may get hot. Short sleeves offer breathability on summer days.

Tie and Jacket Styling

Additional traditional menswear pieces like ties and jackets complete formal graduation looks:

Ties – Stick with simple silk tie patterns and colors. Skinny ties suit modern looks.
Suit jacket/blazer – These layer nicely over dress shirts when the weather cools off.
Vest – For a full three-piece suit look, finishing with a matching vest elevates any dress pants and tie combo.
Pocket square – A colorful pocket square adds a subtle decorative touch.

If your college encourages formal attire, build a professional suit look with these accessories over dress pants and a collared shirt. For casual ceremonies, you can forgo the tie and jacket.

Shoes and Accessories

Consider footwear and additional accessories to polish off your graduation day look:

Oxfords – Classic leather oxford dress shoes project sophistication.
Loafers – Versatile loafers work for semi-formal attire with chinos or pants.
Boat shoes – These slip-on shoes suit casual warm-weather ensembles.
Belt – Match leather dress belts to your shoes in subdued colors.
Watch – A sleek wristwatch adds a refined finishing touch.
Cufflinks – Decorative cufflinks are an optional accessory for very formal attire with French cuff shirts.

Prioritize comfortable dress shoe styles you can walk confidently in like oxfords loafers and boat shoes. Belts and watches make safe subtle additions to accessorize without overdoing it.

Ideas for Color Schemes

When compiling your cap and gown ensemble, consider creative ways to work with color:

School colors – Incorporate your college colors into clothing pieces like shirts, ties and pocket squares. This demonstrates school pride.
Neutrals – Neutral-toned outfits in shades of white, tan, gray and black provide versatility to mix and match pieces.
Coordinating colors – Match colors in subtle ways, like wearing a light blue top with navy blue pants or skirt.
Complementary colors – Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, like purple and yellow, make striking combinations.
Tonal dressing – Wearing different shades of one color from light to dark adds visual interest.
Patterns – Integrate patterns such as gingham, pinstripes or florals sparingly for an extra design element.

Get creative with using color to make your outfit stand out or remain minimal with neutral shades. Just ensure colors and patterns aren’t overly distracting. The focus should remain on your monumental graduation day.

Dressing for Inclement Weather

Don’t let unpredictable weather ruin your graduation photos and experience. Come prepared with attire and accessories to tackle changing conditions:

Hot and Sunny Weather

If clear sunny skies are forecasted, make heat and sun protection a priority:

Lightweight fabrics – Breathable fabrics like linen, cotton and rayon keep you cool.
Loose fits – Avoid clingy fits and opt for boxier silhouettes and dresses to allow air circulation.
Light colors – Shades like white, beige and pastels reflect heat better than black and dark colors.
Short sleeves – Sleeveless or short-sleeved tops prevent overheating.
Sunscreen – Apply SPF 30 (or higher) liberally to exposed skin to avoid burns.
Sunglasses – Protect your eyes from sun damage with UV protection sunglasses.
Hat or visor – Shield your face from the sun’s rays with a wide-brim hat or visor.

Cool or Windy Weather

If cooler temps are expected, dress in layers you can add or shed as needed:

Long sleeves – Choose tops with long sleeves that can be worn on their own or layered under gowns.
Jackets/blazers – Warm outer layers like blazers, cardigans and denim jackets stave off chills.
Scarves – Scarves not only accessorize but also provide cozy warmth.
Tights/nylons – For women, wear tights or nylons under skirts and dresses to retain heat in legs.
Socks – Don’t forget warmth-preserving socks or hose, even with dress shoes.
Base layers – Undershirts, camisoles and long johns worn underneath trap body heat close to your skin.

Having layers on hand allows you to stay comfortable as winds pick up or temperates drop unexpectedly.

