March in style: How to wear your graduation outfit

Dressing up for your graduation can prove to be less than exciting, given the typical toga or gala uniform that guarantees you will look like everyone else. If it isn't a uniform that limits you, it's a dress code—which, although definitely much easier to work with, can still hinder you from styling it up. 

 

So how can you stand out when following the dress code makes for a better disguise than camo print itself? The first step: know that limitations are your friend!

 

Working around the limits

 

As soon as you get over the fact that you can't wear this or that, make a list of what you can wear. Hairstyles, shoes, and accessories are all great ways to make an outfit pop. So first take note of what is allowed by your school, so you don't go disappointing yourself with things you want to wear but can't. 

 

Most grad outfits follow a neutral color palette of white, black, or colors in dark tones. If your school colors include bright accents like red, yellow or even violet, try to incorporate the hue in your jewelry.

 

Accentuate with accessories

 

Small, jewel-studded earrings make a very classy statement. A tried and tested method, if you don't have a pair of your own, is borrowing from your mom, lola or tita; they will most likely be very happy to lend their jewelry to you on such a special occasion.

 

Dangling earrings tend to be distracting rather than eye-catching, but they can work with a wide neckline and an updo. Likewise, necklaces will only work well if the neck is visible (but in some cases wearing a necklace with a simple collar could work). As most graduation outfits are collared or have high necklines, necklaces are not a usual option for accessorizing. 

 

It's all in the hair

 

Your graduation hairstyle is of utmost importance. Since you will likely be lost in a sea of similarly dressed people for majority of the ceremony, it's the top of your head that will be most distinct. Help your parents find you with a unique hairdo that is clearly you. 

 

The beehive, although holding a lot of potential, is not advisable for graduation (unless you want to stand out for the wrong reasons). Consider a top bun instead. You can still tease the front if you're concerned about flatness.

 

Half-ponytails and braided crowns are nice, feminine styles that exude youthfulness without looking kiddie; while headbands and barrettes, although often dubbed “grade school,” can look very sweet if your hair has the right body. 

 

For long and bouncy hair, clip the sides back and let the rest cascade a la Nicole Kidman in “The Stepford Wives.” Short, tousled hair can look very girly when clipped back with a sparkly barrette, while the classic chignon is a more sophisticated way to go girly.

 

And of course, if your hair is very nice, you can simply leave it down and let those locks speak for themselves!

 

Shoes for marching in

 

The basic rule here is to match the color of your shoes with the color of your clothes. For togas, the safe but sure shoe color is black. However, opting for a bold footwear color could also work. If your toga has color accents like red or green, you can match your shoes in a deeper hue. Brighter colors like yellow should be avoided.

 

If your shoes have to be white or cream, make sure they match the shade of your dress exactly, because mismatched whites are a big no-no. Try to bring a swatch of the fabric when you go shoe shopping to be sure. 

 

Nude shoes are a third option for either black or white clothes. Given the right pair, they can make any outfit look very classy.

 

If your school is a little stricter about shoe color, you can always have fun with the shape. Pumps are the go-to style here. In terms of heels, go high if you can. High heels, especially the pointy kind, will offset that baggy toga or gala dress silhouette nicely.

 

Now, if there's a restriction for heel height as well, see if you can do something about the front of the shoe. A subtle pointy toe can make your feet look very dainty, even if the back is sporting awkward, chunky one inch-high heels. 

 

There are so many possibilities when it comes to making footwear statements—and they don't always have to be loud. Don't be afraid to experiment with your shoes. Subtle details like lace trim and sequins can make all the difference.

 

And lastly—cliché as it may sound—the finishing touch to any good graduation outfit is the right attitude. Smile, you're graduating! —KG, GMA News

Illustrations by Jica Lapeña