Quick Answer: What Should a Guy Wear to Graduation?
- Classic: a navy, charcoal or black suit with a white dress shirt and a tie.
- Warm weather: a lighter suit in tan or light grey, or dress pants with a crisp shirt.
- Personal touch: a tie or pocket square in your school colours.
- Comfort: a stretch suit and shoes you've already broken in.
Graduation is a milestone, and you'll be in photos with family, friends and maybe a diploma in hand. Whether it's high school, college or university, here are ten outfit ideas that look sharp under a gown and on their own at the celebration afterwards.
1. The Classic Suit
A navy or charcoal suit with a white dress shirt and a solid tie is timeless. It looks great in photos and you'll wear it again for interviews, weddings and your first job.
2. Black and White
A black suit with a white shirt and a black or silver tie is sharp and formal, ideal for an evening ceremony.
3. Navy With a Light Blue Shirt
Navy with a light blue shirt is a little softer than black and white, and flattering on almost everyone. Add a burgundy or silver tie.
4. Summer-Ready Tan or Light Grey
For an outdoor or warm-weather ceremony, a tan or light grey suit keeps you cooler and looks fresh. Shop tan suits.
5. The Three-Piece Suit
A vest makes your outfit feel more formal, and it keeps you looking polished once the jacket comes off at the party.
6. School Colours
Pick up your school colours in your tie or pocket square. It's a subtle way to celebrate where you're graduating from.
7. Dress Pants and a Crisp Shirt
If a full suit feels like too much, wear well-fitting dress pants and a pressed dress shirt with a tie. You'll look neat under the gown and comfortable all day.
8. Sport Jacket and Contrasting Pants
A sport jacket with grey or tan pants is a smart option for a more relaxed ceremony or the celebration afterwards.
9. The After-Party Change
Heading out after the ceremony? Take off the tie, swap the jacket for a quarter-zip sweater or keep the vest on, and you're ready for dinner or a party.
10. Comfort First
You'll be sitting through speeches and walking across a stage. Choose a suit with stretch, shoes you've worn before, and a shirt with the right collar size.
Wearing an Outfit Under a Gown
- Choose lighter fabrics, since gowns add warmth.
- Keep your collar and tie visible and neat.
- Wear dark, polished oxfords. Your shoes will show in every walking photo.
Getting ready for a school dance too? See what guys wear to homecoming. Your graduation suit can also double as your prom suit, and with suits from $279 for the jacket and pants, owning it can cost less than renting even once. Shop suits for less than a rental. See rent or buy a prom suit.
Coming as a guest instead? Here's what to wear to a graduation as a guest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wear a suit to graduation?
A suit is the most common choice and looks great in photos. Dress pants with a shirt and tie also work.
What colour suit is best for graduation?
Navy, charcoal and black are classic. Tan and light grey suit warm, outdoor ceremonies.
What do you wear under a graduation gown?
A dress shirt and tie with dress pants or a suit. Choose lighter fabrics, since the gown adds warmth.
What is a good graduation outfit for men?
A navy or charcoal suit with a white dress shirt, a tie and leather dress shoes is the classic graduation outfit for men. It looks sharp in photos and works for high school and university ceremonies alike.
What are casual graduation outfits for guys?
For a casual graduation, wear dress pants or casual pants with a crisp dress shirt or polo, and add a sport jacket if you want more polish. Skip the tie, but keep shoes clean and leather.
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