I never went to my graduation so can't answer the dress question (DD was 6 weeks old and I lived in a different State to the ceremony). But in terms of gifts, could you get something related to the degree? When I graduated, I got a fob (nurses watch) with an inscription and a new stethoscope. A friend who did a business degree got a really nice pen with an inscription and a REALLY nice breifcase. Another friend got a wrist watch with an inscription.

HTH

MG