What to wear under your gown
Many of the best graduation shots are taken with the gown open or off, so your outfit matters. White, cream, and soft neutrals photograph well with nearly every school color and look great with a stole.
Look at the Binghamton grads in Brendan's portfolio: white and cream dresses under green gowns keep the photos bright and let the school color stand out.
Colors that work
Pick colors that complement your gown, not compete with it. Neutrals are safest. If you want color, choose one that pairs with your school colors.
- Safe everywhere: white, cream, beige, light gray, navy
- Avoid: neon, tiny busy patterns, and logos that compete with your stole
Shoes
You'll walk between spots on campus. Wear shoes you can move in, or bring flats and change for the photos. Strappy neutral heels and clean white sneakers both look great.
Prep the gown and cap
Steam your gown the day before, because wrinkles show much more in photos than in person. Keep your cap flat and bring bobby pins so it sits straight.
What to bring
A short checklist for the day of your session:
- Cap, gown, tassel, stole, and honor cords
- Diploma cover or a framed diploma
- A second outfit for gown-off photos
- Comfortable shoes for walking between spots
- Water, a hair tie, and blotting papers
- Props like champagne, a pennant, or your team jersey
Written by Brendan Reynolds, Rochester, NY photographer