Graduation
What to Wear to Graduation as a Guest
So you’ve been invited to the graduation ceremony for a close friend or family member. You’re excited and proud of them for making it to this big moment and want to celebrate their big day with them in style. All you have to do is pick the perfect graduation guest outfit for the day. To help you out with this decision, we’ve put together a guide to choosing the best outfits and accessories that suits the formality and joy of your loved one’s momentous occasion. Find Graduation Attire Why Wear a Graduation Guest Outfit Graduation ceremonies are an important day in your loved one’s life. Choosing and wearing an appropriate graduation guest outfit therefore holds significance as it respects the solemnity and formality of the occasion. Graduation ceremonies mark a significant milestone in someone’s academic journey, symbolising years of hard work, dedication, and achievement. By dressing appropriately as a guest, you honour not only the graduate but also the institution and the gravity of the event itself. Dressing in a stylish and appropriate manner demonstrates your understanding of the importance of the event and your appreciation for being invited to share in the celebration. Your attire as a graduation guest contributes to the overall ambiance and creates a sense of unity and cohesion among attendees. With everyone dressing formally for the occasion, a sense of community and shared respect is fostered for your loved ones’ accomplishments. A well-chosen graduation guest outfit can also enhance your confidence and make you feel more engaged in the festivities. Whether it’s a sleek suit, a stylish dress, or smart casual attire, your outfit can convey your enthusiasm and support for the graduate as they embark on the next chapter of their journey. Style of Graduation Guest Attire When it comes to selecting the perfect graduation guest outfit, there are various styles to consider, each reflecting a different level of flair and formality. Classy graduation outfits – a classy graduation style will help you to feel sophisticated and elegant during the ceremonial proceedings. Choosing classy items and accessories will help you to look polished and put-together. Formal graduation outfits – you should always try to select formal or casual-formal graduation attire to fit in with the celebratory atmosphere of the ceremony. Formal style outfits will be more memorable and help you to look great in the photos you take with the graduate. Comfortable graduation outfits – comfort is key, especially if the graduation ceremony involves a long day of sitting or standing. Make sure to choose an outfit that doesn’t restrict your movement or breathing so you can focus all your attention on enjoying the ceremony. Regardless of the style you choose, don’t be afraid to infuse your personality and personal flair into your graduation guest outfit. Unique accessories that let your individual style shine through will help your graduation guest outfit to feel authentic. After all, dressing up for a formal occasion such as this is the perfect moment for self-expression and whether you’re going for a subtle look or a bold look, you will be able to pay tribute to your graduate’s big day in style. Graduation Guest Attire for Men Men’s graduation attire should fit the appropriate styles of fashion listed out above. Luckily, there are a number of options you can choose from to help you look sharp and formal while your loved one collects their certificate. Suits Suits can be a classy choice for graduation ceremonies but keep it on the more subtle side. You’re not attending a black-tie event so tuxedos and elegant three-piece suits probably aren’t necessary. A normal well-tailored suit will more than suffice to match the formality and keep the attention of the event on the graduates. Classic colours such as navy, charcoal or black are popular choices but brighter colours can create great contrasts as well. Make sure the dress shirt underneath is freshly ironed to get rid of any wrinkles. You can also add a tie for added contrast or to add a splash of colour and personality to your outfit. Solid colours or simple patterns are the best choice but you can also go open-neck if you prefer. If you do opt for a tie, make sure it’s tied properly and neatly. If wearing a suit isn’t your style, you can also opt for a more casual-formal approach. Well-pressed and smart trousers or chinos paired with a shirt or a sweater will guarantee you are both comfortable and polished and allow for more self-expression than a more traditionally formal approach. Pair the look with a blazer for added style and warmth which can come in handy if the ceremony is taking place during the colder months. Footwear Appropriate smart footwear is also a must when selecting graduation attire for male guests. Avoid trainers and sandals as these can be too casual and won’t match the formality of the celebration. Polished dress shoes in black or brown will help to complete your look perfectly. Oxfords or loafers are excellent choices that strike the right balance between formal and stylish. Ensure your shoes are clean and well-maintained to make a positive impression. Accessories Accessories are great for allowing you to express a little bit of your personality in the outfit, tying everything together, and helping you to feel more comfortable and at home in your chosen attire. Quirky novelty cufflinks are an easy way to give a sense of boldness to your outfit without it becoming too overpowering. You can even go for your favourite pair of brightly coloured socks as these can be hidden by the rest of your outfit and therefore not detract from the formality of the event. Classy simple accessories can also help bring a look together. A well-looked after leather belt where the material hasn’t cracked from wear and tear is always a good choice, especially if it matches your shoes. You can’t go wrong with a classic watch either. Keep it polished and clean and make sure it’s working – you don’t want to be late for the graduate’s special day! Finish the look with a decorative pocket square if you’re wearing a blazer or a suit jacket. The splash of colour can help to make your look more unique and add a touch of style to the proceedings. Hairstyles Your personal grooming will help to bring the whole graduation guest outfit together. A clean shave or neatly trimmed beard and well-groomed hair contribute to a polished appearance. A shower or visit to the barber before the ceremony should help you to achieve that perfect look. Remember, graduation is a formal affair, and your overall presentation should reflect the pride you have in being invited to your loved one’s important day. Graduation Guest Attire for Women Female guests have a lot of choices to make when it comes time to pick out the perfect graduation attire for the upcoming ceremony. Balancing style, comfort and formality is key to helping you look and feel your best. Suits A formal pant suit for graduation guest attire can help to elevate your personal style and keep you looking classy at the event. Contrasting colours will work great and a relaxed fit will help you to stay comfortable. Remember, you’re at the ceremony to enjoy yourself. A stylish blouse and a blazer jacket makes for the perfect summer graduation ceremony, paired with well-tailored trousers that will help your skin to breathe and allow you to personalise your outfit to your own sense of style. You can also opt for a more classic suit ensemble with a tie and dress shirt. Jumpsuits are also a fancy option that will keep your outfit understated yet elegant. Cool colours like blue, black or grey are the most formal options but brighter colours such as orange and green will also work depending on your preferences. Just try to avoid overly bold or extravagant patterns as these may take away from the formality of the event and shift focus away from the graduates. You can also opt for a casual-formal trouser look by pairing smart trousers with a blouse or shirt, paired with the cardigan or blazer of your choice, allowing for more freedom in your look and prioritising comfort for the ceremony. Graduation Guest Dress Dresses and skirts are popular options for women attending graduation ceremonies as a guest due to the sheer amount of variety on offer. A knee-length or midi dress in a single block colour or a subtle pattern is always a strong choice pairing formality with