Graduation Attire Guidelines
After preparing the final school requirements and practicing for the graduation rites, their “look” on the big day itself is one important factor students will undoubtedly fret about. Whether it be in the graduation attire or the celebration afterwards, here are some pointers to help your students out.
Most schools have dress codes and requirements for graduation ceremonies. While some students might opt to wear graduation clothes that conform to their style or their friends’ fashion, they should also consider the school’s expectations and/or requirements of how a graduate should dress.
For this, you should inform them of the required length of dress, style of shirts, belt and tie requirements, shoe color and strap styles (if spaghetti or strapless dresses are allowed or not).
The cap - a usual part of the academic costume, the cap is a piece of stiff mortar board usually covered in spun rayon. There is also a tassel made of different strands of thread attached to the center of the board. Tassels are worn on the right side.
The gown - the design of the gown is mostly similar to that of other schools, with black or white being the dominant color, and details on the hood or collar to indicate school colors and/or special citations. They usually fall halfway between the knee and ankle, and are worn over regular clothing.
The dress - When buying graduation attire, it is important for your students to not only consider the style but also the type of fabric. If the graduation rites will be held outdoors, have them look for clothes that are cool and comfortable, preferably made of cotton or linen. After all, they will be wearing two layers of clothing, and they would surely not want to be uncomfortable for two to four hours.
For women, they should try on their graduation dress right after they purchase it to make sure that the length is not longer than that of the graduation gown. The hem should not be seen beneath the gown.
For men, they are generally required to wear dark trousers, dress shirt and tie underneath their gowns.
The shoes and accessories - Shoes should also befit the occasion, so formal shoes are very much encouraged. However, have your students consider the type of flooring they will be walking on when buying formal shoes. Really high, spiked heels will just sink in grassy areas and may not be comfortable for long walks.
Remind women not to wear headbands or have hairstyles that will not go well with the graduation cap. They should also choose jewelry that is classy and not gaudy.
With these guidelines in mind, your students will undoubtedly look their best as they march on to celebrate their high school graduation.
Sources:
“Academic Attire.” Retrieved March 12, 2008 from
http://www.tuskegee.edu/Global/story.asp?S=1226681
“Graduation Day Cheklist: Cap, Tassel, Gown, and Hood How To Procedures.” Retrieved March 12, 2008 from http://www.academicapparel.com/caps/graduation-day-dress.html
“Graduation dress.” Retrieved March 12, 2008 from
http://teens.lovetoknow.com/Graduation_Dress
“How to dress for the graduation ceremony.” Retrieved March 12, 2008 from
http://www.ehow.com/how_14409_dress-graduation-ceremony.html
(Published 24 March 2008, Smart Schools Program)
