7 Do’s and Don’ts for Graduation Photos So You Actually Love How You Look

Graduation photos are a big deal. They’re going on your family’s fridge, your Instagram feed, and maybe even your first job application. So yes, the pressure is real—but stressing over what to wear? Not the vibe.

Your gown isn’t exactly doing you any favors—it hides most of your outfit and flattens your hair. So, planning your look ahead of time is a smart move. Whether you’re doing cap-and-gown shots, outdoor golden hour pics, or full-on outfit changes, these 7 tips will make sure you look polished, confident, and most importantly—like yourself.

LookSky is an AI personal stylist and shopper in one, helping you to take the guesswork out of style. It’ll match you with the most flattering pieces based on your color season,  body shape, facial features, preferences and more. Basically? It’s like doing an outfit quiz—but your results are shoppable.

❌ DON’T: Default to White Just Because It’s “Tradition”

Yes, everyone wears white—but that doesn’t mean you have to. If white isn’t in your color season, it can wash you out, clash with your undertones, or make your skin look dull on camera.

Better options based on your season:

• Cool tones (Summer/Winter): icy white, lavender, soft blue

• Warm tones (Spring/Autumn): ivory, butter yellow, blush, sage

LookSky Pro Tip: Don't know your color season? LookSky has a color season analysis tool built right in the app. The best part? It's FREE. Skip the guesswork. Just upload a photo. We'll tell you what your color season is. Then, shop the best hues for your skin tone.

❌ DON’T: Wear Tops That Disappear Under Your Gown

Since the gown covers everything below the chest, your neckline becomes everything. It’s what shows up in your close-up shots, cap-and-gown portraits, and family photos.

Go for:

• Square neck

• Sweetheart

• Strapless or halter (bonus: no weird strap lines)

• Off-the-shoulder with clean lines

Use this Fit Finder Prompt: :  Ask Skylar, 'Find me a pink mini dress that flatters my skin tone in a halter neckline' or 'Find me a white graduation dress that flatters my skin tone with sweetheart neckline.'

❌ DON’T: Wear Anything That Needs Constant Fixing

You’ll be sitting, walking, hugging, posing—and maybe even dancing. If your dress rides up, wrinkles easily, or makes you feel restricted, you’ll spend more time adjusting than celebrating.

Try these instead:

• Structured mini dresses with a hint of stretch that don’t shift

• Two-piece sets with a secure waistband

• A-line shapes that flatter and move well

• Do: wrinkle-resistent fabrics, fabrics with a hint of stretch, fabrics with a tiny bit of synethic to repel wrinkles.

• Avoid: Pure silk, linen, pure cotton

Use this Fit Finder Prompt: Ask Skylar to find, 'Structured white dress with stretch that flatters your hourglass shape'

❌ DON’T: Assume It’ll Just... Work

Grad caps are the ultimate hair ruiner. They flatten curls, mess up volume, and somehow never sit straight. Don’t wait until shoot day to figure it out.

Smart styles:

• Sleek straight or softly waved

• Low ponytail or low bun

• Half-up with pinned sections for volume

LookSky Pro tip: Use a trial day to do your hair and make an outfit run-through—pose in front of the mirror, toss on the gown, sit and stand, then snap a few pics to spot what’s working (and what’s not).

❌ DON’T: Pile It On Just to “Elevate the Look”

The gown already adds volume and visual noise. Layering on big jewelry, flashy prints, or multiple trends can make your final photos feel cluttered and chaotic.

Stick to:

• One statement piece (like earrings or a bold bag—not both)

• Neutral heels or soft metallics

• Dainty gold or pearl accents

LookSky Pro Tip: Use LookSky to virtually try on your favorite looks—then ask Skylar for her accessory advice to pull it all together.

❌ DON’T: Choose Shoes You Can’t Move In

Even if your feet aren’t in every photo, you will be walking across a stage, maybe across campus, and definitely posing with friends. Skip anything you wouldn’t wear for more than 10 minutes.

Better options:

• Block heels

• Low platform sandals

• Sleek pointed flats or loafers

❌ DON’T: Just Show Up and Hope for the Best

You don’t need a shot list, but it helps to know your angles. Try 2–3 poses that feel like you, and plan one easy outfit adjustment—like removing a blazer or tossing your cap—for variety.

• Holding your cap instead of wearing it

• Sitting with crossed legs and gown draped

• Gown open to show the full outfit underneath

The best grad photos aren’t the most posed—they’re the ones where you feel confident, cute, and like your most elevated self. Whether you're wearing a classic white dress or a bold sage green blazer set, it's your day. Make it yours.

Let your personal stylist (aka LookSky) help you take the stress out of dressing—so you can focus on the fun part.

LookSky is your personal stylist in your pocket. Ask Skylar, your personal stylist and shopper to recommend outfit recs based on your color season, body shape, and aesthetic—so you look amazing under the gown and after.