comfort. Cocktail dresses come in a versatile range of styles and fabrics allowing you to find the perfect sweet spot between casual-formal and formal. Let your personality shine in the pattern and colours, perfect for a summery graduation. You can pair your dress with a blazer jacket or elegant cardigan if you need to bundle up for a winter ceremony, giving you more options for layering and contrasting colours to find a suitable style for the occasion. If dresses aren’t your preference, consider pairing a tailored skirt with a stylish blouse. A knee length skirt is best suited for formal occasions with a range of styles available to choose from including box pleat skirts and circle skirts. Coordinate the colours and fabrics for a cohesive ensemble. Footwear Comfortable and stylish shoes are a must for graduation ceremonies as there may be a bit of walking involved in getting to the ceremony’s location. Try to select shoes that won’t hurt your feet if they are being worn for long durations. Like with men’s footwear, avoid trainers and other overly casual shoes. Pumps and flats with closed toes are the best option and go with every type of graduation guest outfit from pantsuits to dresses and skirts. You can also wear sensible heels as well but make sure to forgo high heels as these might make walking on difficult terrain such as grass harder. Co-ordinate your shoes with your outfits by choosing matching or contrasting colours. Accessories Female guests can choose from a wide range of accessories for the graduation ceremony, so long as they avoid excessive and flashy jewellery that will draw attention away from the main events of the ceremony. A stylish necklace, set of colour co-ordinated bangles or rings can help you to bind your outfit together as well as affording you some control over how your personality shines through your attire. Quirky earrings are a great way to add a touch of personal flair and make you feel more comfortable in your curated outfit. If you’re taking a bag with you, a small handbag or an elegant clutch that matches your outfit will enable you to store your phone and wallet in style if your ensemble doesn’t come with pockets. Hair and Makeup Choosing the right hairstyle and makeup is a vital component of any outfit and graduation guest attire is no different. You’re not attending a black tie event so there’s no need to get overly fancy or complicated with your choices. A sleek ponytail or a bun placed elegantly high or low on the head are always popular choices that allow you to accentuate the formality of your outfit. Braids meanwhile can offer a sense of casual playfulness while also being timelessly classic, depending on whether you go for a simple plait, french braids or fishtail braids. Complement the colours of your graduation guest outfit with your makeup choices. Subtle shades will help to maintain the formal elegance suited for a graduation ceremony while also helping you to enhance and highlight your best features. The graduation ceremony you’re attending is all about celebrating and honouring the journey of the graduate. Paying careful consideration to what to wear for someone’s graduation can make a big difference to their day and can be a strong way for you to show them you’re proud of everything they’ve achieved and proud that you were chosen to witness this important step on their journey. For more information on how to make your loved one’s graduation even more special, you can read our guides on how to celebrate graduation day and get ideas on choosing the perfect graduation gift. 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Learn moreIntroducing the Brand New NTU Graduation Gowns
Graduation gowns are always evolving, with new designs marrying modernity with the historical traditions and values that made the gowns so special in the first place. The brand new NTU graduation gown design reflects the current ideals of Nottingham Trent University’s ideals without losing the historical touch. Read on to learn about the origins of the new NTU gown and how it fits into the university’s overall image. What is the New NTU Graduation Gown? The new ceremonial gown and hood being introduced to NTU graduations was designed in a competition between current NTU fashion degree students. The task was to create a distinctive and original look for graduation gowns that add a unique style and flair to the ceremony proceedings. The winning gown was designed by MA Fashion and Creative Pattern Cutting student Georgia Stevenson. She worked closely with our Graduation Attire suppliers to bring the design to life right on time for the next wave of graduation ceremonies. In collaboration with Evess, Georgia Stevenson headed the design of a range of gowns for a range of educational awards, including: Undergraduate Bachelors Post-graduate Masters Doctoral Honorary doctorate Creating the NTU Graduation Gown To celebrate the university’s image and appeal, Stevenson took her inspiration from the university’s architecture and prominent features of photographs taken during graduation ceremonies. One such feature was the angles of the Arkwright building. The regality and majestic nature of the historic building became reflected in the cut of the graduation hood, a neat and elegant angular triangle. The hood is accented by colourful borders or white lining, helping it to stand out as an important feature of the graduation ensemble. The colour of the hood centres the university’s signature pink paired with NTU’s coat of arms, allowing the gown to represent a strong sense of university pride and making these custom gowns one-of-a-kind for Nottingham Trent. The gowns were also designed with comfort in mind, so that they are more suitable than ever for long ceremonies and celebrations after receiving your award. The gender-neutral design forgoes the neckband or buttonhole usually used in tandem with your clothes to hold the gown in place. With this innovative new design, the gown won’t slip back around your throat and you will be able to have more freedom in what you wear beneath your graduation attire. NTU Gown Sustainability One of the biggest draws of Stevenson’s creation is the dedication to factoring in sustainable fashion choices. Each gown is made from 30 post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, cutting down on plastic waste and ensuring that less fabric is used in the gown-making process. This means there is reduced landfill waste and natural resources and energy are being conserved. The graduation hood on its own is made from cuts and folds in a single rectangular piece of fabric, further supporting the drive to minimise fabric waste during production and resulting in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The Meaning Behind the NTU Graduation Gown Graduation ceremonies are a point of pride for students and universities alike and the new gown design reflects these values, celebrating the university colours and creating a stronger sense of unity and community between the student and the campus. Having been around in some shape or form since medieval times, it’s important for graduation gowns to improve and develop to stay relevant to modern graduates without sacrificing tradition or formality. Just because graduation gowns and hoods have become more ceremonial and less practical in academic fields, it doesn’t mean that they have to be forgotten about. As with all graduation gowns, the NTU gown marks an important step in a student’s journey as they progress onto the next stage of their life. With the unique flair and specific university symbolism of the new graduation gown, students will be able to hold onto more personal memories that reflect their positive educational experience and help them to appreciate everything the university did for them on their journey. Georgia Stevenson’s innovative graduation gown design has paved the way to a brighter future for Nottingham Trent, encouraging students to celebrate their graduation with renewed vigour, revitalising the ceremony for future students. Make sure to have your Student ID number and size measurements on hand when you’re booking your NTU graduation gown and get your booking in as soon as possible to guarantee their availability on the day of your graduation. You can find out more information about our NTU gown collection, including hoods, gowns, caps and graduation gifts that will help to make your special day all the more memorable and eventful.
