May 9, 2025
What to Wear (and Gift) After the Cap Comes Off
Whether you’re the one turning the tassel or celebrating someone else’s launch into adulting, here’s your cheat sheet for stylish, smart gifts that’ll make the leap into the real world a little more polished.
The day has come — graduation day is here. The moment that diploma hits your hands, you’re officially kissing all-nighters in the library goodbye, bidding farewell to surviving on fast food, and bracing yourself for the plunge into the so-called “real world.” Whether you’re the one wearing the cap and gown or you’re celebrating someone else’s leap (no, not The Graduate starring Dustin Hoffman), you’ll need a few things that don’t require a WiFi connection to be useful.
Cash? Always a strong yes. It was, is, and forever will be king. A plane ticket is a generous move — just pray they didn’t blow their budget studying abroad last semester. A pen? Classic. Once considered a lucky charm for signing that first paycheck… but let’s be honest, everything’s digital now. That opens the door to more practical (and stylish) gifts — think suits, crisp dress shirts, ties, and a proper travel bag.
So whether you’ve already got a job lined up, are navigating the interview gauntlet, or just frantically Googled “graduation gifts that don’t suck,” we’ve rounded up a few smart picks below to get you — or them — started on the right foot.
The Suit Situation
Some folks don’t get their first suit until graduation — usually right before walking across a stage and into student loan repayment. Our Dearborn Linen Oatmeal Double Breasted Jacket and matching Pants are 100% linen, 100% summer-ready, and a sharp choice for everything from rooftop receptions to sweltering weddings.
Worn together, the suit makes a striking statement. But don’t be afraid to break it up — this isn’t high school prom. Pair the blazer with a polo and jeans for a laid-back vibe, or rock the pants with a lightweight chambray shirt and sweater. The real magic? Its versatility. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Shirts That Show Up
Post-graduation, you’ll quickly realize that your father’s old dress shirts just won’t cut it. Suddenly, collar types matter, fit is a thing, and yes — you’ll need more than one. Save yourself the daily debate and buy a few in bulk, especially if you’re headed into a traditional office setting.
Our Textured Solid Non-Iron Dress Shirt is exactly the kind of reliable wingman your suit needs. It’s sharp, crisp, and non-iron — ideal for business trips where you barely have time to iron out your schedule, let alone your clothes.
If you’re just getting started, stick with the classics: white and blue. But if you’re ready to level up your shirt game, throw in a few colors — for the love of the grind and the glory.
Polo Playbook
A ribbed sweater polo — whether it’s a classic or a full-placket number — will give your future office style the break it deserves and make casual Fridays feel less like a corporate cry for help. Pair one with jeans and a blazer or chinos and a denim jacket; either way, you’ll look sharp while giving your chest and biceps the subtle spotlight they crave. There’s a reason the polo is a perennial staple in most guys’ closets — and it definitely isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Ties with Purpose
The only time you’ve worn a tie was probably for a banquet, a dance, or some other event your mom had to bribe you to attend. But out here in the “real world,” this little accessory is kind of a superhero. Wear it to an important meeting? Boom — deal closed. Rock it on a first date? Odds are, you’ll land a second. You get the idea. And now that you’re officially an alum, go ahead and show a little school spirit with your tie — let the world know exactly where your student loan payments are headed.
The Upgrade Bag
You can’t keep dragging that poor sports bag to the office or on trips — it’s clearly on its ninth life since eighth grade. And lugging around both a duffle and a garment bag? That’s a logistical nightmare. Halfday has the solution: a sleek duffle with a built-in garment bag, so you can hit the gym and show up to work wrinkle-free. It holds a ton, keeps your dress clothes crisp, and makes you look like you actually have your life together. Honestly, every new hire should get one of these on day one — it’s that clutch.
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