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- Article tag: Graduation
Graduation parties mark a significant achievement and should be celebrated as such. Friends and family gather to rejoice with the freshly graduated scholar, offering them warm congratulations on their hard work. Emotions charge the air as friends excitedly reflect on the memories they created during their journey.
The momentous occasion calls for dressing up and having fun. Since there is no set dress code for graduation parties, it can be tough to decide what to wear to one. The following article compiles ideas on what to wear for different types of graduation parties.
Dress Code for Grads and Guests
The dress code for a graduation party can be different based on factors such as the formality of the event and the venue.
Graduates may choose to wear their cap and gown during the graduation party, especially if the event is right after the ceremony. This serves as a reminder of their hard work and academic achievements. Graduates can also choose to wear a semi-formal outfit under their gowns. This would allow them to take pictures both with and without the gown, cleverly preserving memories of the day.
Under the gown, graduates should wear a comfortable outfit that is polished and dressy. Options include a midi dress, a skirt and blouse, or even a jumpsuit.
Guests at the graduation party should make sure that their attire is balanced. It should not be too formal or glamorous to avoid taking attention from the graduates. Think of the theme or the venue as a guide to determine the level of formality of the event.
A graduation party hosted at the beach calls for fun, colorful attire with flowy styles and fabrics such as linen and cotton. Similarly, if the venue is a garden, then you can wear semi-formal styles such as a floral dress.
Outfit Ideas for Grads and Guests
The following sections explore stylish outfit ideas based on different graduation party themes.
Tropical Vibes
A tropical celebration theme is perfect for a beach or an outdoor backyard venue. This theme is casual and suits lightweight materials such as cotton or linen. Wear relaxed, flowing silhouettes that allow for movement and breathability.
Graduates can wear maxi or A-line dresses in bright colors, floral prints, or fun geometric patterns. You can dress it up with strappy heels or sandals. Espadrilles are also a stylish and comfortable footwear option. To stand out, accessorize with floral or beach-themed jewelry such as shell necklaces.
For guests, printed rompers or jumpsuits are sure to complement the theme. Flowy skater dresses can also be worn.
Boho Chic
A boho-chic outfit theme works great for outdoor and garden venues. It has a chill, laid-back vibe that is perfect for saying bye-bye to hectic academic routines. A boho theme calls for relaxed, yet stylish semi-formal attire such as maxi, off-the-shoulder dresses, and jumpsuits. Natural colors and earthy tones add to the comfortable vibe of this theme.
Grads can achieve a more polished look by choosing dresses that feature delicate embellishments or embroidery. Pair with statement crocheted earrings and heeled sandals.
Party guests can wear minimalistic vintage prints or monochrome outfits, and accessorize with sunglasses and a rattan bag to complete the look.
Classic Black and White
This theme is timeless and can be worn for many kinds of graduation parties. From formal events to semi-formal get-togethers, this theme offers style options to match any vibe. Black and white create a high-contrast effect that is understated yet impactful.
Graduates can wear a sleek, color-blocked sheath dress paired with black stilettos for a minimalist, yet sophisticated look. Other options include an empire waist dress with a white bodice and a black skirt.
Guests can wear dresses with black and white geometric print or a color-blocked design. A fit and flare dress is the perfect style to capture elegance while staying comfortable.
Pastel Hues
This graduation party theme sets up a sweet atmosphere where fresh graduates can receive messages of appreciation and love. The color palette for this theme is soft, dreamy colors such as baby blue, pink, soft green, and lavender. The dress code for this theme can be semi-formal or formal, depending on how dressed up you want to be.
Graduates can wear a floral watercolor gown in a breezy silhouette. Think along the lines of empire waist, A-line, or fit-and-flare. Another option is to wear a solid dress with floral appliques or embellishments.
Guests can wear a tea-length pastel-hued dress. Look for ruffled sleeves or a sweetheart neckline for a casual, yet elevated ensemble.
Formal Masquerade
This theme is perfect for a dramatic and glitzy graduation party. The formal masquerade theme brings in elements of mystery, style, and glamour for a high-impact outfit.
Graduates should look for dresses made with fancy fabrics such as velvet, satin, and organza. Intricate detailing and embellishments also add extra flair to the ensemble. You can choose between many different silhouettes depending on how elaborate you want your event to be.
For a luxurious graduation party, wear a ball gown with layers of tulle for a show-stopping look. If you want an understated yet regal approach, you can wear structured silhouettes such as slip and sheath dresses.
If you’re invited to a masquerade-themed graduation party, choose cocktail dresses in jewel colors. Accessorize with a fancy clutch and heeled shoes for a classy ensemble.
Pop of Neon
This theme sets the tone for a graduation party filled with lots of laughter and joyful energy. It also provides the chance to make a fashion statement in bold colors and sharp silhouettes. The palette for this theme includes neon colors such as lime green, coral, bright magenta, and cobalt blue. The formality can vary, depending on the environment of the party and the venue.
For graduates, choose a sleek, neon-colored dress with embellishments around the neckline to wow the crowd. You can also add flair to the silhouette by choosing an asymmetrical hem. This will make the outfit interesting without overwhelming the overall look. Pair with nude heels or shoes to balance the dress.
Guests to the party can wear color-blocked neon dresses in fun silhouettes. Look for ruffled skirts or puffy sleeves to create a playful aesthetic.
Tips and Tricks
There are a few things to keep in mind when dressing for a graduation party.
Keep the venue and the theme on the event invite in focus. This will help you determine what kinds of fabrics and styles would be suitable to wear to the party. For outdoor graduation parties, wear light, breathable fabrics so that you are comfortable throughout the day. If the party will be at an indoor venue, you can get away with heavier fabrics and layered dresses.
Also, consider if the party will transition from day to night. Usually, graduation ceremonies take place early in the day, and the graduation party can run later into the evening. Prepare for an outfit that is versatile for both day and nighttime events. You may use accessories to adjust your look and enhance your overall outfit for the evening.
Another consideration is planning your outfit to be photographed. Graduation parties are events covered extensively through photography. Avoid wearing busy outfits or prints that may not capture well in pictures.
Graduates should factor in how their dress and accessories would sit under their gowns. The dress and footwear should be comfortable enough to be worn for an extended period.
Dressing for a Graduation Party FAQs
Since there are so many different types of graduation parties, each with its own energy and vibe, you may encounter these questions when planning your look.
What Do You Wear When There Is No Dress Code?
Think of the venue, timings, and any themes as your guide for the dress code. The more elaborate the venue, the more formal you can expect the event to be. Then, evening graduation parties usually call for more formal dressing than daytime parties.
What Kind of Footwear Is Appropriate for a Graduation Party?
Footwear is an important element of your graduation party attire. This is because you will likely have to spend a fair few hours in your footwear of choice. You may also have to walk around a lot. Wear a pair of shoes that you are going to be comfortable in throughout the party. This can be a sandal, wedges, or even a pair of heels that you’ve broken into.
Can I Wear a T-shirt or Jeans to a Graduation Party?
While there is no rule that would discourage wearing a t-shirt or jeans to a graduation party, they may dull your outfit. If you want to be comfortable in a t-shirt or jeans and want a polished look, accessorize with statement jewelry. You can also incorporate elements such as a silk scarf or leather belt to elevate your ensemble.
Set the Tone With Your Graduation Party Outfit
Graduation parties are all about celebrating hours of hard work and determination. It is your chance to acknowledge your own or your friend’s achievements and check off an important milestone. The right graduation outfit can set the tone for a fantastic graduation party that you’ll remember for years to come.
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