Learn more4 Tips on How to Take Care of Your Graduation Attire
When it comes to graduation ceremonies in a lot of universities, all you have to do is rent a gown, collect it and get dressed on the day and then return it after the ceremony. The company you hire from will take care of your gown for you, leaving you with less to worry about on your momentous day. Sometimes though, you may need to take care of your graduation gown personally, particularly if you’re renting from a different company to the one hired by the university. If you’re looking after your own graduation attire before and after the ceremony, we’ve put together a few tips below to help make sure your gown stays in the best condition possible. Shop Graduation Attire Now 1. Preventing Wrinkles on Your Graduation Gown One of the best ways to keep your graduation gown looking fresh for your graduation is to make sure it’s wrinkle-free. Upon receiving your gown, hanging it in its garment bag in a bathroom or in a closet will stop the material from creasing by being folded. This will help it to remain looking its best so you can make a great impression during your graduation ceremony. Before or after your graduation, you may also prefer to steam it to get rid of any wrinkles. This can be good preparation for your ceremony and can also help to ensure your gown is still in optimum condition when it is returned to the company you rented it from. Hanging gowns for 1-2 days can loosen up any wrinkles but if you need a quicker fix you can steam it lightly on a low heat. Remember to cover the steamer head to avoid any water dripping onto the material and ensure your gown gets a light and even steaming. 2. Washing Your Graduation Attire Your graduation attire will always come to you washed from the company you’re hiring from so it isn’t necessary to wash it. Machine washing your graduation gown isn’t recommended but if you do want to or need to wash your gown, you can clean it lightly. You can freshen up your gown or remove any stains or dust by handwashing a shiny gown and leaving it to dry or you can dry clean matte gowns and shiny gowns. If it’s possible to avoid having the entire gown cleaned, you can spot clean any parts of the fabric on your gown or cap that need it. If you are cleaning or washing your cap, be sure not to wet the mortarboard as water damage to this part of the cap can be permanent. 3. Keep Your Graduation Outfit in the Bag Keeping your graduation attire in the garment bag they’re delivered in is a great and easy way to ensure that your graduation gown and cap stay in as clean a condition as possible, making sure the garments are fully protected so they’re fresh and ready for your big day. Put them back in the bag as soon as possible after your ceremony, making time to steam clean if you want to. This will allow you to preserve the state of the gown as much as possible when you return it. Keeping the gown in the bag will help to make sure that no stains or dust affect the fabric between receiving the gown and wearing it for your ceremony. This will help you to show up to your graduation in style and not have to worry about the state of your gown, freeing yourself up to enjoy graduation to its fullest potential. 4. Using Clothes Deodorants on Your Graduation Attire If you’re worried about maintaining the freshness of your graduation gown between delivery and attending your ceremony, using clothes deodorants can help to keep your gown smelling fresh. If you do opt for this, try to use deodorants that don’t leave a residue or any discoloration so that you don’t stain the gown and affect the fabric. Putting clothes deodorants in your garment bag or other case with the attire can also help to protect against a moisture build-up. This will help to prevent mould or mildew from building up and damaging the gown while it is in storage. Overall, graduation attire is fairly easy to take care of. When you buy gowns from us, they will already be clean and well-maintained, leaving you very little to stress about. Just make sure to hang it up and keep it sealed in a protective bag or container and on graduation day you will be good to go. Shop Graduation Attire Now
Learn moreGradTag - What to expect
Did you know that despite the fact that 36.4 million people graduate every year<1>, there’s been little change to how the ceremonies operate. We here at Graduation Attire had heard of the struggles such as graduates feeling they had spent too long in queues so we devised a system that was more worthy of celebrating their achievement. Introducing GradTag. A revolutionary experience for graduates that utilises RFID technology to streamline the on-the-day experience and provide new benefits. So how does it all work? We’ve broken it down into six simple steps. Step 1 – Register Start the day as you mean to go on, as our team has it organised so your family will have barely noticed you’ve gone as you get yourself looking the part. Using a collection code you’ll have received ahead of the ceremony our team will gather your attire whilst you confirm and register your details on one of tablet screens. No time wasted searching for your order or trying to find a gown that fits, just flash a code and confirm who you are and it’s onto the next step! Step 2 – Assign This is where the magic happens. Inside every gown is a RFID chip and once that’s scanned that is now assigned to you, it’s as simple as that! Your graduation journey has only just begun though as with your attire in hand, our dressing team will then be able to help you put it all on and complete the graduate look with the iconic mortarboard hat. From there it’s either off to the studios for your professional photos or on to the ceremony hall for that big moment. Step 3 – Smile! Remember how that gown has been assigned to you? Well that allows us to do something very clever with your onstage photos. We know how important it is to share that onstage moment, so with GradTag you can access those photos easily and sometimes before you have even sat back down! This is because we scan the gown as you go towards the stage adding your photos to your personal gallery to sneakily look at whilst applauding your fellow graduates. So make sure you smile and look at the photographer to make sure we get your good side. Step 4 – Choose With your gallery now filled with your smiling face, you can either select just a digital download or head to one of the print kiosks to take a copy of your special moment home the same day. One of the Graduation Attire Team will scan your gown (notice a pattern?) to bring up your personal gallery and you can take a look at which photo best captures your moment. Remember to always check the background to make sure no one is scratching their nose! Step 5 – Print With your photo selected, it will then be printed in less than a minute and placed in a mount by a member of our team. It will make a nice surprise for the family whilst they get your celebratory drinks. Step 6 – Returns Once you are ready to finish your graduation day, you can head to our returns team. Here, a member of Graduation Attire staff will scan your GradTag for the final time to confirm your gown has been returned successfully. After handing back your gown, cap and hood, you are then ready to return to enjoy the rest of the day’s celebrations. – These six simple steps are what make our GradTag system such a unique experience for graduates and has started to revolutionise ceremonies across the UK. Not sure what to wear under the gown or where to put your phone? Check out our Graduation Survival Guide and whilst you’re there maybe drop some hints about a graduation gift. <1> UK Graduate Statistics
