Wearing white for graduation, especially for women, comes from a tradition that started in the early 1900s. The color white became a symbol of new beginnings and formality. It stuck around Finding the Perfect Graduation Dress Blogs by Aria White Robes vs. Blue Robes: An Incomplete Representation The Express Wearing white for graduation, especially for women, comes from a tradition that started in the early 1900s. , The color white became a symbol of new beginnings and formality., It stuck around for What Should I Wear to My Graduation? The New York Times Confused by all those hood colours you see walking around campus during convocation? Here's a quick primer on which colour belongs to which faculty.