If you’re having trouble taking or understanding your measurements, check with your school to see if a brand representative can help you find your size.
Some schools have a tassel with their logo on it, while others just use a plain one with the school’s colors. If your school is more traditional, they may choose to have men and women wear different colored robes for the ceremony. Make sure you get the color that best represents your chosen gender, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if you need it.
Keep in mind that you might still have to buy a tassel through the school, especially if you buy a set from someone who didn’t go to the same school as you. If you buy the wrong color and try to wear it to graduation, you may not be allowed to participate in the ceremony.
If you’re borrowing a cap and gown, take good care of it and make sure you don’t rip it or spill anything on it. As soon as the ceremony is over, put it away and return it to them as soon as possible.
If there isn’t a dress code, you should still attempt to look put together and professional.
If you live in a warm climate, you could also wear a polo shirt with a collar. To show off your school spirit, you can match your tie to the color of your robe or the school colors.
Make sure the skirt or dress is an appropriate length for a professional occasion, but not so long that it sticks out of the bottom of the gown. Take how much time you’ll be out of your gown into account. There’s no need for anything fancy if it’ll be covered for the whole ceremony.
If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, look for one that has pockets to inconspicuously hold your phone, wallet, and keys during the ceremony.
Avoid wearing stiletto heels or very high heels for the ceremony, especially if it’s outside. Your heels might get caught in the grass, or you might trip while you’re walking in the processional. Wear your shoes for a few hours the day before the ceremony to practice walking and make sure they’re comfortable.
To get rid of wrinkles in the fabric, remove your gown from its plastic bag and put it on a hanger 3-4 days before graduation.
If you have longer hair or the cap is loose on your head, use hairpins to keep it in place throughout the ceremony.
At the end of the ceremony, the speaker will instruct all of the graduates to “turn their tassels” by moving the tassel from the right to the left. This signifies the completion of your degree or diploma!
Honors cords are thinner, braided cords in various colors that signify membership in honors societies and other academic groups. Stoles are thick pieces of fabric that represent membership in a club or other organization.
