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What to Wear to a Campus Awards Ceremony

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

The end of the school year is an exciting time on the University of Illinois campus. The weather is finally warm, classes are almost done and there are tons of fun events going on to wrap up the end of the semester, like fraternity and sorority formals, barn dances and bar crawls galore.

But perhaps some of the most exciting events that take place at this time of year are campus awards ceremonies! They are a chance to acknowledge students for all of the hard work they do throughout the year. More often than not, these events are fancier than others, so it can be tough to figure out what to wear.

It doesn’t have to be, though! Here are three outfits to get your through all of your campus award show season needs!

1. Solid Short Dress and Statement Heels

 

After watching countless awards shows on television, you might be thinking you need a floor length gown for your event. However, the dressiest campus award ceremony you’ll probably find is semi-formal, meaning that a floor length gown is way over the top. Instead, opt for a knee-length or slightly above the knee dress.

More likely than not, you probably already have a dress from a formal or another event that could work perfectly for this occasion. Just make sure that it isn’t too short and that you aren’t showing too much skin. You want to look classy and cute, not like you’re ready to hit the bar afterwards!

A solid color is the probably the easiest thing to wear. It may sound boring, but that’s where the statement heels come in to save the day! Find something in a fun print, or a bright pop of color to give your outfit the excitement it needs! It’s the perfect way to add some fun to your outfit without going over the top and looking inappropriate. Finish off the outfit with subtle makeup, simple jewelry and metallic clutch and people will be wanting to award you for your fashion choices too!

2. Wide Leg Trousers and Blouse

 

This outfit is perfect for any awards show, no matter what the dress code because you can easily dress it up or down! Wide leg trousers are on trend right now given the huge ’70s revival we’ve seen in the fashion world as of late, so you’ll look chic and occasion appropriate. The key to styling wide leg trousers is to balance your outfit. Wide leg trousers have a ton of volume, so whatever you pair with them on top should be pretty fitted and simple to balance everything out.

If your campus award show is on the fancier side, look for dress trousers and pair them with heels. On the other hand, if your award show is on the casual side, pair your dress trousers with flats or possibly even sandals.

3. Jumpsuit and Statement Accessory

 

Another super versatile campus award ceremony outfit is a jumpsuit! Again, due to the ’70s being back in style, jumpsuits are available in every store. This means you’ll be able to find one as formal or as casual as you need. If you’re looking for something formal, opt for a solid color in a nicer material. Avoid cut outs, but do look for one with a unique neckline to add more interest to your outfit. If you need something more casual, a printed jumpsuit would be appropriate. Once you find the perfect jumpsuit, add a fun, statement accessory, whether that be earrings, a necklace or even a clutch and you’re ready for the show!

So stop stressing about what to wear and just enjoy the end of the year! These three outfit ideas are the perfect inspiration for any campus award show you may have coming up!

A senior at the University of Illinois, Elizabeth spends half of her time in denial of her impending graduation and the other half acting as Editor-in-Chief/ President/Campus Correspondent for the site you're on now, Her Campus Illinois. Her favorite color is pink, which makes this position a match made in heaven. Still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up, her passions lie in writing, digital marketing, social media and fashion. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram @champaigngirl. And if you prefer good, old fashioned email, reach her at elizabethdeuel@hercampus.com.