Oh the lovely month of June. So many milestones occur during this wonderful month. Prom, Father’s Day, weddings, end of school and graduation. After 12 years of slaving away at school, the high school graduate is anxious for a little celebrating. If senioritis has not settled in, and your young adult is managing to stay focused until that long-awaited graduation ceremony, that’s reason enough to throw a party.

If you know a college graduate, hey, all the more reason to recognize a job well done. Here’s a person who clearly didn’t have enough fun in high school and went on to study for four (or more) years. This is a huge accomplishment and worthy of recognition.

For they party giver, I will devote another article next week. For now, however, let’s focus on the guest. Many people attending a graduation party don’t realize how really important it is for the graduate. The reason being, either you already graduated and don’t recall just how thrilling it was. Or you haven’t graduated yet and you can’t seem to relate. For both challenges, trust me, this is a big deal and the fact that you were invited is huge. So play the part of the gracious guest and be prepared to not just have some fun but to lavish the proper attention on the guest of honor.

So you’re attending the party. You’ve received an invitation, announcement of some sort or both. Hopefully the inviter remembered to give you a little insight as to the type of party you will be attending. If you are going to an outdoor bar-be-que, a cocktail dress is definitely out. Likewise those strappy high-heels might not do too well on grass and other outdoor areas. After all, can anyone really sparkle if they are wearing the wrong shoes? Keep this in mind when deciding what to wear. Sure everyone wants a nicely aerated lawn but using your expensive heels isn’t what your host had in mind.

For the outdoor get-together, gals can look great in a sundress and low wedge heels. You’ll also turn heads in a pressed pair of capris and cute top with flats. Guys, a polo shirt and Chinos always look great. And no, you cannot substitute a t-shirt with some obnoxious saying emblazoned across the chest. Save that for games with the guys. A graduate’s bbq does not mean cut offs and t-shirt. It’s not your party and it’s not about you and your comfort level. It’s about the graduate and the hosts.

If you are meeting at a restaurant for dinner and dessert, your shorts and flip flops are definitely not appropriate. Ladies can opt for a nice dress and heels. And remember a light wrap. Air conditioning does not mix well with a light June dress. Gentlemen, please go for the slack and a nice button down. It’s a look that can’t go wrong. You’ll look great and your host will appreciate it.

If you really have no clue what kind of backdrop will be supplied at this graduation event, simply call your host or hostess. Ask about the dress code expectations. And remember to not go overboard. You are a guest celebrating someone else’s achievements. If you outshine them, you’ll be the one everyone is talking about in the bathroom.