What to wear for a graduation photoshoot

By Mariya Harley · London · updated August 2026

What works for a graduation shoot specifically

Colour. Only the collar, roughly fifteen centimetres of leg and the shoes are visible under a gown, so those are the only decisions. A collar that sits cleanly under the hood does more than the rest of the outfit combined.

Fabric. Avoid anything bulky at the shoulder — gowns are cut narrow and a thick jacket underneath makes the whole thing sit badly.

Footwear. Walkable. Campus frames involve moving between buildings and every good graduation photograph is a five-minute walk from the marquee.

The thing that ruins frames. The cap worn flat and low, which shadows the eyes completely. Tilt it back a few centimetres and the face opens up.

Two rules that hold everywhere

• Steam it the night before — creases are the most expensive thing in any retouching bill and the cheapest to prevent.
• Bring options and decide on set, where you can see the light and the background rather than guessing at home.