College seniors are chugging coffee and sleeping in the library to cram for finals, which can only mean one thing: graduation season is upon us! This year I’ll be in the audience at Chapman University’s graduation cheering on my little sister as she steps into the real world — but before I booked my flight, found a hotel, or even picked out a graduation card, my first thought was… what should I wear?
Don’t worry if you’re also in need of style inspiration; these ideas from the fashionable folks of Instagram will make you the flyest guest at graduation.
Start Small with a Bow Tie
If you just need a little something, try topping your favorite button-down with a unique bow tie. Skip the solids and go for a quirky option; graduation is the perfect time to try something new.
1. Bike Bow Tie 2. Wooden Bow Tie 3. Comic Print Bow Tie
Snap on Suspenders
Level up your look with a pair of skinny suspenders! Aside from keeping your pants up while you jump and cheer for your graduate, suspenders can totally transform your outfit. Try a versatile black pair, or rock out in something a little brighter.
1. Seersucker Suspenders 2. Swiss Dot Suspenders 3. Floral Suspenders 4. Black Suspenders
Do It Big in a Suit
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ80IJtjNGA/
Nothing says “I’m a full-fledged adult” like sharply tailored suiting. The only downside is you might outshine the actual graduate in photos; you’ll look that good.
1. Slacks 2. Vest 3. Shirt 4. Suit
Keep It Casual in Denim
Dress code not so formal? Mix dark denim bottoms with a lighter button down top, your favorite hat, and a pair of squeaky-clean high tops to finish off the ensemble. Voilà!
1. Denim Shirt 2. Fedora 3. Jeans 4. Sneakers
Have a great time at any graduations you attend (and at the post-ceremony festivities that hopefully include some lesbian bars). Take plenty of photos both to commemorate the day, and to commemorate your outfit!
i told my girlfriend i only want my style to be described as “devastatingly dapper” in the future and she said “Okay, babe. If that makes you happy”
apparently i needed this guide. thanks Cami!
I would love a detailed “How to wear suspenders for all body types” article. I love them in theory, but then when I try them on they just seem to draw attention to all the wrong parts of my body in all the wrong ways (exactly compromising the masculine-look goal of suspenders in the first place).
Also, thanks for the reminder to start saving for a devastatingly dapper-ly tailored suit. It will happen eventually!
yeah i think i’d feel the same way. oh well! what belts are for, right?
That topman blazer is gorgeous!