Put together an iconic cap and gown outfit for graduation!
What better way to celebrate the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter than with an iconic outfit for cap and gown pictures? As you walk across that stage to get your diploma, let’s make sure you look your absolute best with cap and gown outfit ideas you’ll love!
It’s no secret that the traditional graduation robe and hat are not exactly the most flattering to wear. Lucky for you, as a senior portrait photographer, I know which poses will help you look your best!
Most grads take cap and gown pictures in the spring, some with and some without the cap and gown. For graduation pictures, I do my best to get a variety of combinations with the cap and gown so that it’s not just covering you the whole time! Most likely, we’ll do a few photos with the whole getup, but then we’ll alternate with just the cap, holding the graduation gown over your shoulder, etc.
Here are some great cap and gown outfit ideas to inspire you –
Dressy Cap and Gown Outfit Ideas
First, let’s start with the most classic cap and gown outfit for girls: the LWD (little white dress). Every school’s graduation attire is a different color, and white goes with everything! A knee-length white dress is easy to find in the springtime, the lightweight materials used for spring are breathable underneath the huge graduation robe, and it’s something you can wear again!
Most grads want the length of a dress or skirt to be covered by the robe so it’s not awkwardly extending past the grad robe, so usually a knee length (give or take a few inches) is what you want to look for.
For guys: A white dress shirt (short or long sleeved), matching tie, and dress slacks are a classic combo to wear with the cap and gown.
Adding Color to your Cap and Gown Outfit
Next, let’s talk colors! Light, pastel colors and neutrals tend to match well with most cap and gown colors. For grads with a bolder sense of style, use your school colors as inspiration and incorporate them in your outfit and accessories!
Example: If your school colors are black, red, and white and your grad attire is black, wear a bold red dress, top, blazer, or tie that will pop when you are wearing the cap and gown.
You can always think outside the box with complimentary colors or just wear anything you love!
Comfortable Cap and Gown Outfit Ideas
Just because it’s a formal occasion doesn’t mean you can’t be comfortable! Especially if you’re going to be outside or standing up for a long period of time at graduation, plan ahead so you can enjoy it. The biggest key to a comfortable cap and gown outfit is ensuring things fit you well (aka not too tight), the fabric doesn’t bother you, and your shoes are broken in. If you plan to wear heels, practice walking in them to avoid stumbling as you walk across the stage!
My favorite comfy clothing items for grads are…
Letterman Jacket (without the cap and gown)
Bermuda shorts
Jumpsuits
Maxi dresses or skirts
Sandals or wedges
Accessory Ideas for your Cap and Gown Outfit
Accessories are the best way to elevate your cap and gown outfit, especially when you’re in your full graduation attire. Many grads will also wear stoles or cords for National Honor Society or any organizations you’re in.
Since you’ll already be wearing a full-length robe and a hat, don’t overdo the accessory game!
Here are a few classics that will stand out – especially if you choose one of your school colors that pops:
If you play a sport, a ball or item from your sport
Earrings (If you wear them)
Belt (if you’re wearing pants, dressy shorts, or a skirt or dress that needs some flair)
Shoes (sandals, wedges, heels, sneakers, dress shoes)
Your favorite flowers
Stoles and cords from your school (the colorful strings you wear for honor society, clubs, etc.)
A college baseball cap
A childhood or family photo
A decorated graduation cap (check out my tutorial for a removable one here!)
Your pet(s)
A favorite record
Your car
Kaydence brought a bouquet of yellow and white daisies along in remembrance of her grandmother, which I thought was so sweet. Accessories like this add a nice personal touch!
Where to shop for spring graduation outfits:
Looking for cute outfits for your cap + gown photos? Visit my Cap & Gown Outfit Inspo board on Pinterest for ideas, and check out some of my favorite shops for spring outfits and accessories below –
I hope you loved these ideas for what to wear with your graduation outfit for cap and gown pictures! Follow me on Instagram for more senior inspiration and ideas for your graduation photos, and visit my website to book your cap and gown session with me this spring.
Did you love this blog post? Here are some of my other favorites you might love too!
What to include in your graduation announcements, where to order them and more
The best outdoor locations for Louisville senior pictures
My favorite locations for Louisville senior pictures in spring and summer
about the photographer
Johanna Hribal is a color obsessed senior photographer for fun loving grads in Louisville, Southern Indiana or wherever you want to go! Find out more about your personalized senior portrait experience here. Fill out a contact form to get in touch about your upcoming event.
Be the first to comment