When dressing to attend a College or High School graduation ceremony, keep in mind that after a great investment of time and energy, you will see graduates receive degrees or diplomas and other recognition. It’s a festive but serious occasion and you want to show up dressed appropriately.

This generally means a sleeker look elevated above regular streetwear, such as professional or at least business casual pieces – avoid things like jeans, shorts and sneakers.

Context is important, so consider the setting of the event, the time of year, cultural norms, and any traditions a particular school may have when putting together an outfit.

Dress for the season: the weather is usually warmer in the spring when most graduations take place, although it can be chilly. The place and location of the graduation can also be a factor in what you wear. Theaters and basketball arenas have different considerations, as do football fields, gardens and other outdoor spaces.

Garments made of medium or light fabrics are more comfortable in stadiums under the steamy sun, for example, while heavier fabrics or multiple layers may feel better in an air-conditioned theater.

The intention is to look appropriate as well as be comfortable, with the understanding that comfort is a function of quality, season-appropriate fabrics and the right fit.

Despite the continuing trend toward more casual dress in most settings, graduations in the United States are still a time for business attire, or at least smart business casual. This shows respect for the event’s importance as an educational and personal milestone, marked by formal gowns for graduates and—at the college level—similarly formal academic finery for faculty and administrators.

Although graduations are usually less formal than college commencements, high school graduations are still on the dressier side due to the traditional caps and gowns of graduates and the professional attire of administrators.

Although uncommon, some schools, such as private or wealthier schools – prep schools, military academy and The Ivy League institutions – may have even more formal dress codes or traditions. These are usually unscripted and may require some proactive questioning, but a taller, more polished look is expected. It wouldn’t hurt to contact the school if you suspect this might be the case.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: It’s better to dress up than under.

Here are some examples of looks that are too casual to wear to prom:

Business suit with jacket over trousers or skirt

Dress with or without a complementary jacket

Skirt with sweater twinset or blouse

Dresses in a neutral, printed or trendy color

A suit and shirt with or without a tie

Sport coat or jacket with shirt and trousers

Sweater with shirt, tie and trousers

Khaki dress with shirt and sports coat or jacket

Graduates will be seen in gowns, but it still depends on what they wear underneath. The key is not to overdress as these gowns tend to be notoriously warm.

Winning options for women are dresses, jumpsuits, skirts and blouses, or a nice top over pants. High hems and plunging necklines can be reserved for a less serious occasion. Sandals are fine – opt for strappy heels or flat gladiator or embellished styles rather than flip-flops.

For men, dress pants, long-sleeved shirts and dress shoes are simple and perfectly appropriate. A tie can be a nice accessory. If you decide to wear a suit, ask someone to hold your jacket until you’re out of your robe so you’re more comfortable. Skip polo shirts, luxe-style t-shirts (because it’s still a t-shirt), sneakers, work-soled shoes, and the no-socks look.

What should children wear?

Think about clothes that reflect what the parents wear. Although children are often impatient for dressier clothes, especially young children, they can probably stand being dressed to impress for several hours. Skirts and dresses are suitable for girls, as are jumpsuits that can be upgraded with a cute sweater or jacket. Meanwhile, the difficulty of getting boys into suits gave way to a suitable alternative – trousers and a button-down shirt and a jacket or tie.

Are some graduations more elegant than others?

Yes. In general, college commencements are more formal than high school graduations, which means something for clothing. Many colleges and larger universities have multiple graduations that vary in size, especially for doctorate and other advanced study programs such as medical and law schools. The smaller the gathering and the higher your credentials, the better you dress.

If the ceremony is outdoors, a hat can provide protection from the blazing sun. Just make sure it’s not so big that it blocks the view of guests sitting near you. A man who wears a graduation hat should take it off when going inside.

What about wearing school colors or school branded clothing?

Both are great ways to recognize the institution while recognizing alumni. The brand’s options are plentiful, with options suitable for a variety of occasions, from a lapel pin to a scarf or a tufted jacket.

School colors can be simpler. For example, if the school colors are navy and white, consider a navy suit and white shirt – or vice versa – or a blue or white dress with a scarf or purse and shoes in a different color. Clothing that includes both colors can look tasteful and understated.

Caution: Exercise sparingly. After all, you don’t want to look like a walking rack of merchandise from a gift shop or someone who has been smeared with two buckets of paint.