{"524121":{"#nid":"524121","#data":{"type":"news","title":"What Not to Wear: Commencement Edition\u2026and Other Tips For Your Graduation Day","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWith \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ECommencement\u003C\/a\u003E right around the corner, many of you already know what you\u2019re going to wear. Some of you may have planned your outfits months ago. Hopefully you\u0027ve at least taken your regalia out of the plastic to let the wrinkles fall out.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThere is no official Commencement dress code, but for those who are still scrambling for picture-perfect attire, here are some practical tips to help dress and prep for the big day.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESpring 2026 Commencement is a rain or shine event. Graduates and guests are advised to monitor the weather forecast and dress as needed. Each ceremony is expected to last between one to two and a half hours. For directions between venues throughout the weekend, \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/map.gatech.edu\/?id=82#!ct\/15646,74520,74521,74522,75326?s\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003Evisit the Georgia Tech map\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E.\u003C\/em\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu\/events-schedule\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESpring 2026 Commencement Ceremony Schedule\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommencement Dress DO\u2019s:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeave bags at home.\u003C\/strong\u003E If you must have a bag, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/clearbag\/\u0022\u003Emake it clear\u003C\/a\u003E. Commencement events at both Bobby Dodd Stadium and McCamish Pavilion are subject to the venue\u2019s clear bag policy. See the full policy at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/clearbag\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eramblinwreck.com\/clearbag\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETravel light. \u003C\/strong\u003EThis will save you the hassle of carrying a bag at all or leaving your bag at bag valet. If you\u2019re wearing a dress or skirt, try to find one with pockets to carry small items such as keys or your phone.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDress comfortably.\u003C\/strong\u003E You may be at the event for up to three and a half hours. The event will be a combination of standing and sitting, so make sure you\u2019re dressed comfortably enough for both. Consider light layers depending on the weather \u2014 a coat may be bulky, but if your ceremony is outdoors, you will want to stay warm. Hand warmers are also a good idea.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBachelor\u2019s and Ph.D. graduates will process in front of the stage as their names are called, so be sure you can walk in your shoes. If you\u2019re wearing pants, consider lighter colors to contrast with your regalia. If you\u2019re planning to wear heels, consult the \u201cdon\u2019t wear new shoes\u201d section, and consider a low heel (and that you\u2019ll be walking on uneven turf or flooring).\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESuggest that your guests dress business casual. \u003C\/strong\u003EAlthough there is no dress code, many guests like to dress up for this special day. Parents and alumni can often be seen donning Tech colors and gear, and sometimes international guests wear their country\u2019s traditional dress clothes. Tell them about the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ramblinwreck.com\/clearbag.\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eclear bag entry policy\u003C\/a\u003E so they, too, can plan accordingly.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhatever you choose to wear, the photos you take will be around for a while, so pick something you won\u2019t mind seeing a few years down the road. When in doubt, you can\u2019t go wrong with white and gold.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommencement Dress DON\u2019Ts:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDon\u2019t think that because you\u2019re wearing a robe it doesn\u2019t matter what you\u2019re wearing underneath.\u003C\/strong\u003E Throughout the day you\u2019ll be taking numerous photos, and you may at some point want to take off your regalia.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDon\u2019t wear new shoes.\u003C\/strong\u003E Commencement is not the day to break in new shoes. Another tip: Don\u2019t wear high heels if you are not used to walking in them. On your walk across the stage you should be focusing on the moment you\u2019ve been waiting for during the past four (or five) years, not worrying about tripping.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDon\u2019t spend too much time styling your hair.\u003C\/strong\u003E Keep in mind you\u2019ll be wearing a graduation cap for a few hours. If you\u2019re planning an elaborate hairstyle, try it out with your cap before graduation day to make sure that the cap still sits properly.\u0026nbsp;Bobby pins can help to secure your cap if it feels loose.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDon\u2019t make your mortar board too epic\u003C\/strong\u003E. Remember that someone has to sit behind you, and if you adorn your cap with anything 3D, try to keep it no more than an inch or two off the board.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDon\u2019t forget your regalia. \u003C\/strong\u003EMake sure you have your cap, gown, tassel, cords, and stole (and hood, for graduate students). There will not be extras at the venue, and regalia is required for participating in Commencement. And, don\u2019t wait until Commencement day to unwrap it. Take it out of the plastic, make sure you have it all, and hang it up to let some of the wrinkles fall out. If you\u2019re feeling ambitious, give it a steam.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EOther Commencement Tips:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESet an alarm, especially for morning ceremonies\u003C\/strong\u003E. Doors will open one hour before the start of the ceremony. Graduates should report to the venue 45 minutes prior to ceremony start. Set your alarm and have a buddy system to make sure you wake up. (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu\/events-schedule\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ESee the full Commencement schedule\u003C\/a\u003E).\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECharge your phone\u003C\/strong\u003E. Bachelor\u2019s and Ph.D. graduates will scan a virtual name card (StagePass) as they walk to the stage to have their names called, and you will want to find family members after the ceremony. Master\u2019s graduates will scan their StagePass during their college ceremony. Bring a phone with a full charge. Pro tip: take a screen shot of your StagePass before you arrive. Better yet, print your StagePass and never worry about your phone\u2019s battery life. (\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9HE6xUoiMb8\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ELearn more about how StagePass works\u003C\/a\u003E)\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStay hydrated and take a bathroom break before you arrive. \u003C\/strong\u003ETry to be well-rested, fed, hydrated, and prepared to sit through the ceremony.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPlan in advance where to meet your guests after the ceremony.\u003C\/strong\u003E For bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s graduates, there is no formal processional in or out of the venue. Suggest a specific meeting spot beforehand, ideally a bit away from the venue, to ensure you are not lost in the crowd and can find family members to reunite easily.\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESend your guests parking information.\u003C\/strong\u003E Note available parking areas at \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu\/venue-parking\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ecommencement.gatech.edu\/venue-parking\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost importantly, remember to enjoy the day and reflect on all that you\u2019ve achieved at Georgia Tech. Congratulations, graduates!\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EFor those still scrambling for the picture-perfect Commencement attire, here are some helpful tips.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"For those who are still scrambling for the picture-perfect Commencement attire, here are some tips to help out."}],"uid":"27469","created_gmt":"2017-04-25 18:16:10","changed_gmt":"2026-04-13 15:25:16","author":"Kristen Bailey","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-13T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"related_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu\/","title":"Commencement Website"},{"url":"https:\/\/commencement.gatech.edu\/venue-information","title":"Venue Information"}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"}],"categories":[{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"627","name":"commencement"},{"id":"629","name":"graduation"},{"id":"167378","name":"special events"},{"id":"166847","name":"students"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:kristen.bailey@comm.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EKristen Bailey\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESpecial Events\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:events@comm.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Eevents@comm.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}