What to Wear to Graduation Men’s Edition

Graduation is a momentous occasion in a person’s life, and it calls for celebration. As a male graduate, you want to make sure that you look your best on this important day. But with all the preparations and excitement, figuring out what to wear can be daunting. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will guide you on what to wear to graduation as a male, so you can focus on enjoying this milestone in your academic journey.

The Classic Suit and Tie

Why it works

The classic suit and tie is a timeless option for graduation. It exudes sophistication, making you look sharp and put-together. Plus, it is versatile and can be worn for various occasions in the future.

How to wear it

When choosing a suit, opt for a well-tailored one in a neutral color such as navy, black, or charcoal gray. Avoid loud patterns or bold colors, as they can be distracting and take away from the formality of the event. Pair it with a crisp white dress shirt and a tie in a complementary color. Make sure to iron your clothes beforehand and avoid any wrinkles.

Accessories to consider

To complete the look, add a pair of dress shoes that match the color of your suit. A simple watch and a pocket square can also elevate your outfit. However, keep in mind that less is more when it comes to accessories, so avoid going overboard.

Clothing Item	Description
Suit	Well-tailored, neutral color
Dress shirt	Crisp white
Tie	Complementary color
Dress shoes	Matching your suit
Watch	Simple design
Pocket square	Optional

Business Casual

Why it works

Business casual attire strikes the perfect balance between formal and casual, making it a suitable option for graduation. It is comfortable, but still looks polished and appropriate for the occasion.

How to wear it

For a business casual look, opt for a pair of dress pants or chinos in a neutral color such as khaki, navy, or gray. Pair it with a button-down shirt in a light color or subtle pattern. You can also add a blazer for a more put-together look. Make sure your clothes are clean and well-ironed.

Accessories to consider

To complete the outfit, wear dress shoes and a belt that match the color of your pants. A simple watch and a tie are optional, depending on the level of formality you want to achieve.

Clothing Item	Description
Dress pants	Neutral color
Button-down shirt	Light color or subtle pattern
Blazer	Optional
Dress shoes	Matching your pants
Belt	Matching your pants
Watch	Simple design
Tie	Optional

Smart Casual

Why it works

Smart casual attire is a step down from business casual, yet still maintains a polished look. It allows for more creativity and personal style, making it a popular choice for graduation.

How to wear it

For a smart casual look, start with a pair of dark-wash jeans or chinos. Avoid distressed or ripped jeans, as they may be too casual for graduation. Pair it with a collared shirt, such as a polo or a button-down. You can also add a lightweight sweater or a blazer for a more refined look. Again, make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free.

Accessories to consider

The key to nailing a smart casual look is in the accessories. A pair of leather loafers or dress shoes can elevate your outfit. You can also add a belt and a watch for a touch of sophistication. Don’t be afraid to experiment with patterns or colors in your shirt or sweater, as long as they are not too loud.

Clothing Item	Description
Dark-wash jeans or chinos	Avoid ripped jeans
Collared shirt	Polo or button-down
Lightweight sweater or blazer	Optional
Leather loafers or dress shoes	Elevates the outfit
Belt	Optional
Watch	Optional

Traditional Cultural Attire

Why it works

If you want to honor your cultural heritage on graduation day, wearing traditional attire can be a meaningful choice. It also adds a unique and personal touch to your outfit.

How to wear it

The traditional attire for men varies depending on the culture. For example, for Asian cultures, a traditional robe, such as a cheongsam or a kimono, can be worn over dress pants. For African cultures, a kaftan or a dashiki can be paired with dress pants or a skirt. Make sure to do some research and find out the appropriate way to wear your traditional attire.

Accessories to consider

Traditional attire usually has its own set of accessories, such as turbans, hats, or jewelry. Make sure to incorporate them into your outfit for a complete look. Just be mindful of the formality of the event and avoid going overboard with the accessories.

Clothing Item	Description
Traditional attire	Depends on cultural background
Dress pants or skirt	Worn underneath
Robe, kaftan, or dashiki	Over the pants/skirt
Turban, hat, or jewelry	Cultural accessories

Dress Code FAQs

What is the dress code for graduation?

This may vary depending on the school or university, but generally, graduation calls for formal or semi-formal attire. It is always safe to stick to the classic suit and tie, but you can also opt for business casual or smart casual.

Can I wear shorts to graduation?

No, shorts are too casual for a formal event like graduation. Stick to dress pants or chinos for a more appropriate look.

Do I need to wear a tie?

Again, this may depend on the formality of the event and personal preference. If you are wearing a suit, a tie is usually expected. For a more relaxed dress code, a tie is not necessary.

Are jeans acceptable for graduation?

It depends on the dress code set by your school or university. If it is a more casual event, dark-wash jeans may be acceptable, but make sure they are clean and in good condition.

Can I wear sneakers to graduation?

Sneakers are generally considered too casual for a formal event like graduation. Stick to dress shoes or loafers for a more appropriate look.

Conclusion

Graduation is a day to celebrate all your hard work and achievements, and as a male graduate, you want to look your best. Whether you opt for a classic suit and tie, business casual, smart casual, or traditional cultural attire, make sure that you feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the moment and be proud of yourself for reaching this milestone. Congratulations, graduate!