Graduation day is a momentous occasion to celebrate your academic achievements. While academic regalia may dictate your cap and gown colors, you still have options when choosing an outfit for commencement ceremonies and graduation parties. Consider the meaning behind different colors and your own personal style preferences when deciding what to wear under your graduation robes. This comprehensive guide examines popular graduation outfit color choices to help you pick the perfect looks.
Traditional Colors
Certain colors have become linked to graduation traditions over time. Wearing these classic hues connects you to generations of graduates who came before you.
Black
Black is a sophisticated color associated with formality and elegance. It’s a go-to neutral that flatters most skin tones. Black dresses and suits work well for graduation. Consider wearing black under your robes or choose a black outfit for pre- and post-ceremony events.
White
Crisp, bright white conveys a sense of new beginnings and fresh starts. As a neutral color, it’s versatile enough to suit many personal styles. An all-white outfit will keep you cool in warm weather and pop against dark robes.
Red
Red’s bold energy evokes confidence and determination. As the primary color of many academic robes, it has strong connections to scholarship and achievement. Wear red heels, jewelry, or other accessories to complement your cap and gown.
| Color | Meaning | Outfit Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Sophistication, formality | Black dress, black suit |
| White | New beginnings, fresh starts | White sundress, white button-down and pants |
| Red | Confidence, determination | Red heels, red jewelry |
Classic Color Combinations
Some classic color pairings offer timeless style. Coordinate two colors in your graduation outfit for a put-together look.
Black and White
The contrast between black and white makes a striking fashion statement. Pair these neutrals together in a colorblock dress, black and white polka dots, or by mixing black and white separates. The versatility of this combination works for formal and casual affairs.
Navy and Tan
Navy blue and tan or beige go together like peas in a pod. The nautical navy brings a preppy vibe, while tan adds warmth. Try a nautical striped top with tan pants or skirt. A tan blazer over a navy dress offers another smart option.
Black and Gold
Black’s formality plays well against glamorous gold accents. Black dresses or suits with gold jewelry and accessories shine with sophistication. Black and gold hair accessories like barrettes or headbands deliver a stylish finishing touch.
| Color Combo | Style Description | Outfit Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Black and White | Striking contrast, classic | Colorblock dress, polka dots, mixed black and white separates |
| Navy and Tan | Nautical, preppy | Striped top with tan bottoms, tan blazer over navy dress |
| Black and Gold | Sophisticated glamour | Black with gold jewelry and accessories |
Fun Color Schemes
Make a vibrant splash in brights and patterns at your graduation celebrations. These playful color combinations add energy and individuality.
Pink and Green
This retro color duo brings femininity and fun. Pair a pink dress or top with green accessories or bottoms. Floral prints in pink and green strike an elegant note for graduation.
Yellow and Gray
Sunny yellow helps gray suiting and separates pop. Yellow dresses, blouses, or sweaters will make you stand out against charcoal and steel gray tones. Yellow and gray create an alternative neutrals pairing.
Blue and Orange
Unlike black and orange for Halloween, blue and orange bridge the cooler and warmer color spectrum. The temperature contrast creates visual interest. Try citrus orange hues with cobalt, royal blue, or neon turquoise.
| Color Combo | Style Description | Outfit Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Pink and Green | Feminine, retro | Pink dress with green accessories, floral print |
| Yellow and Gray | Bright, crisp | Yellow top with gray bottoms |
| Blue and Orange | Vibrant contrast | Orange top with blue skirt |
Finding Your Colors
Use your personal coloring to pick graduation outfit hues that enhance your complexion, hair, and eyes. Here are tips for some common color palettes:
Warm Skin Tones
Graduates with warm golden, olive, or peachy undertones look great in warm, rich colors. Try shades like cream, coral, mocha, or olive green. Add sunflower yellow, terra cotta, or scarlet for punchy accent colors. Metallic gold also flatters warm skin.
Cool Skin Tones
Those with fair cool pink or blue undertones shine in cooler colors like icy pastels, periwinkle, mint, and plum. Gray, slate blue, and forest green also complement cooler skin. Try silver or pewter metallics for shine. Avoid orange and yellow which may wash you out.
Neutral Skin Tones
If your veins appear blueish and greenish rather than distinctly warm or cool, you likely have a neutral undertone. This flexible palette lets you wear both warm and cool colors. Experiment to see which shades you prefer. Black, white, navy, and blush pink make safe neutral choices.
| Skin Tone | Best Color Matches | Colors to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Warm | Coral, mocha, olive, gold | Icy pastels |
| Cool | Periwinkle, mint, plum, silver | Orange, yellow |
| Neutral | Black, white, navy, blush pink | None |
Dress Codes
Before selecting your ideal outfit colors, check if your commencement ceremony has a specific dress code. Some colleges encourage or require traditional dark robes and colors.
Dark Academics
Many graduation dress codes ask students to wear dark, formal colors under their robes. Black, navy, dark gray, and forest green fit this bill. White shirts and minimal accessories complete the solemn style.
School Colors
Show school spirit by sporting your university’s colors during graduation events. Coordinate your outfit with one or both signature hues. This might mean a cardinal red dress for Harvard or Yale blue accents at Yale’s ceremony.
All White
Select schools have an all white tradition where students wear head-to-toe white for graduation. This bright, unified palette makes for stunning class photos. Follow the all white guidelines meticulously so you don’t stand out.
| Dress Code | Recommended Colors |
|---|---|
| Dark Academics | Black, navy, dark gray, forest green |
| School Colors | Cardinal red for Harvard, Yale blue for Yale |
| All White | Crisp white from head to toe |
Conclusion
Graduation is the perfect occasion to don meaningful colors reflecting your style preferences and academic journey. Traditional hues like black, white, and red celebrate your formal achievement. Signature school colors display pride and unity on campus.
Coordinate classic color pairings or make a vibrant splash with fun color combos. Consider your own coloring and undertones as well to pick the most flattering shades. Just be sure to abide by any dress code regulations so you look cohesive with your graduating class. With thoughtful color choices, you’re sure to look and feel your best in photos capturing your milestone moments. Congratulations graduate!