Graduation Style Guide — Rouge Magazine

Time has come—graduation is around the corner! For many, this brings stress with the looming job marketing, unpredictable grad school acceptances, and the reality of change becomes omnipotent in all aspects of life. But graduation can also be a good thing, a time for self-growth, new adventures, and the opportunity to rock that walk across the stage in a perfectly created graduation outfit.

Here at the University of Georgia, the color palette for graduation is red and black, I mean you have to represent dawgs even as you get your diploma. The traditional cap and gown are a satin black, while the tassel and stoles are Bulldog red—paired with a whole rainbow of cords for your on- and off-campus achievements. In order to break up the all sometimes gaudy red and black and bring semblance to the assortment of cords, a white outfit, whether it be a dress, set, or button down with dress pants, may be the best bet.

Let’s be real: the gowns are somewhat unflattering and inconvenient. After four years of hard work, you deserve to look snatched—so avoid heavy ruffles or unique bodice shapes that might create bumps or bulges under the gown. Another factor to consider is the fact that you will most likely have parents and grandparents present so modesty may help ensure no sly comments come your way during your big day.

Here are few examples in several price ranges:

Now for shoes, you can either go for a classic shoe or a pop of color. However, make sure the pair you pick are comfortable and you can confidently walk in them. Even though you will spend much of graduation sitting, you will be running rampant before and after for pictures, and probably a bit nervous walking on stage in front of everyone, so comfortability and accessibility is key. Trust me, I made the mistake of wearing stiletto heels to my high school graduation and I'm teetering in all the photos as my heels sunk into the grass. For UGA, if you are going for a bold look, a fun red shoe would be nice or you could do a simpler black, white, nude, or espadrille. Here are a few examples that are both classy and comfy.

With heels and a dress picked out, the only thing left to worry about is hair, makeup, and accessories. For hair and makeup, do whatever makes you feel your best! With that being said, it is important to consider the heat and humidity of Athens in May, so make sure you set that face and hairspray those curls. With accessories, once again do as you please, silver or gold, whatever suits your fancy, just make sure it works with the dress or outfit you chose. Once that’s all in place, all that’s left is to pick up your diploma looking absolutely amazing!

Graphic by Sharvil Kulkarni