Wearing white dresses underneath graduation gowns is a longstanding tradition, but it is important to know the history and significance of the white dresses before you wear one to graduation.
Women at USC have taken part in this tradition for years as the school has seen generations of seniors come and go.
"I think it is definitely more of a tradition, just kind of like wearing white on your wedding day," said fourth-year retail student Chantz Wettstein, who works for Nordstrom. "It's kind of like an unspoken rule per se ... you don't really see other people not doing it."
The traditional white gown for graduation has been a tradition since around the 19th century at schools across the country. One of its purposes is to create a more uniform look, but white also represents a connection to suffragettes and is synonymous with innocence, purity and the beginning of something new, according to the University of Southern California.
Fashion trends have a direct correlation to events in history: creative and trendy clothing needs to work within the demands of society, according to Glenda Byers, a senior lecturer at the College of Charleston.
One such correlation between clothing and the rest of society was between the color white and wealth. White is a difficult color to keep clean, therefore it was associated with status because only the rich could manage the upkeep, Byers said.
While fashion started as a demonstration of socioeconomic status, it is now being used for self expression.
Today, people use their sense of style to express their personality, according to Byers.
A prime example of using fashion as a form of self-expression was during the COVID-19 pandemic. While a mask covered half of a person’s face, fashion was used to demonstrate one’s personality, said the USC Fashion Board's President Maya Jordan.
As well as a form of self-expression, fashion, especially during the pandemic, has a way of making connections with others, according to Jordan.
"Since you couldn't really see people's faces, fashion was a really good way to see 'oh that person has a similar fashion sense as me, we might get along,'" Jordan said. "Can connect people in ways we might not think about."
Differentiating the style of white dresses worn under graduation gowns is an opportunity for students to express their personalities while still sticking with tradition.
Wettstein said she is tempted to step outside the box and wear a nontraditional color to graduation. However, she is unsure as the tradition and history of wearing white seems too significant to overlook.
She also said that traditional white dresses can vary in in patterns and style.
“I would say strapless dresses, lace and the built-in belts has been super popular,” Wettstein said.
Wearing white underneath graduation gowns has a rich history, which prompts one to ask if girls wear their white dresses for the meaning, or to simply follow fashion trends and what they've seen from past graduating classes.
Knowing more about this tradition and history can amplify the meaning of graduation.
Graduation is already a major life event, but having the full background of what your fashion choice symbolizes creates an additional sense of meaning and purpose behind one's wardrobe choice.
With everyone wearing the identical cap and gown, having a unique dress underneath also displays a sense of personality. It is through this dress that women can appreciate the tradition of graduation while also having a form of self-expression through what lies under the gown, which is what fashion is focused on today.
While white graduation dresses are a longstanding tradition which will ideally continue; the future of commencement fashion trends are ultimately in the hands of the students.
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As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of historical clothing traditions, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intriguing subject of white dresses worn underneath graduation gowns. My expertise extends to the intricate relationship between fashion and societal dynamics, allowing me to provide valuable insights into the origins, significance, and evolution of this long-standing tradition.
The tradition of wearing white dresses underneath graduation gowns, as highlighted in the article, is deeply rooted in history. Dating back to the 19th century, this practice serves multiple purposes, including creating a uniform look and symbolizing qualities such as innocence, purity, and the commencement of something new. The article rightly points out that this tradition has been embraced by women at the University of Southern California (USC) for years, becoming an integral part of the graduation experience.
A crucial aspect of the tradition involves the symbolic connection to suffragettes, emphasizing the role of white as a representation of women's rights and equality. This historical link adds layers of meaning to the tradition, transcending its superficial aspects and contributing to a sense of shared identity among graduating women.
Moreover, the article draws attention to the correlation between fashion trends and historical events. Glenda Byers, a senior lecturer at the College of Charleston, rightly notes that fashion is not just a reflection of personal style but also a response to societal demands. The association between the color white and wealth, mentioned in the article, underscores the historical context in which fashion choices were often linked to socioeconomic status.
The evolution of fashion from a demonstration of status to a means of self-expression is a fascinating journey. Today, individuals use their sense of style to convey their personalities, as exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The USC Fashion Board's President, Maya Jordan, aptly describes how fashion became a tool for self-expression when facial features were partially concealed by masks. This underscores the dynamic nature of fashion as a medium for personal and societal expression.
The article also explores the idea of tradition versus individual expression, with graduating students contemplating whether to adhere to the traditional white dress or step outside the box with nontraditional colors. The variety in patterns and styles of traditional white dresses, as mentioned by fourth-year retail student Chantz Wettstein, highlights the scope for personal expression within the confines of tradition.
In conclusion, the tradition of wearing white dresses underneath graduation gowns is a rich and meaningful practice that has evolved over the years. Understanding its historical roots, symbolic connections, and the interplay between fashion and societal shifts adds depth to the experience of graduation. As students navigate the balance between tradition and personal expression, they contribute to the ongoing narrative of commencement fashion trends, shaping the future of this enduring tradition.
