A Guide To Graduation Suits

The academic year is drawing to a close, and for students in their final year of study, it’s time to prepare for graduation. With a graduation ceremony and other year-end events just around the corner, you’ll want to be sure you have appropriate attire to wear. Now is the time to sort out your look, and find a graduation suit that matches your style and personality.

But where do you start? You’ll want to look as formal as possible without compromising your style. Keep reading for an easy to follow guide on what to wear to your graduation.

Graduation Suits – What Are Your Choices?

Just like your graduation robe, take the time to ensure that the suit you choose fits you properly, otherwise you won’t feel your best the big day. While a great suit can require a financial investment, once you’ve graduated, you’ll be heading off to interviews and to a new career. A good suit for those milestones is a must.

In general, there are two suit styles to choose from:

  • Regular fit – Standard fit suits are the most common cut and can be easily found off the rack. Get measured in order to determine the right size. Those with a fuller figure may deem this style most flattering.
  • Skinny fit – This is a trendier style of suit which is contemporary and youthful. The skinny fit offers a sleek and modern silhouette that’s become popular worldwide.

When you are selecting your graduation suit, keep in mind that you have to wear a graduation robe on top of it all, so picking lighter fabrics and a less bulky style may be the best option.

Colours And Accessories

Seasonality can play a part in the selection of colours and accessories you choose to go along with your graduation suit. Lighter colours are a better option for summer ceremonies whereas classic navy or grey can be the right choice for fall convocations.

Shirt: When choosing your shirt colour, you can either match your school colours or choose a more muted hue of the school’s primary shade. A classic white shirt will always show well too.

Tie: Mainstream choices will move most towards a silk or cotton tie. If you are looking for a bit more style, a wool tie may be a better option. Ties are a great way to add a splash of colour. To keep your look looking young and trendy, opt for a skinny style tie.

Shoes: If you’re going for a full formal look, then your shoes should match. Loafers are a great option that can be dressed up for the ceremony and also work well for any after parties. Another popular option is a brogue, the go-to shoes for formal events. Opt for neutral shades such as black, navy, and tan and don’t forget to polish them and make them shine. They will be fully visible even with your graduation robe on!

Pocket Square: Pocket squares are definitely in. If you go with standard colours for your shirt and tie, pocket squares are perfect for incorporating your school colours into your graduation look.

Ready To Graduate?

You have spent the last several years working hard to complete your academic program. Now is the time to enjoy your success and get ready for the next phase of your life. Harcourts provides academic gown rentals and custom graduation robes that meet the needs of every graduate. Our extensive experience means that we will ensure that you get what you need to feel your absolute best when you cross the convocation stage. To find out more about your convocation robe options, contact us.