Rainy or Stormy Weather

Don’t let rain dampen your graduation excitement. Come prepared to take cover from showers with:

Waterproof outerwear – A trench coat or water-resistant jacket shields your outfit from the rain.
Umbrella – A compact umbrella easily tucks into bags and keeps you dry en route to the ceremony.
Rain boots – Swap dress shoes for functional rain boots or galoshes to traverse muddy, wet grass.
Waterproof bags – Protect essentials like phones, ID and programs in waterproof plastic bags inside your purse or clutch.
Hair products – Use moisturizing products and water-resistant hair spray to maintain hairdos in the humidity.
Towel – Pack a small lint-free towel to wipe away raindrops on chairs before sitting.

With the right protective rain gear, a downpour doesn’t have to ruin the joyous energy of graduation day.

DIY Tips for Decorated Caps

Customizing your graduation cap allows you to infuse creativity and personality into your look. Here are ideas for DIY embellishments:

Flowers and greenery – Glue or wire flowers such as daisies for a fresh springtime vibe.
Tassels – Affix beaded, feathered or metallic tassels along the sides for added flare.
Messages – Iron on or pin fabric letters to spell out phrases like “Class of 2023”.
Photos – Mount small photos on your cap of family, friends or college memories.
Fabric – Use fabric glue to adhere patterns, ribbon, lace or fabric shapes like stars.
Glitter – Add sparkle with metallic fabric paints or puffy glitter paint pens in your school colors.
Pins – Decorate the cap top with decorative pins, like an American flag, school mascot or motivational quotes.
Fun patches – Iron on or sew colorful patches with inside jokes or pop culture references.

Glitters, ribbons and photos offer cute ways to inject personality into traditional caps. Just don’t go overboard – remember not to distract from your gown.

Graduation Outfits on a Budget

Looking fabulous doesn’t require spending a fortune. Here’s how to create graduation looks on a budget:

Borrow items – Borrow dresses, suits and accessories from stylish family members or friends.
Rent attire – Consider renting formalwear like designer dresses at a fraction of retail prices.
Shop sales – Check clearance racks at department stores and outlet malls for deeply discounted items.
DIY embellishments – Make your own cap decorations and accessories with craft supplies.
Minimize extras – Skip the tie, pocket square or excessive jewelry for ultra formal looks.
Re-wear attire – Repurpose cocktail dresses, dress shirts or pants from previous formal occasions.
BYO Photography – Invite graduates with photography skills to snap photos to avoid hiring a professional.

With savvy savings methods like borrowing, DIYing and bargain hunting, you can rock graduation in style on any budget.

Graduation Outfits FAQs

Still have questions about what to wear under the gown? Here are answers to common cap and gown outfit inquiries:

Should you wear shorts under a graduation gown?

Shorts are not recommended under gowns. The uneven hemline often leads to shorts peeking out in awkward ways that look unpolished. Opt for dark-colored pants or leggings instead.

Do you need to wear a collared shirt under a graduation gown?

Collared shirts aren’t strictly necessary, but they do create a clean, professional neckline under open-front gowns. Any solid dress shirt or blouse complements a cap and gown well.

What color socks should you wear with a graduation gown?

Sock colors don’t matter too much since they’re hidden under floor-length gowns. Still, stick with socks in neutral shades that complement your outfit, like black, brown or tan.

What should you not wear under a graduation gown?

Avoid oversized or baggy clothing that adds bulk under sleek gowns. Steer clear of shirts with busy graphics or patterns that would show through the fabric. Flip flops are too casual.

Should you wear leggings under a graduation gown?

Yes, dark-colored leggings make an excellent choice under caps and gowns. They allow free movement and won’t bunch at the knees or catch on shoes like long skirts might.

Conclusion

A college graduation ceremony held outdoors lets you soak up sunshine and fresh air as you celebrate earning your degree. Deciding what to wear ensures you look as radiant as you feel. Follow your university’s recommended dress code, prepare for the weather, coordinate colors and don’t forget decorative cap ideas. With the head-to-toe outfit tips above, you’ll be dressed in style to collect your diploma and embrace new adventures ahead!