23 Classy Graduation Shoes to Stride Across the Stage In for 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What kind of shoes to wear at graduation? ›

When it comes to graduation ceremonies, dress shoes are definitely an easy go-to choice. They show off the sophistication your presence gives off after receiving your new degree. They also add a touch of formality to your outfit - perfect for a prestigious and formal occasion like a graduation ceremony.

Flats are a great option for graduation shoes because there's no heel to worry about– they're designed for all day comfort. And while you might have a pair of basic ballet flats that you use for errands, these stylish shoes are a whole new ballgame.

Stilettos are great, but on a day with a lot of standing and walking, your feet will end up sore. As for height, I'd recommend two-to-four-inch heel max. Three inches would be more popular, but I know some people prefer lower. Loafers are a great flat option.

Neutral, closed-toe pumps or wedges are classic choices. Go for mid-height heels between 2-3 inches for the best proportions. Shorter tea-length or co*cktail-length gowns call for exposed legs and heels.

Wear White or Light colored outfits for a classic look

Your graduation sash and robes will typically be much darker or feature intense colors – it helps to have a lighter base to contrast and highlight the school colors that you might also be wearing on top.

Black, nude or metallic shoes are versatile options that are easy to match with different shades of outfits.

It's a celebratory but serious occasion, and you want to show up appropriately attired. That generally means a more polished look elevated above ordinary streetwear, such as professional or at least business casual pieces – avoiding items like jeans, shorts and sneakers.

Dresses, rompers and wedges are perfect to wear to a graduation ceremony!

I've tried numerous different style flat shoes with both dresses, skirts and pants suits and here's what I found: The classiest way to wear a dress or skirt without heels is with a structured pointy ballet flat. They can be simple in design or embellished on the toe to match the classiness of the rest of the outfit.

You also should avoid wearing anything too formal or too casual. As a general rule, it's best to dress somewhere in between. Also, be sure to avoid dressing in a way that might be too flashy or attention-grabbing. You want to look your best on this special day, but you don't want to overshadow the graduates themselves.

Do you bring a purse to graduation? ›

If you're wearing a dress or skirt, try to find one with pockets to carry small items such as keys or your cell phone. If you must have a purse, consider a wristlet or small clutch within the bag policy size limits. Dress comfortably.

If your school doesn't have a commencement dress code, you can pretty much wear whatever you want! Feel free to express your own personal style under your gown in a pretty and polished way. That means you can wear anything from floral dresses and little black dresses to sleek blazers, pantsuits, jumpsuits, and rompers.

High heels are generally 3-4 inches, or 7.5-10cm. These are typically reserved for dressy occasions like parties or evenings out, as they can be a little more difficult to walk in. Any higher than this and the shoe is likely to have a platform at the front to make it slightly easier to walk in.

Overall, the best thing to do is to not wear heels, but if you do, the American Podiatric Medical Association offers some basic guidelines for choosing better-for-you heels: Avoid heels higher than two inches. A high stiletto with a pointy, closed toe is the worst type of shoe for your feet.

Never go over 3 inches in heel height because it changes the biomechanics of how you walk. This leads to shorter strides, more pressure is placed on the balls of your feet which throws off your center of gravity putting unneeded and unnecessary stress on your knees and lower back.

It's a celebratory but serious occasion, and you want to show up appropriately attired. That generally means a more polished look elevated above ordinary streetwear, such as professional or at least business casual pieces – avoiding items like jeans, shorts and sneakers.

If your educational institute normally has a strict uniform policy or dress code, you may be requested to wear either flats or heels to graduation.

Both men and women should wear closed-toe dress shoes to the graduation ceremony, not sandals or athletic shoes. Whether your ceremony is indoors or outdoors, you should always bring a change of shoes, just in case your first pair ends up being uncomfortable later, isn't whether or ceremony appropriate, etc.