What to Wear to Graduation: The Case for a Leather Jacket

The Transition Piece

Graduation is a ritual. You enter as a student (hoodies, backpacks) and leave as an adult.
Purchasing a leather jacket for graduation is symbolic. It is your "armor" for the real world.

The Ceremony Look

You have to wear the gown. But underneath, wear a white shirt and tie.
The Move: As soon as the ceremony ends and the gown comes off for the family photos, throw on the leather jacket over the shirt and tie.
It creates the "Off-Duty Professional" look. It says, "I have a degree, but I still have a soul."

The After Party

You will be going to bars. You will be hugging friends. A suit jacket is too stiff. A leather jacket is durable. Spilled drinks wipe right off. You can dance in it. And 10 years from now, you will still be wearing it.