Learn moreGraduation in Different Countries: What Outfits do Worldwide Students Wear
Graduation ceremonies are a popular ritual all over the world for students as they transition out of education and into the working world. Not all countries follow the same graduation traditions as the UK though, with the rituals being varied according to different cultures. We’ve put together a guide below on some of our favourite graduation outfit choices from different countries from America, across Europe and into Asia. Shop Graduation Attire Now 1. USA Graduation Outfits North American graduation outfits and traditions are fairly similar to ours, with graduation outfits in the USA following a very similar colour scheme to the UK when it comes to designating different faculties and levels of study. Some colours of graduation robes in the USA are the same such as white being used to represent arts and humanities while some colours symbolise different faculties such as brown being used commonly for the fine arts and sometimes architecture while yellow is often used for maths and science. The USA and Canada have very similar styles to their graduation gowns and we offer an American range, with our gowns having closed zip fronts and coming in different colours that can help you to find the right colour for your own graduation. 2. Mexican Graduation Outfits Mexico has its own set of graduation traditions and symbols so while they too often wear the classic gown and cap associated with the USA and the UK, they accessorise their graduation gown with items that symbolise their culture. One such item is the Mexican sarape graduation sash, worn like the stole and used to celebrate their heritage during their graduation ceremony. Sarape sashes are often vibrant and hand-crafted, making them must haves at graduation ceremonies along with the headdresses that some students wear. Graduating students from Mexico or of Mexican heritage may also wear traditional Mexican costumes to their graduation. Girls will wear a brightly coloured dress known as trajes de graduación while boys will wear suits, given a splash of colour by their sash. 3. Finnish Graduation Outfits Over in Finland, graduation outfits are similar to those worn in the UK but there are some key differences that help the Finnish graduation crowd stand out from the rest of the world. When you graduate from a doctoral degree in Finland, they acquire their PhD certificate but are not officially considered doctors in their field until they have attended the conferment ceremony, in which their outfits must come complete with a doctoral top hat and a doctoral sword. The PhD graduates have to order the hat and the sword by themselves. The round doctor’s hat represents liberty and freedom of research while the sword represents the doctor’s right to fight for what they believe in. The only type of sword allowed at the ceremony is the independent republic’s officially certified civilian sword. The two accessories to the graduation outfit therefore are a collective symbol of the values of both Finland and their educational beliefs. 4. Swedish Graduation Outfits Swedish graduation ceremonies are fairly relaxed. They have a dress code of wearing formal clothes but the focus of the day is more on enjoying the ceremony and spending time with friends and family. Girls will wear white formal dresses while boys will wear suits but the most distinctive part of their graduation outfit tradition is the white hats they wear with the outfits. These white hats will have the graduating student’s name on them and they look very similar to the style of hat that sailors and ship captains wear. The hats are round with a black bill on them, creating a sense of unity at the graduation ceremony much the same way as unity is created in the UK with students all wearing graduation gowns. 5. Chinese Graduation Outfits China is a lot more relaxed about wearing the typical graduation gown and cap found in the UK and other Western countries. Instead, graduating students from China will wear anything from traditional Chinese costumes or school uniforms to wedding dresses, adding colour and character to their graduation ceremony. Of course, you’ll still find graduation ceremonies that make use of the classic graduation outfit but the dress code is generally a lot more creative and individual. Many Chinese students even opt for a fancy dress theme, showcasing the stark differences between the UK’s formal traditions and China’s freedom in choosing the way they celebrate. Whether they’re making their graduation more fun or celebrating their country’s heritage and culture, graduation outfits in China are sure to put a smile on people’s faces. 6. Thai Graduation Outfits Graduation outfits in Thailand are more ceremonial and formal than in China and will typically directly involve the Thai royal family and representatives of the king who will attend to hand out the diplomas to the graduating students. Students are required to wear their school uniforms beneath their robes. The long sleeved graduation gown is usually made from a light white mesh bordered with a felt strip that is also fashioned into felt cuffs around the wrists and elbows. There is no hood or cap like in UK graduation outfits and the university the graduate hails from will be represented by a pin. Graduating students are not permitted to wear any patterns or colours on their outfits. Shoes must be plain and not accessorised with metal components and girls must always wear long skirts instead of trousers. Graduation rituals and ceremonies differ the world over, creating an interesting view of the traditions of different countries and cultures. Some believe strongly in tradition and ceremony while others are more relaxed with the focus being on celebration. Whatever the case, no graduation ritual in one country is just like another and students worldwide are given the chance to express both themselves and the rich culture of the country they hail from. Shop Graduation Attire Now
Learn moreRedefining the After Sale Experience - Introducing Continue.co
