With the school year ending, planning what to wear underneath a graduation gown should not be stressful.

Being comfortable in what to wear is the main goal, but graduation is a perfect day to look your best and try out a new look.

Here are several fashion tips for the big day.

Guys

Tops: Polos are simple and always an easy answer. However, make sure to keep your shirt wrinkle-free no matter the style. If you are feeling dressier, pick a pastel colored or checkered dress shirt. Depending on the dress shirt and your entire ensemble, you will want to decide how many buttons to leave unbuttoned and also how high you want to cuff the sleeves. This only pertains if you decide to cuff your shirt at all.

Bottoms: Khaki shorts and dress pants go with any type of polo or dress shirt. If you want to change it up a little and don’t want to match with majority of the senior class, wear bright but cooler-toned bottoms. For shorts, a color like teal or periwinkle will no doubt set you aside from the other graduates. As for dress pants, the classic black or khaki colored pant are both safe calls.

Shoes: A pair of Sperry boat shoes go perfectly with polos and shorts. Also, a pair of oxfords can complement an outfit of that style. Any type of dress shoe is an obvious option for what to wear. Brown is a safe color that will look professional and clean in all settings. These kinds of shoes tend to be high in price, but are more than worth the money. Hence, you will find yourself wearing them frequently, and not only at graduation.

Accessories: A leather belt and a nice watch will add an extra touch that you need to look exceptional underneath your graduation gown. Be sure to match the leather band of the watch to the color leather of your shoes.

Girls

Dresses/Skirts: Avoid maxi dresses because wearing a dress longer than your gown will look odd. A right-above-the-knee dress with a cool pattern, in any color your heart desires, is a good decision. Personally, I think an off-white or bright color complements any body type or skin tone. The same guidelines work for skirts. They should be right above the knee and either solid or multi-colored.

Bottoms: If you are not a dress or skirt person, white jeans are your next best bet. Regular jeans are not dressy enough and it will be the middle of May, so avoiding pants all together would be a smart idea. Don’t forget to cuff the bottom of your pants about three inches to add a spring flare to your outfit.

Tops: Any blouse, tank or short sleeve will work with white jeans. Again, any color or pattern will make a statement with a pair of white jeans. As long as the top is made of a dressy material and is not extremely obnoxious, the outfit will work.

Shoes: Heels or flats? Whether you choose to wear jeans or a dress, heels will look good. Stick with wedges. They are easier to walk in especially when you will be walking all over the turf and grass at some point. Sandals are an option, too. A gold, black or brown sandal will complement any outfit. Try and stay away from white shoes. Don’t feel like you have to wear heels either, it is important to take all precautions if you want to avoid tripping while walking to get your diploma.

Accessories: Obviously, you cannot forget this step. Add Alex and Ani bracelets with a watch if you are into that. You can never go wrong with a beaded cuff bracelet as well. For your necklace, depending on the neckline of your dress or top, it is important to not go crazy, but add enough color and sparkle to make a statement. If your dress is very colorful and has a loud pattern, try to go on a more simple route. However, if the colors are solid and the top has a high neckline, I encourage you to wear a shorter, larger necklace that will add color and a eclectic vibe. If your dress or top has a lower neckline, go for a longer chained necklace. Rings are not always a necessity, but they can add a personal touch to the gown. This is similar with earrings, as studs are a better idea if you choose a bigger necklace and vice versa.