Men's graduation garms: the ultimate styling guide

When graduation season rolls around, you’re likely to have PLENTY on your mind. Nerves, anticipation for what's next, friendships, celebrations, and of course, what you’re going to wear. Graduation outfits are a big deal. After all, you’ll want to make sure you choose something you’re happy to see on your parents' wall for years to come!

Whether it’s a graduation suit or something more casual, we’ve got plenty of styling ideas for the big day.

Does graduation have a dress code?

If your graduation is the first one you’re attending, you might be wondering whether there is a dress code to stick to. Most unis set a formal to semi-formal dress code. Thankfully, this means you can narrow down your outfit choices right away.

Essential graduation gear

Before you start shopping, there are a few essentials you need on your list. Graduation outfits for men are typically a little easier to find than for women, as the choice is fairly limited. And while you might be thinking you’ll have a gown on so it doesn’t matter, graduation days are long and you’ll still want to look sharp when the gown is off.

To nail the basics, you’ll need a graduation suit, smart shirt, tie, and formal shoes. The colour, design and styling options depend on your vibe.

Graduation day outfits

Your graduation suit is the key piece in your graduation day outfit, so defo take your time to find the right suit. Dark colours are super versatile. Charcoal, black and navy blues are excellent colour choices for graduation as they complement any gown colour.

With graduation ceremonies often taking place in the summer, you’ll want to avoid thick or wool suits. If it’s looking like a scorcher, you could opt for a light-coloured suit or linen blend to keep you cool. Neutral tones and light browns or beiges are a good choice for a modern look.

Pair your suit with a tailored, crisp white shirt and you’re onto a winner. While ‘white shirt’ might sound like a simple brief, there are several options for you to consider. It’s worth trying a few different styles to get a fit that feels right and looks good. Oxford shirts, pin collars, and dinner shirts are some of the most elegant styles for graduation.

We also love a shirt with double cuffs so you can add a pair of cufflinks to showcase your personality and elevate your look. Try to avoid short-sleeved shirts, even in warm weather. They just don’t deliver the same vibe as long sleeves.

A tie is a key component of your graduation outfit, and it’s where you can get a little more personal. While dark colours will compliment your suit, don’t be afraid to show off your personality with something more colourful.

When it comes to footwear, smart is essential. For black suits, keep it consistent with a pair of shiny black Oxford shoes. For grey or blue suits, brown brogues or Oxfords work best. It’s also a good idea to match your belt with your shoes to keep everything matchy-matchy.

Graduation party attire

Once the formalities are out of the way, you can turn your attention to the after-party. While many students hit the town donning their graduation suits, it’s not a requirement. Depending on the type of evening you have planned, the choice is yours. If you’ve had enough of wearing formal attire all day, keep things casual with jeans and a polo shirt for a night out.

Tailored trousers and a loose-fitting shirt work well if you’re looking for something that fits both a formal and party dress code. You can pair these with your semi-formal shoes, smart trainers or loafers depending on where you’re headed. ASOS always has a great selection of smart casual clothes and uni outfits for men to choose from.

If the graduation after party is a little more relaxed, for example, a house party or pub gathering, opt for a casual look. In the summer, earthy tones always look great. From khaki trousers to beige blazers or shackets, you’re sure to look the part for afters. You might even get away with a pair of lightweight tailored shorts and a casual t-shirt if the party is low-key.