Taking Stoll in a proper way

Academic robe is an inseparable part during the graduation ceremony. This attire consists of various elements like a gown with hood, cap, tassel, cord and stole. These components complete the academic robe. Not all the academic regalia can have stoles clubbed in the dressing. However, those who want to add stole with their caps and gowns for graduation can follow this small guide.

A stole is a piece of cloth worn over the gown during the graduation convocation ceremony. The tradition of wearing stoles came about since ancient times. This ritual dates back to the medieval times. At that time, wearing stoles and chords was a prestige and this style was followed by priests and professors. Later on, stole became an important part of the robes worn by the people from academic field. Now-a-days, stoles are also treated as a fashion accessory amongst the students. Whatever may be the reason to wear it, stoles look smart and elegant with the gown without any doubt.

Generally, stoles can be purchased from the store selling caps and gowns for graduation. If you are willing to save some bucks, then you can even buy the stoles from a cap and gown sale. It is very easy to make a stole to match with your academic regalia. A stole is made by stitching two pieces of cloth together.

For this, first select the fabric you want the stole made from. Cut two pieces of equal length and width from this fabric. Then cut both ends of these pieces making them look pointed like a tie. Keep one piece over the other and stitch them together from all sides. Once it is done, you can decorate it using your creativity. Such stole is draped around the neck and shoulder and suspended from the front of the gown.

You can choose any color for the stole. However, the color of the stole often represents your school or university. Hence it can bear only the color of your dress code. Stoles sometimes symbolize the degree of achievement or your discipline. Hence choose the color accordingly. However, you can personalize your stole by embroidering it with attractive designs and symbols. The symbol of your college can also be embroidered on the ends of the stole. The most sought after symbols are Greek letters of sorority, birds like hawks, flowers and numbers.

Graduation ceremonies are the events when you can show off your stoles. Once these events get over, you can use the stoles at other occasions as well. Satin stoles beautified with embroidery, beads and colorful designs can be clubbed with casual dressing. If the stole carried heavy embroidery work you can even use it in a party. Wrap them around the neck or hang them on single shoulder, in both ways stoles look pretty on any outfit.

Doctoral cap & gown is not something to experiment with. If you think that the Stoll will look good and sober then simply go ahead with it. Otherwise just wear a doctoral gown and a cap and be ready for the graduation ceremony.