Graduate Dressing: Style Tips for your Big Day

It’s your proudest academic achievement to date, the culmination of your undergraduate life-it’s your graduation ceremony and you have nothing to wear or no idea how to wear it. But how could we , when the event is associated with such prestige, tradition and notions of propriety?

Ultimately, this day will be an emotional hybrid of pride, nerves and awkward moments. Perhaps you’re meeting your boyfriend/girlfriend’s parents for the first time, or wary of the  combination of family members who secretly hate one-another. Or maybe you’re just hoping to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground whilst you walk to shake hands with the vice chancellor. To add to the stress, you have to pose for pictures that’ll stay with you and on your parent’s mantelpiece for the rest of your life. It’s true, graduation day is a keystone moment but it can also be a bitch for preparation and what ifs.

So, allow Leeds Student’s fashion team to spread the load and give you some pointers to ensure both style and comfort on the day:

1) Footwear:

With footwear it’s best to keep things classic regarding both style and colour. The traditional style of the gown means that heels are key for a more flattering and feminine look, however practicality must also come into play.  A slight platform and a block heel will reduce the risk of aches and stumbles . Graduation is not the place to pull a Naomi.  Still swayed towards the stiletto? Avoid grass. A colour-pop is welcome for the more daring, opt for red for a timeless look which transcends the fleeting trends of the summer. Explaining  your penchant for pastel neons to your grandchildren could be a hard one.

2) Handbags:

So this can get a little complicated. Straps both long and short risk constant annoyance by  getting caught amongst the fabric of the gown. That’s if you wear it on top of your gown. Wearing it beneath your gown is a solution but then style takes a back seat. This option is best if you’re a no-nonsense type.  If you fancy your hand-bag as fashion feature grab yourself a clutch.

Bags with complicated fastenings should also be avoided, desperate scrambles for your camera and purse are tiresome. Bags with fold-over fastenings or simple latches are the way forward and stores such as Asos and Aldo stock a healthy selection.

3) The Gown Itself

 Here, the experience of previous graduates comes in handy.  If you’re without a collar, the weight of the hood will mean that it’ll need to be pinned to your dress beneath. However, this does allow  a more personal touch.  Sian Hunter, a previous fashion graduate advices a simple broach, successfully opting for this look on her day last year. The weight of the gown also lends itself well to that dress that you’ve put aside- naturally staying open on its own, you don’t need to worry about the gown undermining  your dress.

Check out a selection of items which we have hand-picked, perfect for your graduation day:

Red Clutch: £35, Aldo

Black Clutch: £10, Asos Sale

Black and Gold envelope clutch: £18, Asos

Metal toe-cap Stiletto: £45, Asos

Suede Wedges: £35, Asos

Black Peep shoes: £68. Topshop

Red Platform Heel: £39.99, Zara

Red Blockheeled Sandals: £69.99, Zara