What to wear to a graduation as a guest

If your son, your daughter, step child, grandchild, or other loved one is graduating, you must be incredibly proud. And, with good reason. It’s time to celebrate their hard work and achievements before they start a new life chapter. So, what should you wear to celebrate with them? Let’s consider what to wear to a graduation as a guest.

First, some general thoughts on what to wear to a graduation as a guest…

Over dressed is better

If you’re wondering what to wear to a graduation and are worried you might be overdressed, I would always err on the side of being overdressed rather than underdressed. But also think about choosing something that is a timeless classic. Just like a for a wedding, you will have photographs from this special day that you will be looking back on for many years to come. You will want an outfit that can stand the test of time and choose for something that’s timelessly chic.

what to wear to a graduation – Think daywear

What to wear to a graduation as a guest - a sweater and full skirt combination | 40plusstyle.com

While, you want to wear something special, a graduation isn’t a cocktail or evening party, so don’t go too glitzy. Of course, you may celebrate from day to night, so be sure that your outfit is adaptible.

Patricia @madamechicbcn (read her style interview here) opts for a sweater with her full skirt. If you’re heading on to an evening dinner or event, you could always change your top.

Steal her look with this similar top (another option here), midi skirt, sandals, handbag, belt and earrings.

Should you wear colors and prints at a graduation?

When you’re standing next to your son or daughter, it’s likely they will be wearing a gown in a block color. So, you’re fine to contrast with them and wear a different shade or a print.

Are you prepared for the weather?

Perhaps the ceremony is indoors but there’s a gathering outdoors afterwards, or vice-versa. You may want a wrap or a jacket to stay warm.

Think about the shoes you wear to the graduation

What to wear to a graduation as a guest | 40plusstyle.com

Where is the graduation happening? Will you be inside or outside? Are you likely to have the graduation on grass? A block heel, low heel or flat will be more comfortable if you will be on your feet for some time.

Annette @theladyofstyle above (read her style interview here) chooses block heels and a matching bag.

Check out this sleeveless dress (another option here) that you can wear with this similar pair of sandals, handbag and earrings.

Dresses or pants are both great for a graduation

Wear a dress or a pair of stylish pants. Either will look great for your loved one’s special moment. Or, of course, you could choose a hybrid of the two, and opt for a jumpsuit.

Graduation guest outfits

Now that you’re thinking about what might be suitable outfits for a graduation, let’s put together some suggested outfits that will ensure your son or daughter is just as proud to be with you as you are to be with them on their celebratory day.

1. maxi dress and block heels

A maxi dress can look effortlessly glamorous. You can pair with a blazer to add an extra element of formality. Statement jewelry will add modernity to your look, and block heels will be more comfortable than a thinner pair of heels.

Maxi dress and block heels | 40plusstyle.com

1.STATE One-Button Stretch Crepe BlazerCOS Maxi Jersey DressCL by Chinese Laundry Go On Platform Dress SandalClare V. Foldover Leather Clutch with TabsShop LC Jewelry Set

2. A little black jumpsuit

You might already have a little black dress in your closet, but how about a little (or long) black jumsuit? I like the idea of a monochrome color palette with a pop of red.

A little black jumpsuit | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Compact Stretch Stud & Eyelet Statement CoatKaren Millen Compact Stretch Viscose Flared JumpsuitClarks Linvale Jerica PumpClare V. Foldover Leather Clutch with TabsShop LC Jewelry Set

3. wide leg pants

What to wear to a graduation as a guest - wide leg pants | 40plusstyle.com

Wide leg pants look very stylish as well as being very much on trend right now. Angela @angelamashelle above opts for a pair of pink pants and teams with a black top and black accessories.

Get her look with this similar blouse (another option here), pants, pumps, handbag and earrings.

Wide leg pants | 40plusstyle.com

Lrady Open Front Casual BlazerHalogen Woven Tank TopFRAME Le Palazzo Wide Leg PantsCL by Chinese Laundry Go On Platform Dress SandalSteve Madden Nikki Clutch CrossbodyShop LC Jewelry Set

4. A midi dress and slim pants

You don’t have to choose to wear a dress OR pants. You could team a pair of slim leg pants with a shirt dress.

A midi dress and slim pants | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Compact Stretch Stud & Eyelet Statement CoatHalogen Long Sleeve Faux Wrap DressAnne Klein Slim Stretch Woven PantsClarks Linvale Jerica PumpSteve Madden Nikki Clutch CrossbodyShop LC Jewelry Set

5. A midi skirt

Rather than a dress, you could also think about wearing separates. Team a mid length skirt with a silky top and blazer.

A midi skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Compact Stretch Relaxed Sleeveless JacketHalogen Woven Tank TopVince Ribbed Midi SkirtCL by Chinese Laundry Go On Platform Dress SandalClare V. Foldover Leather Clutch with TabsWeinuo Hoop Earrings

6. A print shirt dress

What to wear to a graduation as a guest - a print dress | 40plusstyle.com

Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above (read her style interview here) matches some of the tones in her dress with the beautiful shade of her hair.

Steal her look with this similar printed dress (other options here and here), booties, handbag and earrings.

A print shirt dress | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Geo Print Viscose Crepe Woven Midi DressCL by Chinese Laundry Go On Platform Dress SandalSteve Madden Nikki Clutch CrossbodyWeinuo Hoop Earrings

7. A belted blazer and print pants 

As well as a printed dress, you could choose a pair of printed pants. Keep the top half of your look in block colors if you don’t want it to look too busy for the photos.

A belted blazer and print pants | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Millen Belted Military Detail Bandage JacketM.M.LaFleur Vicky Silk TankRebecca Taylor Chantilly Print Silk Blend PantsCL by Chinese Laundry Go On Platform Dress SandalSteve Madden Nikki Clutch CrossbodyWeinuo Hoop EarringsShop LC Jewelry Set

8. Stripe dress and bright shoes 

While some prints and patterns can have a dated look, choosing a graphic print will ensure that you look modern and timeless at the same time. I like the mix stripes going in different directions on the striped dress below.

Stripe dress and bright shoes | 40plusstyle.com

Mango Striped Shirt DressClarks Linvale Jerica PumpSteve Madden Nikki Clutch CrossbodyWeinuo Hoop Earrings

9. A classic suit

What to wear to a graduation as a guest - a matching suit | 40plusstyle.com

Matching suits did fall out of favor for a little while, but are having a moment again. Cathy @themiddlepageblog above (read her style interview here) chooses a well-fitted gray suit.

She is wearing a top (another option here), blazer and pants from Cinq à Sept, shoes from Bottega Veneta (another option here) and bag from STAUD.

A classic suit | 40plusstyle.com

YUNCLOS Suit SetHalogen Woven Tank TopCL by Chinese Laundry Go On Platform Dress SandalClare V. Foldover Leather Clutch with TabsWeinuo Hoop Earrings

Your choice of graduation outfits

Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule. You can see you could mix and match the different jackets and tops to get different looks.

Graduation guest outfits | 40plusstyle.com

shop some of graduation outfits above here:

What to wear to wear to a graduation as a guest? What do you think? If you’ve attended a graduation recently, I’d love to hear around your outfit

Continue reading:

  1. How To Dress When You Are The Mother Of The Bride (Or Groom)
  2. The Midi Dress Is Back And We Show You The Best Midi Dresses For Women Over 40
  3. The Best Low Heel Party Shoes That Look Even Better Than Stilettos

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What to wear to a graduation as a guest | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Annette @theladyofstyle

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