Bringing Sustainability After the Delivery We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Continue, a cutting edge resale platform that is dedicated to amplifying sustainability in the fashion industry. Our goal is to work with Continue to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices, and in turn provide you with a wonderful new experience. Did you know 10,000 items of clothing are sent to landfill every five minutes? To tackle this issue, we are empowering you to easily resell your Evess attire through the Continue app – thus reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. This partnership not only helps show our commitment to sustainability practices, but it also provides you with an opportunity to extend the life of your gowns, hoods & hats (and make some money!). It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved. Getting Set Up You can now automatically sync your Evess purchases to your very own Continue Digital Wardrobe. Simply download the Continue app and watch the magic happen. Now you have Evess verified clothes in your wardrobe that you can resell with the swipe of the finger. No need to upload photos, descriptions, sizes, categories, colours. This app is ideal for any of your Evess purchases that reach the end of their time with you, or for the ones you feel you don’t wear enough. Here is a summary of the wonderful new experience we’re providing all of our customers: Frictionless selling – Sync your Evess purchases straight to your wardrobe. – See product histories and follow the product's lifecycle for more trust and transparency. – Sell your items with the swipe of a finger. – Store unlimited items in your Continue Wardrobe and sell whenever you want. – Chat with other Continue buyers and sellers within the app. Easy purchasing – Browse pre-loved items as if you were buying new. – Secure in-app payments and buyer protection. – Order tracking throughout the product’s lifecycle. We believe that sustainability is everyone’s responsibility, and we are committed to doing our part (take a look here). Our partnership with Continue is just one of the many ways that we are working to reduce our environmental impact. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to working together towards a more sustainable future.
Learn moreGraduation Dress for Women: How to Choose a Suitable One?
Congrats, you did it! Graduating is by no means easy and requires plenty of hard work. A graduation ceremony is the culmination of all the blood, sweat and tears that went into your studies and therefore is an achievement worthy of celebration. And when it comes to the big day, graduation outfits for ladies will always be a significant aspect that demands both planning and execution. By this, we mean that it’s essential to look your best and be your most confident self on the day. So, here are a few tips and food for thought to ensure you feel fantastic on the day and are dressed to impress. Shop Graduation Gowns Now Make an Effort This goes without saying, but it’s always a good idea to make an effort when preparing your graduation attire. Your appearance on the day will live on for years in the photos being taken, whether they’re posted on social media or framed in your family home. So, you can either look back fondly or be horrified. The former is always nicer! There are many options for female graduation outfits and styles, and smart attire is a must — the same as an interview or a similar scenario. Shift dresses are one of the most popular choices, as they offer a comfortable, smart, and modest approach. However, midi dresses and floaty maxi dresses are really popular amongst graduates as they provide a more modern, elegant look. Express Yourself One of the best pieces of advice you can receive in life is to be yourself, and your choice of graduation attire is no different. Don’t feel pressured by endless Pinterest boards of cocktail dresses or people telling you what’s “in this season”. It’s crucial to feel comfortable on the day, both physically and mentally. For some, this means a dress and heels. Whereas for others, graduation suits for ladies offer a unique and stylish alternative. Regardless of your outfit choice, make sure it’s something YOU want to wear and allows you to express your personality. Of course, there are certain expectations that outfits will be smart for the occasion. But beyond this, there’s free reign to have fun with it. Solid colours are reliable but black, white, and red can affect photographs, so be careful. Additionally, you should consider the graduation gown and any colours it will feature. Ideally, you want to compliment these colours or make them stand out more (in a good way). Rather than wear contrasting colours that are simply a distraction. If you can find trendy graduation dresses that also complement the rest of your outfit, perfect! Keep the Weather in Mind There’s nothing worse than dressing up nice for a big occasion, only for a bout of awful weather to cause problems. And while a jacket and your graduation gown will help, it would be a shame for you to be underprepared for such a big day. For this reason, it’s a good idea to check the weather in advance and at least get an idea of what to expect. If your graduation is in the summer, you’ll have a lot more leeway with outfit choices. However, wintertime can prove to be more difficult. In this case, graduates tend to opt for warmer materials and more modest styles. Doing so ensures you’re always comfortable and warm, as posing for photos can be difficult if you’re busy shivering in the cold. Choose Footwear Wisely When discussing graduation outfits for ladies, one should never neglect the shoes! Footwear is often the downfall of an outfit, and not for aesthetic reasons. Many have fallen victim to finding a pair of shoes they love, only to discover they’re uncomfortable and unsuitable for a day where you’ll be standing around for prolonged periods. A graduation ceremony consists of lots of standing and walking around, so you must make sure your footwear choice is wise. If you have your eyes on a nice pair of heels, you need to purchase them sooner rather than later to break them in and get used to walking in them. This is why many people opt for flats, as it’s a much comfier solution and prevents the possibility of losing your balance when walking up to collect your diploma. Accessorise, But Not Too Much Accessories are a brilliant way to make an outfit more exciting and elegant, but they can also be somewhat distracting and clash with the classic aesthetic of graduation attire. Graduation caps and gowns are traditional attire that dates back centuries, and the addition of lots of jewellery and accessories can take away from this. Instead, take the time to identify a few accessories you’d like to wear in your graduation pictures and play around with some outfit ideas. This offers plenty of time to work out what suits you most and how you can complement what you’re wearing. As we said, there are many options for graduation outfits for ladies. So, take your time and experiment with a few ideas that offer a stylish yet classic look. Do you have an upcoming graduation and need suitable graduation attire and accessories? Evess is a leading supplier of academic apparel for graduates. Check out our online store or get in touch if you have any questions! Shop Graduation Gowns Now
