What to wear with your gowns
A celebration of years of hard work and dedication, graduation is your time to shine. Many graduates want to dress up for the occasion, donning their best formal attire underneath their Nottingham gown but it’s also important to us that you feel comfortable too. Below is a quick guide as to what is appropriate and encouraged.
Dress code
Graduation is a formal event, and we ask for all graduating students and guests to dress smartly. Graduation gowns have an open front and do not cover the full arm, so you may want to consider this when you're planning what to wear. You can wear what you feel fits your gender identity and expression best, as long as it is 'smart attire'. Denim, t-shirts, trainers, flip-flops and other items of casual clothing are not appropriate for graduation events. Guests are also expected to dress smartly for the occasion.
Footwear
It is important for both graduating students and guests to wear comfortable shoes on the day, as there is usually a lot of walking involved. Some car parks and public transport stops can be a 15-minute walk away from the graduation venue.
National dress
We welcome graduating students and guests to wear national dress as a way of celebrating diversity and cultural heritage. If you would like to wear national dress, we encourage you to do so, but please make sure it is appropriate for a formal event.
Wheelchair user
The university's official supplier, Ede and Ravenscroft, can provide shorter gowns if you would prefer.
Once you have ordered your gown, get in touch with Ede and Ravenscroft providing your name, student ID number, and student email address, and they will arrange for a shorter gown to be delivered to your home address at no additional cost. You can then choose whether to arrive in your gown, or you can bring your gown with you and the gowning team can assist you before your ceremony.
Visit our accessibility and support page for additional information.