College graduation calls for something a little more polished than a high school party. These 12 palettes work for grad photos, dinners, rooftop parties and announcements, from university-inspired combos to modern neutrals and champagne glam.
Black, white and gold
Timeless and matches most caps and gowns.
Ivy league crimson
Deep crimson and parchment; classic campus vibes.
Collegiate navy
Navy with old gold for a traditional university look.
Champagne celebration
Bubbly and refined for grad dinners and rooftop toasts.
Sage and gold
Fresh and modern; looks great with eucalyptus and balloons.
Burnt orange and white
Bold, Southern-campus energy; easy to match with school gear.
Forest and cream
Deep green with cream; feels academic and grounded.
Diploma blues
A gradient of blues for a calm, clean look.
Rose and burgundy
Romantic and rich; great for a dinner party.
Modern monochrome
Sleek grayscale that lets the photos shine.
Maize and blue
Bright yellow with deep navy; a popular campus combo.
Dusty purple and silver
Soft purple with silver; elegant for announcements.
Tap a color to copy its hex code. The pencil icon opens the palette in the editor so you can change it.
Coordinate with your school's official colors
Most universities publish exact hex codes in their brand guidelines. Use them for balloons, cake and signs, and add a neutral so the party looks refined rather than like a stadium.
Plan your grad photos
Choose an outfit under your gown in a color that complements the school colors. Bring a bouquet, champagne or a banner in your palette for photos on campus.
Make it feel grown-up
For a dinner or rooftop party, use cloth napkins, candles and fresh flowers in two palette colors. Skip the plastic tablecloths and go for a few quality details.
Most bachelor's gowns are black. Colors on hoods and cords show your field of study or honors, like gold for honors societies or white for arts and letters.
What should I wear under my graduation gown?
Light, breathable clothes in neutral or school colors work best. A dress or button-down shirt with comfortable shoes is a safe choice.