Learn moreGradTag - A Technological Disruption in the Graduations Industry
According to a recent stat, there are around an estimated 36.4 million graduates and that number has been increasing year on year<1> . Each student should be having a ceremony that is worthy of their achievement but before Graduation Attire was started, too many students felt they spent more time in queues than they did celebrating with their families. It was this pain point that led to the idea of a technological solution we call GradTag. GradTag modifies the conventional graduation ceremony procedure to make it more convenient for both graduates and organisers. Read on the learn how. Gown Collections When it comes to graduation ceremonies, space can be limited so that there are only a handful of counters where hundreds of students come to collect their gowns and can lead to long queues can occur when not properly managed. So in order to save the students some time, we brought in the GradTag system. Before the students attend the graduation ceremony, we issue them a collection code that tells the Collections team what the student needs in terms of their gown, hood and hat. Whilst our team pulls their attire from the racks, the student will be registering their details into a tablet. Reason being, that hidden inside every gown is a microchip that gets scanned in order to link the specific gown with the information that was provided by the student. This system has greatly reduced the wait times of students all without compromising the dedicated service we give to every student. OnStage Photography Another issue we had observed, is that after the ceremony students would then swarm around a bulletin board trying to find a small polaroid of their onstage photo. We knew technology would provide a better solution for this, As the GradTag chip in the gown has the details of the assigned student we an use the details they gave us at registration to send a unique link directly to their email Instead of posting the images of all the graduates’ onstage moments on a bulletin board, which would have resulted in students swarming around it to choose their pictures, we used the GradTag system to send a link their pictures directly to their email addresses – sometimes before they’ve even sat back down! By clicking through to their own personal gallery they can either choose to download a digital copy or visit one of the kiosks we have on site, which uses the tag to bring their pictures open on the screen ready to be printed immediately. By giving students the option to view the photos in their own time they can focus on celebrating with their friends comparing each other’s photos. Gown Returns At the end of the day, students just want return their attire and go back out to the evening celebrations – not waiting with everyone else getting frustrated. Again, this is where our GradTag system has revolutionised the experience. By being able to scan the gown, it hardly takes 20 seconds for a student to return everything. Once the student hands over their cap and gown, we scan the embedded microchip and display the student’s information associated for confirmation they are free to return to their celebrations. The GradTag system has been successfully used at University of Northampton, The University of Law and many others and we can bring it to yours to help improve the graduate experience and leave a lasting impression of your institution. To know more about the GradTag system or to contact us about our graduation services, send us an email to info@evess.co <1> UK Graduate Statistics
Learn moreNursery Graduation Outfit: How to Prepare Your Child For Graduation Day
Nursery graduation ceremonies are a good way to enhance the fun and positive aspects of education for children with the celebration encouraging them to be more engaged with learning and using positive reinforcement to reward them. Nursery graduations are by nature less formal than university graduations but they do serve as a fun way for children to dress up and have a fun day out. Below, we’ve listed some tips on how to prepare your child for graduation day and get the most out of the ceremony. Shop Nursery Graduation Outfit The Importance of a Child’s Graduation Outfit A child’s graduation outfit doesn’t differ too much from the robes used in a university graduation ceremony though there is less history and formality behind them, instead being used as a way for children to experience some fun that can make education a more positive experience for children as they grow up. Graduation gowns for nursery still hold the same symbolism as for other graduation ceremonies however. For children, nursery graduation robes symbolise change as they start to progress through their graduation. The classic mortarboard cap also signifies success and achievement, helping the graduating children to feel like they can reach goals and inspire them to participate more enthusiastically in their primary studies as a result. Wearing the Nursery Graduation Gown and Cap When it comes to the nursery graduation ceremony, one of the most important things is for the child to be wearing their nursery graduation gown and cap correctly, enabling the ceremony to be as successful as possible. Graduation Gowns for Nursery If you’ve graduated from a college or university before, you’ll know the ins and outs of making sure a graduation gown is worn properly and it will be easy to make sure your child is fitted correctly as well. In university graduation ceremonies, it is expected that graduating students should wear formal attire beneath their gown. The rules are likely to be a bit more lax when it comes to nursery graduations. Make sure that when putting on the nursery graduation robes, the children’s arms go all the way through the sleeves or slits. Make sure that the robe is kept forward and doesn’t fall back. It will be simple to adjust if there’s a problem but it’s always best to have it forward and sitting straight on their shoulders. Many of our nursery graduation robes follow the American zip front style so you won’t have to worry about hanging the hood correctly and keeping the V-shape at the front of the hood hooked on a button to stop it riding back. If your child is not wearing a traditional child’s graduation outfit, all you have to do is zip up the gown and they’ll be ready for the ceremony. Children’s Graduation Cap Our graduation caps follow the traditional mortarboard design, regardless what the style of the nursery graduation robes is. The general rule for wearing a mortarboard graduation cap is to have it worn flat on the head so that the flat parts of the cap are parallel to the ground. Put the pointed tip of the cap to the front of your child’s head and make sure it’s firmly in place. There should be about an inch between