Ale, who is getting ready for his rite of passage, shares some style secrets to rock the academic regalia
I’m Graduating! Yes I’m Graduating!
Actually, by the time you read this I would have already graduated; but as I’m halfway through my pre-graduation checklist, I decided to share some tips.
As men, we have it easy because we are limited to two options – a suit or a dishdasha -and either way one colour will end up showing from under the graduation gown. However, I just want to point out that the footwear is VERY important; it shouldn’t clash with both the outfit and the gown. If you are wearing shoes, pay extra attention to the socks, because they will show and chances are the socks you got at a sports store aren’t the best choice for graduation.
Another tip that’s essential for both genders is to make sure that the shoes you wear have been ‘broken into’. New shoes are amazing, but chances are you’re walking on various types of flooring, and new shoes + anything that’s not a carpet = slipping.
Now, ladies might not have it as limited as men, but that makes it even more challenging. Do not wear short dresses – seriously, if your graduation gown is longer than your dress, you will look awkward, no matter how fabulous your shoes are. Keep in mind that this is only graduation; so, easy on the long, puffed out or tight fitting dresses. You should be able to walk, sit and breathe…preferably. Last but not least, make sure your outfits have pockets! Nothing is tackier than a guy holding his phone and wallet or struggling to find somewhere to put them when he’s walking up to take his certificate; the same applies to purses.
Last tip: HAVE FUN!
Ale Al Zadjali is a 24 year-old award-winning fashion designer; he is the brain behind the ‘Esque By Ale’ line of clothing.
