With Commencement right around the corner, many of you already know what you’re going to wear. Some of you may have planned your outfits months ago.

There is no official Commencement dress code, but for those who are still scrambling for the picture-perfect Commencement attire, here are some tips to help out. 

Commencement Dress DO’s:

Limit your bags. If you’re wearing a dress, try to find one with pockets. This will save you the hassle of carrying around a purse and going through bag check. You will have to take all of your belongings into line-up and to your seat for the ceremony, so bags, laptops, or tablets should be left at home.

Tell your guests to dress business casual. Although this dress code is not required, many guests like to dress up for this special day. Parents and alumni can be seen donning Tech colors and gear, and sometimes international guests can be found wearing their country’s traditional dress clothes.

Dress comfortably. You will be at McCamish for about three and a half hours. The event will be a combination of standing and sitting, so make sure you’re dressed comfortably enough for both. Those wearing pants should consider dark pants and shoes. Those planning to wear heels – consult the “don’t wear new shoes” section, and consider a low heel.

Just keep in mind that with whatever you choose to wear, these photos will be around for a while, so choose something you won’t mind seeing a few years down the road. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with white and gold.

Commencement Dress DON’Ts:

Don’t think that because you’re wearing a robe it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing underneath. Throughout the day you’ll be taking numerous photos with friends, attending graduation parties, and going out to eat with family. Plan your outfit knowing that the day doesn’t end with Commencement.

Don’t wear new shoes. Commencement is not the day to break in new shoes. Also on the topic of shoes, don’t wear high heels if you are not used to walking in them. On your walk across the stage you should be focusing on shaking hands with President G.P. “Bud” Peterson, not worrying about tripping.

Don’t spend too much time styling your hair. Keep in mind you’ll be wearing a graduation cap for a few hours. If you’re planning an elaborate hairstyle, try it out with your cap before graduation day to make sure that the cap still sits properly.

Don’t forget your regalia. Make sure you have your cap, gown, cords, and stole. There will not be extras at McCamish.

Other Commencement tips:

Set an alarm, especially for morning Commencement. Late students will not sit with their degree program and extremely late students may not get the chance to walk. Set your alarm and have a buddy system to make sure it goes off.

Stay hydrated and take a bathroom break while you’re in line-up. Once you’re on the floor, water and bathroom access will be limited. This week has been a long one with a mix of finals and graduation festivities, so make sure you’re well-rested and prepared to sit through the ceremony. There will be water coolers stationed throughout the line-up tunnel, but water bottles will not be allowed on the Commencement floor.

Plan in advance where you want to meet your family afterwards. Students are escorted out of McCamish, so it can get hectic as families leave the building and can’t find their graduate. Suggest a meeting spot beforehand, such as Fowler Street or the baseball stadium, so that you can reunite easily.

Most importantly, remember to enjoy the day and reminisce on all that you’ve achieved at Georgia Tech. Congratulations, class of 2015!

For more information about Commencement, including parking, maps, and ticket instructions, visit www.commencement.gatech.edu.