the cap and your child’s eyebrows. It can be difficult to keep the cap in place over the course of the nursery graduation ceremony so to keep it on and avoid your children fiddling with it too much, you can secure it with hair clips or pins. As this is a nursery graduation ceremony, the side of the cap the tassel falls on doesn’t hold as much educational significance. If in doubt though, have your child wear the tassel on the right side. This is the same side that is used for graduations in undergraduate degrees, allowing you to more easily follow tradition. The Day of the Nursery Graduation Ceremony Before the day of the ceremony, make sure you’ve practised with your child how to put on their nursery graduation gown and cap. This will help the day of the ceremony to go a lot smoother, putting less stress on you and ensuring your child can have as much fun as possible. Don’t forget to take pictures of your child in their graduation gown and cap to keep the memories. If they are wearing their nursery graduation robes and their mortarboard cap correctly, the pictures will be something to look back on in pride. All that’s left to do now is sit back and enjoy the ceremony as your children collect their certificates. A nursery graduation is a good way to help prepare your child for the events and ceremonies they will need to attend in later life but it’s also important to make sure it remains fun and light-hearted for them. Preparing your child’s graduation outfit should be a fun activity to help you bond and develop their aspirations as they progress onto primary school. As nursery graduation ceremonies become a more significant part of UK culture, helping your child to wear their cap and gown correctly will go a long way to preparing them for their successful future. Shop Nursery Graduation Outfit
Learn more5 tips on How to Celebrate Graduation Day 2023
Graduating is a huge achievement and signifies a pivotal moment in anyone’s life. All the hard work has finally paid off, and you can enjoy a graduation day celebration with your friends and family. Studying, revising, and exams can be a daunting and stressful ordeal — so it’s safe to say that you and your friends deserve to let your hair down. And while many people view days such as this as another excuse to drink too much, we have a few ideas about making graduation day 2023 a memorable occasion. After all, you’ll want to be able to remember it. But that’s not to say you can’t enjoy a tipple or two! Shop Graduation Outfit How to Celebrate Graduation Day Celebrate However You Want to Celebrate The first and most crucial piece of advice we can offer is that there are no strict guidelines for how to celebrate graduation day. Every graduate is unique and should plan a graduation day that suits their needs, makes them happy, and creates fond memories. For some, this can entirely revolve around graduation ceremony ideas, whereas for others, it’s more about experiences beyond the actual ceremony. With that said, it’s essential to ensure you are prepared for the ceremony, which means you need the appropriate graduation attire. At Evess, we provide caps, gowns, and a range of accessories for graduates of all ages. Whether you’re graduating from university or any other stage of education, we’ve got you covered. Graduation Day Party The classic graduation day celebration idea, and with good reason. Although organising a party can be a handful, it provides the most straightforward and cost-effective solution. After all, no one is expecting a Gatsyby-esque extravaganza. Whether you’re planning an intimate get-together for friends and family or a larger-scale event, graduation parties are a fantastic opportunity for everyone to hang out and celebrate. After all, studying and exams can sometimes be very stressful and pressurised. A party not only signifies the end of a challenging yet rewarding period but also gives graduates a chance to let their hair down. Graduation Day Meal Another great idea is gathering a few friends together for a meal, a simple yet memorable graduation day celebration. Graduations tend to occur at varying times throughout the day, as there are many classes and areas of study to get through. So, depending on when your graduation is scheduled, you can book a meal to suit your specific timeframe. Graduation brunch has become a particular favourite amongst graduates as it helps settle everyone’s nerves and offers quality time before the big event. However, it might be best to avoid a ‘bottomless brunch’ as it’s never a good idea to arrive at your graduation a bit… wobbly. Save that for the party shenanigans! If you are somewhat pressed for time on the day, you can always plan the meal before your graduation ceremony. This does provide a few advantages as you’ll be socialising without the pressure of the big day and it’ll give people a chance to seek and offer advice. For example, people may need last-minute graduation gown ideas, advice about wearing the right shoes, etc. Plus, there’s no risk of someone ruining their graduation cap and gown by spilling food or drink on it — always a bonus! Take a Trip! While many people are very invested in the idea of a graduation party, some alternatives can be more memorable. A trip, for example. It doesn’t have to be anything too expensive or extravagant, just a short trip that suits everyone’s budget and ensures your graduation is celebrated in exciting fashion. Thankfully the restrictions and dangers of Covid-19 have eased significantly, and travelling, even abroad, is back on the cards. With that said, domestic trips are often a better bet as it’s more time and cost-effective. Getting away for a few days is also a fantastic way to refresh and clear your head after lots of hard work and dedication. For some, a trip with family members is preferable as many students study at universities away from home and don’t see family as frequently. Marking such a big occasion with those who love you the most is a very special way to commemorate the event while showing your appreciation for their support over the years. Special Events and Experiences (Spa Day, Concert, etc.) When people think of ways to celebrate graduation, many choose parties and similar graduation ceremony ideas. Instead, why not celebrate such a grand occasion with something more unique? This is a great way to optimise the experience to suit graduates’ specific needs and interests. For some, relaxation is a much-needed and truly beneficial idea, such as spa days and retreats. For others, attending an event such as a concert, play, exhibition, or something similar is the perfect option. Events such as these are great for enhancing the excitement and fulfillment that surrounds graduation. Although the build-up and ceremony are undoubtedly memorable in their own right, special events can be the cherry on top that ensures the day and night will never be forgotten. Many people find graduation a bittersweet moment as it’s the end of one chapter, but it opens the door for new opportunities and adventures. Therefore, it’s always crucial to recognise the importance of these occasions and the time you spend with those closest to you. Regardless of how you intend to celebrate your graduation, make sure it’s one to remember! Are you ready for graduation? Evess is a leading provider of graduation attire and accessories. We ensure you have everything you need to look the part and be fully prepared for such a special occasion. Check out our online store to find a range of graduation caps, gowns, accessories and more. Shop Graduation Outfit
