18 Responses to “What to wear to a Graduation Event – Attire for Men”

  1. Neil says:

    Hi! Is it okay to use bow tie on graduation? What’s the best color of the bow tie?

  2. Hello Neil!

    Thank you for the question.

    Bow tie can be a great idea! The colour of your tie depends on the rest of the outfit. If you wear a dinner suit (tuxedo) the bow tie should match the colour of the cummerbund (see the photo) otherwise – choose a tie that you feel complements your look the most.

    Here are couple of examples: striped bow tie, or maybe a yellow bow tie; you might want to consider pastel pink bow tie or even a white bow tie look.

    We hope this helps!;)

    Have a great graduation day!

  3. Neil says:

    Thank you! 🙂

    One last question, is it okay not to use a tuxedo? just a plain long sleeves and a bow tie?

  4. Absolutely! bow ties can look great with long or three-quarter sleeve shirts too!

    These are some examples:
    black bow tie + white shirt 

    black bow tie + red&white shirt

    pink bow tie + suspenders

    Please let us know if you have other questions!

  5. Alex says:

    I am graduating from residency, and want to wear a bowtie, Im in the chubby side, so not sure, I have a very nice purple bowtie and a nice flat baby blue dress shirt with a dark gray suit, my concern is that IM gonna look “chubbier” what is your advise? thanks!!=)

  6. Alona says:

    Hello Alex,

    Thank you for your question! The outfit you described sounds like a great choice.
    In general the bow tie is a perfect solution if you’d like to highlight your personality. It’s an extra touch that will give your look the exquisite feel.

    We would also suggest wearing a lower-buttoning jacket rather than one with a higher placket. It will give you a longer silhouette.

    Hopefully this helps! Have a great time at the graduation and let us know if you have other questions!

  7. Ben James says:

    I am graduating on the thirteenth of July and just wondering if warring grey suite and white shirt with a blue tie ok for the acosion please would you let me know thanks
    Ben

  8. Alona says:

    Hello Ben! Thank you for your question. The set you describe sounds wonderful; grey color suit is a perfect summer choice!

  9. charles says:

    Hi, today is my friend’s graduation and I’m wondering if it’s compulsory for me to wear a black blazer, can i wear a sky blue blazer?

  10. Alona says:

    Hello Charles,
    Blue blazer is a great choice unless there is some kind of a very strict dress code. Have a great time at the graduation event!

  11. paul says:

    is it compulsory to wear suit to graduation. what of a shirt with a pair of tie,a pant and a nice shoe .as in normal coporate dressing with out a suit

  12. Scott says:

    Is it appropriate to wear a tuxedo (dinner suit), along with a dressed shirt and bow tie a graduation ceremony under your gown?

  13. Alona says:

    Hi Scott! Thank you for your question, – it’s absolutely fine to wear a tuxedo under your graduation gown!

  14. Desmond says:

    Should I wear a tux to my graduation dinner with classic style? But most of they people will be wearing suit. Should I follow them or wear a tux?

  15. nitin says:

    Hello Alona,
    Is it alright to wear magenta shirt and contrasting light magenta tie under suit for graduation?

    Thanks.

  16. Nino says:

    Hello Ms.Alona my graudation is this coming friday, i was wondering what to wear a bow tie or tie? And do i have to wear vest inside a coat?
    Thankyou so much & GodBless!

  17. Joy says:

    Hi my son wants to wear a Navy blazer, white shirt and coral linen dress shorts for his grade 8 grad… Is this appropriate? He says he wants to stand out.

  18. Etiquette Tips says:

    Hello Joy! Thank you for your question! Just to clarify that we understood you correctly: do you mean your son wants to dress like this to the graduation party? Although it is sure a stylish look, we suggest him to wear long pants instead. Please remember, that shorts are a casual piece of menswear and it is not appropriate to wear shorts to a formal event such as graduation. He can wear shorts to a private party with friends and family, if the weather is hot. Hope this helps. Please do not hesitate to ask more questions.