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Looks to Wear Under Your Graduation Gown

Lifestyle

A+ Looks to Wear Under Your Graduation Gown

May 14, 2024

You finally made it! Now the question is: What to wear under a graduation gown? You want to wear something under your gown that’s comfortable but expresses your personality. Whether you're looking to rock a graduation dress or keep it a little more casual, Hibbett can hook you up with the perfect apparel to suit your style.

Woman in dress

A Dress for the Day

Want to make sure you’re not melting like a candle while waiting to walk? Women’s and girls’ graduation dresses will help keep you cool when the temps are rising while making sure you look good if you want to unzip your gown for after-ceremony pictures. Pro tip: a little color underneath will make that memorable picture really pop, and a blue Nike girls’ Sportswear Dress should do the trick. Or how about a sleek, form-fitting adidas Women's Originals Essentials Rib Tank Dress? Finish the fit with white or black Nike Blazers, and you’re ready to go.

Man in denim

Denim for the Diploma

A lot of guys prefer a clean-cut look for their graduation outfit, but that doesn’t mean you have to bust out a suit and tie. For a perfect combo of casual comfort with the right dressy edge, pick up something like a men’s polo paired with Levi’s jeans and black Nike Manoa men's boots or a boys’ polo matched with denim shorts. Then again, there’s nothing wrong with showcasing your everyday style, either. Distressed men’s Smoke Rise jeans and jean shorts, plus a bright, eye-catching graphic tee and coordinating Nike Dunks or Air Jordan 1s will make an impression while keeping it crisp.

Woman in leggings

Leggings for the Long Haul

Women’s and girls’ black leggings are a staple piece for tons of different looks, so why not graduation, too? Leggings also give you the ability to quickly change up your fit from the ceremony to the afterparty. Don a cute top and stylish pumps for graduation, then slip into something more comfortable, such as a Nike women’s crop top and matching Nike VaporMax shoes, when you’re ready to party. Girls can wear adidas leggings underneath a coordinating dress and finish off their fit with matching New Balance 550s, girls’ Jordan 7 Retros or women’s Converse low tops.

Cargos for the Carry-Alongs

Cargo pants have come a long way from their Y2K origins, and now they offer all kinds of downright stylish ways to carry the little extras that can make graduation easier. Keep everything organized with a pair of men’s Grindhouse cargo pants or shorts, and match them up with a button-up top and men’s slides. You can also style up your kindergarten graduate the same way to help him embrace that all-grown-up pride. Just head over to our kids’ section to find cargo pants, shorts and slides for him.

Kicks for Comfort

Kicks for Comfort

At most graduations, you’ll be on your feet for a while as you get ready to walk into the ceremony with your class. That means comfy shoes are in order. And, of course, during the big walk itself, you’ll have a brief (but very high-profile) moment to flex your footwear. (So, although we love Crocs as much as anybody else, this might not be the time or place.)

  • Air Force 1: Check off graduation as one more thing that this legendary and versatile shoe can do. It’s the “respect” head nod of shoes, and you’ll be reminded why when you step into the timeless comfort of the Nike Air Force 1 '07 LE "White/White."
  • Air Jordan 1: You deserve to show off a little on your graduation day, and a clean pair of Jordan 1s could be just the way to do it. They come in a delicious array of colorways (try finding one in your school colors!), but it’s basically impossible to go wrong with classics like the Jordan 1 Retro High OG "Royal Reimagined".
  • New Balance: Chunky classics like the New Balance 550s and 574s are perfect for anyone who wants to walk the line between dad shoes and grad shoes. If you’re into something more athletic, the New Balance TWO WXY v3 will let you walk off the stage and onto the hardwood.
  • Nike Air Max: Laidback style but surprisingly sophisticated — well, what else would you expect from a shoe inspired by the design of a Paris art museum? Your life is the work of art on display today, so choose something suitably regal, like the Nike Air Max 1 SC "White/Field Purple/Football Grey/Black" Men's Shoe.​​
  • adidas Gazelle: Give your walk a vintage vibe with these 60s-inspired adidas kicks. All kinds of colorways are out there in the wild, but if you really want to lean into summer, may we suggest the juicy watermelon tones of adidas Originals Gazelle Bold True Pink?

Nike Dunks: The low-slung charisma of Nike Dunks shows the world you’ve got game and channels confidence as you walk. The classic Nike Dunk Low "White/Black" colorway (AKA the legendary “Panda”) is a choice no one can argue with.

Congrats Grads!

Picking up a graduation gift for a sneakerhead, or treating yourself to some graduation kicks? Hibbett is where you need to be, whether you’re shopping our selection in-stores or online. For ideas on How to Wear A Dress with Sneakers or What Sneakers to Wear with a Dress, visit our Unboxed blog and YouTube channel.

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