Graduation guest outfit ideas | what I wore for two fabulous graduation days

Graduation season is here and I was lucky to attend not just one but two fabulous graduation days and of course wear two outfits!  My daughter graduated from Norland College in Bath, first with her Degree then with her Diploma and I love an excuse to dress up so I thought I'd share my inspiration for graduation guest outfits and a few tips to help you choose if you are invited to a graduation ceremony!

This blog post contains some affiliate links and gifted items.

Graduation guest outfit ideas!

The first graduation day was in late March but the weather wasn't terribly kind to us, it was raining and very windy! And stupidly my carefully planned outfit, didn't include a coat so I had to add whatever I had at the last moment!  So first bit of advice, consider all weathers! In the UK graduation ceremonies are mostly indoors and seem to take place in spring or early summer so the weather can be very changeable, layers on standby are the absolute best option!

Ideas for graduation guest outfits

Maddison Shirt Dress from Rixo
Red Leather Belt from Rixo
Kate Spade Bag (preloved) Vintage & Vogue
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Style notes: the dress in this print is no longer available but they have new prints,  It is such a fabulous lightweight fabric and gorgeous flattering shirt dress which I think is perfect for spring. and cooler summer days, for my petite 5'2" height, this dress has been shortened.

Start with your shoes

I always try and dress from my feet up, if my feet are comfortable then I am happy and can last the day, there is nothing worse than being at an event (be it a graduation, a wedding, or a day at the races) and not being able to walk because of uncomfortable shoes.  

I favour boots unless it is really is high summer season, in which case look at block heel sandals from specialist brands like Vionic or Sole Bliss.  

I prefer not to wear tights, I'd rather add a full slip for warmth, and I wear a longer midi or midaxi length dress so I don't have bare legs!

You can still choose a pair of statement shoes just make sure they are comfortable first!

​How about the Sole Bliss Ruby in Fuschia or Sky Blue or the Zinfandel Block Heel Sandal in Skyway from Vionic?  Or a cream boot is perfect and can really set off spring/summer dresses, I recently treated myself to the Hobbs Elida Ankle Boots on the recommendation for my personal stylist, Sarah.  I can't do strappy sandals any more and I don't feel the more formal college graduation days suit this style of footwear, you will often be outside, possibly standing on grass, so make sure your shoes work for hanging around!

Dress from Phase Eight at John Lewis
Bag from Dune at John Lewis
​Fuschia sandals from Sole Bliss 
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Style notes:  these sandals really are super super comfortable and easy to walk in, I have them in gold!

The perfect graduation guest dress (or suit, or skirt)!

I tend to favour a dress but a trouser suit with wide leg pants or dress and skirt co-ord would be just as acceptable, there is no strict dress code so how much you dress up is entirely up to you.  

However, I'd recommend choosing dressier outfits, I always prefer to be overdressed rather than underdressed, so think lounge suit for men, and a smarter look for women, heels rather than flats and add a jacket or formal coat.  

And make sure you are comfortable, not just feet, but a dress or outfit that isn't too restrictive.  Graduation ceremonies can be quite long and you will probably be going out for lunch afterwards so think about the whole day.

Enjoy it and take the opportunity dress up, and share in the excitement of the special day. I was so excited for my daughter's first big day (wedding day practice maybe) and there were times during her 4 years of study that we wondered if she'd make it as far as graduation so we were absolutely going to embrace every moment.  

If you are choosing a print, as a general rule make sure you pick a background colour that works for your colour palette, I am no expert in this but for example I feel a darker floral print is too much for a spring graduation outfit, but if your colouring suits darker shades then that could work really well for you!

Brands to consider ... Hobbs, Phase Eight, Me+Em, Whistles, Rixo, Cefinn, Reiss, Aspiga and Kitri Studio are all worth a look, I'd recommend a day shopping on the high street if you can.  For her first graduation, my daughter and I treated ourselves to a shopping trip to London.  

Then for her second graduation, she was wearing her Norland Nanny uniform for the graduation ceremony and she chose a Whistles dress for our evening dinner, we were staying and dining at The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath.  I went full on getting the coat right and loved this sky blue wool coat from Zara, I already had a nice dress that went with it so I was quite quickly sorted.

Obviously the most important person is the graduate but no reason why the guests can't enjoy choosing an outfit too!  Just don't outshine the graduate!

Wool Coat from Zara
​Dress  from Needs No Label 
Bag from Parfois (purchased in Spain)
Boots from Autograph at M&S (previous season)

Add some statement jewellery

​A great option for really brightening up and adding fun detail to your outfit is to add some statement jewellery, you might already have a special heirloom piece or you might want to choose some costume jewellery.  My gift to Emily for her graduation was to buy her a new necklace and matching earrings from Monica Vinader and for my dress I added a statement earring in red to pick up my red colour pop. 

And for a gift idea, why not consider custom enamel pin badges, these unique and personal accessories can be tailored to commemorate the graduates achievements and be a cherished keepsake for years to come.

I didn't feel I'd got this outfit quite right, with hindsight I'd have preferred cream boots!

Special occasion jacket or coat

As mentioned above you really will need to make sure you have an outer layer on standby, I got caught out when the hoped for spring weather didn't materialise and I hadn't sorted a coat to wear over my dress, I had one that worked ok but it wasn't great quality and I felt it was a bit of an afterthought.  

A lot of other female guests were wearing shorter jackets or trouser suits, some added a trench coat but I still love a formal wool coat, it's such a timeless classic.  Despite the indoor ceremony, photos are usually outside, in our case at Bath Abbey, so you want to be prepared to hang around for a while, it all takes time!  Take a matching umbrella too!

My daughter chose her dress to suit the colouring of the graduation gowns that Norland College had designed specifically.

`Maddison Shirt Dress from Rixo
Black Bag from Kate Spade at John Lewis
Black Ankle Boots from Hobbs
Cream Blazer from Zara

And the final accessory, grab your handbag!

I ended up carrying quite a lot of extra bits on the day, the essential umbrella, but the programme and camera/phone for pictures, so you need a handbag that holds more than just your lip gloss!  I love a small leather grab bag rather than a shoulder bag which I think can ruin the line of an outfit and a grab bag is usually a bit bigger too.

Kristen Tiered Midi Dress from Rixo
Wood Coat from Zara
Cream Boots from Hobbs
Rattan Bag from Dune at John Lewis.

I hope you like my style board suggestions, it is difficult to pull together ideas and links for items that are slightly out of season at time of writing, but at least some inspiration to help you know what works for a graduation guest!  And if you are planning your son or daughter's graduation day then do get in touch, I'd love to hear what you decide to wear but mostly importantly, relax and enjoy the day!

We had two such amazing, memorable days.  

Love from
Michelle xx


Disclaimer: this blog post contains affiliate links.

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