While many students in the city get set for their Graduation Day (be it high school or college), probably the most important day at this stage in their lives, here are a few style tips they could use for that grad party they’ve been waiting for.
Since most of the grad parties are held early either during the day or early evening and the student is usually accompanied by his or her family, one should consider these factors before deciding on that perfect dress. Here are some tips for graduates, friends and family on how to choose an apt outfit for that proud moment of your life when you don that most cherished grad cap.
If you’re feeling ladylike then go for a formal gown or a knee-length dress. Don’t neglect your footwear and focus on the comfort factor too. Top off your ensemble with accessories, but avoid too much bling. A designer watch, a hair accessory and a long chain should do the trick.
Designer Susan Fernandes states, “These days the young kids who’re graduating are in ‘with it’. They know exactly what they want to wear. We make a lot of prom and grad dresses for young graduates from the International schools, and it is lovely to see parents coming in with their daughters to choose their gowns. They can wear a gown for their special day as it makes them look elegant and moms can wear sarees.”
Michelle Salins, a designer confesses she enjoys working on graduation outfits and feels that the trends are changing. “I’ve designed a few dresses for students in Singapore who wanted corsets and off-shoulder silhouettes, but for Indian grad students, the occasion calls for mothers draped in a saree and daughters in gowns. Pick hues that go with your skin tone – you can choose from deep dark shades to pastel ones. Kids have a mind of their own and it’s always best to go with what they like to wear with a little bit of advice.”
Amitabh Bachchan’s granddaughter Navya Naveli dazzled in a gorgeous powder pink cut-out gown gown at her graduation ceremony recently. Designer Reshma Kunhi shares, “For graduation ceremony elegant dressing is the key. Teenagers should wear floor length or knee length dresses and avoid those skater dresses that are too short; thigh length is a complete no no. Try pleated or non-pleated high-waisted skirts in solid colours or florals. You can go in for a silk tunic also or elegant silk top with trousers. Here again you need to avoid jeans and tees or leather jackets. It’s also a proud moment for the parents who should dress classy. Fathers can wear a suit or trousers and a formal shirt, whereas the mothers should avoid cleavage popping outfits. Ladies, go for a full length gown or an Indian palazzo teamed with a sophisticated printed kurti. If you want to make it a little more formal, don’t shy away from a cocktail saree, but no halter necks please.”
