Why is it so hard to find the perfect heel?

Are you graduation ready? Part 1

Yesterday was the opening for the new graduation blog series I have started called: Are you graduation ready? I have been two two graduation ceremonies and have helped prepare so I know a thing or two of things to consider. Every blog post will deep dive into a certain aspect - today we start with the outfit. When you remember the day, you will remember the outfit - especially if you are a fashion student like me. Here are some advice/tips to keep in mind when planning your outfit.

The outfit

I have only one run for your outift. You have to love it. Make sure this is the outfit you are going to look back on in 50 years time and still love.

I do however have some tips on how to achieve this. If you are starting from zero with no clue what you want to wear, start with the colour. What colour compliments you best, what colour makes you smile most, what colour is your graduation gown? On that note, I wouldn’t recommend any need colours unless you want a Marilyn Monroe happy birthday Mr President moment when the camera flashes. Colour is the first hurdle, once you decide that you can start narrowing down your selection when shopping. Do you want floor length, midi or short? What neckline is most flattering on you? Is your personal style extravagant or simple? Girly or tailored? What feeling do you want from your outfit?

I must add that you should really consider the shape of your gown to. It is a massive oversized wizard looking thing - you don’t want your outfit to clash with it. You might have a beautiful outfit but it can look a bit silly when the gown is on - and it will be on for most of the day and pictures. Just have a quick look at what your university’s gown looks like and try to work around it if you are unsure.

The shoes

Once you have the outfit picked, you might think everything else is smooth sailing from there, right? Wrong! From my personal and current experience, shoes have proven to be the hardest part of this process. My outfit was decided in 15 minutes, but I am still yet to find my version of a glass slipper.

I feel like shoes are arguably more important than the outfit. When you put the big, black cap and gown on, the shoes are the only thing that really define your outfit. Again, personal opinion, I do think heels are the only way to go for graduation, it will just elevate your walk by 10x. But over everything, make sure they are comfortable. You will be wearing the heels not just to walk across the stage, but also on your journey to the venue, as you take pictures before and after, chilling with family - you do not want to end the day with blisters or literally unable to walk. If anything, maybe bring a change of shoes. Something equally stylish to match the outfit but more for comfort when the pictures are all done.

The hair

I really wanted to go for an extravagant hairstyle with lots of height - but those dreams were quickly squashed when I remembered one thing - the cap. Girlies, you are going to have to work your hairstyle around your cap. Do not overlook this aspect of your final look. You don’t want your cap and gown pictures to look weird with a hairstyle that looks unfortunate when covered but that massive black hat. You also don’t want to squeeze the cap on then spend the rest of the day with flat hair once you take it off.

What I am doing is actually testing my hairstyles out in advance. I bought a graduation cap off of Amazon and since my sister is a hairstylist, she is going through a few different looks with me that can fit the cap. If you are also getting your hair professionally done, maybe doing a trial is worth it if you can’t guarantee if the final look is cap proof.

The accessories

Why not glam up your look. Chances are, your outfit are not things you can wear every day after your graduation, but jewellery can. Maybe have a special necklace or earrings that you wear that have sentimental value that will carry you across the stage and into your new life. You can go and get some new pieces, or bring in some family heirlooms.

Dependant on your outfit, make sure it doesn’t clash with the overall look. Whether you are a maximalist or minimalist when it comes to accessorising, there must be method to your madness. For example, if you have a high neckline, maybe you can skip the necklace and go for a dangly earring instead. Accessories are also more than jewellery! Have you thought about what bag you will be having if you are having one? What nail design are you going for? For my prom, I had my nail tech match my nails to the pattern on my dress! (as seen in the picture) This is arguably, before your wedding, the best opportunity to go all out!

You are now ready to prepare a memorable outfit that you will love for years to come. Make sure to check back tomorrow for more blog posts to prepare you for your graduation and subscribe via email below.