What to Wear to Graduation: Stylish Accessories to Upgrade Your Cap & Gown (and Help You Stand Out in the Crowd)

Before we dive into our styling tips for graduation 2022, we need to get one thing out of the way: You should be DAMN PROUD of yourself for making it through school and to graduation day! Not only should you be proud of the diploma or certificate you’ll be receiving, but you should also be patting yourself on the back for making it through years of unexpected ups, downs, and in-betweens. 

Graduation marks the start of your next big adventure, and we’re here to help you start your new chapter in style! 

Obviously, you and the rest of your graduating class will be wearing the standard graduation cap and gown for the ceremony, but that doesn’t mean you can’t accessorize to make yourself stand out in the crowd. Even if your dress is covered while you cross the stage, carefully styled jewelry, bags, and other accessories can help you make a statement. Remember, this day is about you, so wear whatever makes you feel your absolute best!

Here, we’ve gathered a few styling tips to upgrade your basic cap and gown and stand out on graduation day: 

Statement Jewelry

Jewelry is a must-have at graduation since the cap and gown won’t exactly stand out in photos. To make sure you make an impact with your jewelry, and it doesn’t get lost beneath the cap, choose statement pieces that feature bright colors, unique details, and interesting shapes. Earrings are the easiest type of jewelry to style, but if you’re feeling bold, we love the look of a gorgeous necklace or a chunky bracelet.    

Bougie Sunglasses

What’s more glam than wearing sunglasses to an event? Literally nothing, that’s what. If you want your vibe to be ‘red carpet’ while you walk across the stage, a pair of bougie trending sunglasses is your must-have accessory. While you might look like you’re trying to dodge the paparazzi, no one will miss you when you arrive looking like an A-list celeb. 

Cute Hair Accessories

It can be hard to figure out how to style your hair for graduation, especially with the cap to contend with. We love the look of a low pony or bun, or something simple and classic like a bow. No matter how you choose to do your hair, adding a cute hair accessory is a fun way to set off your graduation cap, and ensure your hair looks cute when it’s time to throw your cap!

Standout Bags

You’ll need a few essentials on graduation day: a wallet, your phone for photos, and of course, extra chapstick, lipgloss, and mints! Instead of your usual school year backpack or messenger bag, let graduation be the day you carry a gorgeous embellished handbag. While you might not carry your bag across the stage, having a cute clutch to pose with for pictures  after the ceremony will make you feel extra chic!

Did we help you figure out what to wear to graduation? Shop our selection of Graduation Dresses and be sure to show us your outfits on Instagram @Lulus using #lovelulus!