Learn morePlus-Size Graduation Outfit Ideas
There are many things to prepare for in the build-up to a major event, especially those where you’ll be in the limelight, no matter how briefly. And when it comes to graduation, choosing attire is arguably the most critical element for graduates. After all, the day and their appearance will live on for years in photos on social media and displays in your family members’ homes. So, it’s always a good idea to ensure you’re happy with your outfit and feel comfortable on the day. However, this is easier said than done. Every person is unique and built differently, meaning it’s not always easy to find clothes that look great and fits you well. When looking for a plus-size graduation outfit, some graduates fear they’ll have to disregard style for a better fit. But this simply isn’t the case. So, let’s look at a few plus-size graduation outfit ideas. Shop Graduation Outfit Plus-Size Graduation Outfits for Men Gone are the days of plus-size individuals having to conduct thorough research into varying sizes and styles to fit their size and shape. Fashion has shifted in recent years and is much more inclusive of everyone’s needs when it comes to apparel. For men, pretty much every item and category of clothing has plus-size options. This means that putting together a plus-size graduation outfit is no longer a difficult task. Whether you want to wear a three-piece suit or a more casual get-up consisting of smart trousers and a shirt, you can find plus-size options to suit your needs. From trousers to shirts to waistcoats to blazers, you can pick and choose whatever you need or combine them all for a top-tier plus-size graduation outfit. In fact, many retailers, such as ASOS and BoohooMan, have specific collections for plus-size customers. Graduation Outfits for Plus-Size Ladies For many years, fashion was somewhat naive and ignorant towards plus-size consumers. This meant that larger people would have to opt for bigger sizes and styles they may not particularly like, which is crazy when you think about it. Fortunately, we no longer live in a world where ‘size zero’ is the standard, and plus-size consumers are now appropriately represented. Modern clothing design ensures women won’t be at the mercy of sizing when it comes to plus-size graduation outfit ideas. After all, it’s a day that you and your family want to look back on fondly, so it’s essential for you to look and feel your best. And this is entirely possible thanks to a vast array of plus-size graduation dresses and other outfits. Some go-to ideas are flowing Midi dresses, skater dresses, jumpsuits, and pantsuits – all of which are available in plus sizes and are designed for both style and comfort. Plus-size clothing is brilliant for events such as graduations, as it gives individuals more authority over their outfits and allows them to be creative and confident. Whether you want to make a statement with spots, floral designs, or maybe something a bit more classic and subtle, sizing is no longer an issue, so have fun with it! Do I Need a Plus-Size Cap and Gown? Graduation caps and gowns are iconic and have maintained their classic design and style. Typically, graduation gowns are sized depending on a person’s height. This is because gowns are designed to be larger-fitting, flowing, and comfortable – rather than fitted tightly according to a person’s measurements. Therefore, the critical measurement to consider is your height, as this is what defines the sizing. This not only makes it much easier to find the right size for you but also ensures that your graduation outfit ideas aren’t determined by your gown. At Evess, we sell a range of gowns to suit varying needs, such as bachelor’s and master’s graduation gowns. Our gowns are sized as follows: Size 42: 4’9”-4’11” Size 45: 5’0”-5’2” Size 48: 5’3”-5’5” Size 51: 5’6”-5’8” Size 54: 5’9” – 5’11” Size 57: 6’0” – 6’2” Size 60: 6’3” – 6’5” Size 63: 6’6” – 6’8” No graduation outfit is complete without a cap! We sell two versions of mortarboard caps, sized and elasticated. Our standard caps are small to extra-large (sizing ranges from 54cm to 61cm+). To determine your size, you’ll need to measure the circumference of your head with a tape measure. However, if you’re unsure about sizing or cannot measure your head, we have one-size-fits-all elasticated mortarboard caps. Do you have a graduation soon and need to prepare yourself with high-quality, comfortable graduate attire? Look no further than Evess, a leading provider of legal and graduation apparel — check out our online store! Shop Graduation Outfit
Learn moreWe’re Making 2023 The Year of Sustainability
After an amazing 2022 for the Evess Group we have already been thinking of ways to make 2023 even better. One way we’re going to achieve that is by making 2023 the Year of Sustainability Simply put, sustainability is an important aspect of our business. Part of our mission statement is to utilise “the technology advancements and environmental approaches alongside the traditional conventions to deliver experiences that rival those who have come before.” We already baked that early into our business by having our graduation gowns made from recycled plastic materials, saving approximately 30 plastic bottles from polluting the seas with every gown made. Additionally this year, we will be launching our first Barrister Gowns made out of this material, proving that our customers can change the world without compromising their ethics nor their professionalism. Furthermore, we ensure that we offset our carbon footprint in the manufacturing process as well, but keep tuned as we’ll have more to say about that in the future. Whilst we’ve already achieved so much in our quest for sustainable practices, we don’t want to stop there and are going to be creating a series of guides on how we achieve this for others to take inspiration from. We will be setting up an internal Team to plan and monitor our progress as we work towards ISO certification. You’ll be able to follow our progress on this in an upcoming blog series. These steps are only the start to achieving our goal of working to embed sustainability throughout our entire company and services. You can read more about sustainability goals on our website and you can keep track of our progress by following us on LinkedIn or joining our newsletter.
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