How to Look Great in Graduation Photos

Graduation is a momentous occasion that high schoolers and college grads alike anticipate for a long time. It can be a little nerve-wracking...

Graduation is a momentous occasion that high schoolers and college grads alike anticipate for a long time. It can be a little nerve-wracking, especially after tackling finals and saying goodbye to close friends and schoolmates. But it can also be a joyous day, filled with lots of hugs and photos.

And whether your graduation is in-person or virtual, you want to look your best. Want to know how to look great in graduation photos? We’ve got lots of tips and tricks to plan ahead so that you will look confident, secure and happy in each snapshot.

Showcase Confidence with a Clean-Looking Smile

Any photo looks better when you smile. So, leading up to your graduation, why not invest in a teeth whitening kit to achieve a brighter smile that you can flash as you accept your diploma and have photos taken? Since the day might be busy and you will be running on iced coffee, bring along a tooth stain eraser or a teeth whitening pen to touch up any stains.

Prepare Your Cap and Gown

Next to your confident, winning smile is your graduation cap and gown. Ideally, you should order your graduation ensemble early, allowing yourself time to ensure it fits correctly and to hem it if necessary.

Once it arrives, ensure it’s all there: the gown, cap, tassel and hood. Try it on and make sure it fits. The gown should be loose-fitting and its length should come to your knees at least. The cap is typically a universal size, but make sure it fits, too. There are clever tips to make it snugger, if not!

When graduation day arrives, you want to ensure the cap stays on correctly and doesn’t come off with a slight breeze. To look great in graduation photos, you want the mortarboard (the square piece) parallel to your shoulders. Once it’s in place, allow the tassel to dangle from the right side. When you graduate, you will ceremoniously flip it to the left.

If you have a particular hood color to reflect your degree or department, place it over your head or drape it across the shoulders and down the back of the gown, displaying the hood’s lining down to show off the color. Drape any honor cords over the left side of your gown and you’re all set for your graduation photos!

Beneath It All, Dress Comfortable and Stylish

After graduation, you and your family or friends might have plans to celebrate. So make sure to dress comfortably and stylish underneath your gown ensemble. As a general rule, neutrals and dark colors like blue or black blend nicely with your gown without sticking out. Since the robe will already appear a bit loose and bulky, consider a somewhat form-fitting outfit. Ladies can wear something flowy beneath, while guys can wear a suit coat with a tie.

If you have time to change, you can have a spare ensemble pressed and ready to go. But if not, make sure the garment you choose to wear beneath the gown has pockets so you can hold your keys, wallet, cell phone or other small items.

Last, but not least, wear comfortable shoes that you also wouldn’t mind showing off. Unlike the rest of your ensemble beneath the gown, your shoes are visible. So why not have a little fun with them, wearing something that will be seen as you walk across the stage in front of the entire school? Even if you’re graduating virtually, a pair of chic shoes will make you feel confident!

Choose a Hairstyle That Works with Your Cap

Make sure to choose a hairstyle that not only looks great but works well beneath your graduation cap. If you have long hair, think ponytails or side braids that keep your hair contained and offer a way to keep your neck cool on a hot day or in a cramped, stuffy gymnasium. If needed, use bobby pins to fasten the cap if the day is windy. If hairspray is needed, use a heat protectant spray and primer to keep it protected beneath the cap.

Not sure about a hairstyle? Peruse photos online to find the style you want and show it to your barber or whoever you trust to do your hair so they can see exactly what you are going for.

Apply Makeup to Frame the Face

Since the cap will draw attention and frame the face, and sometimes even cast a shadow, your makeup is essential. Add a touch of concealer beneath the eyes to combat dark circles that can sometimes come out of nowhere, thanks to the cap. And accentuate areas like the eyes and eyebrows.

Overall, avoid heavy makeup. It will only make your face look like it’s melting by the end of a warm day or from any nervous jitters you may have. A general rule suggests always stick to neutral-toned makeup with a classic style without going too crazy. However, if it represents a moment in time for you, apply that winged eyeliner in a bright blue hue or paint those nails matte black. You do you!

While it’s okay to be yourself, there’s still a bit of advice for eye makeup. Even if you choose a bright eyeshadow or eyeliner, stick to a more minimal look. Since graduation photos are usually taken during the day, you don’t need that thick smoky eyeliner this time. 

Paint your nails a day before graduation photos to prevent chipping. Choose something that represents you, or go with a neutral shade close to your nails’ natural color. When you hold up your diploma, your nails will be front and center, so take time to do them right! Even if it’s just a basic manicure to keep them groomed and clean-looking, you’ll be thrilled with the way your photos turn out – free of distracting unkempt nails. 

Accessorize with Earrings and Other Jewelry

Like makeup, a pair of earrings can also help to frame your face. Choose something simple to accent your gown and outfit beneath. Jewelry, in general, is a wonderful way to personalize your look and can even be a cherished gift that means something to you. You can even choose a special piece of jewelry that will remind you of the occasion forever.