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It’s time–your time. You’ve spent years of your life sacrificing nights out, sanity, and probably good fashion. Don’t worry, though, because you are not alone. No one wears anything but sweats or pajamas to their 8am classes anyway (those early morning classes should be illegal). All the stress that comes with the school year is soon to be behind you now. Graduation is just weeks away, and you deserve to celebrate in style. We know planning graduation looks can be beyond stressful. It can be hard to even think of a place to find cute graduation outfit ideas!
Graduations are the only events harder to plan an outfit for than birthdays. Graduates and attendees are typically required to adhere to a specific dress code that varies for each school. Common requirements for graduates include no jeans, no dress longer than the gown, minimal jewelry, and shoes with backs. With all these rules, most graduating students find it easier to dress business casual. There are probably thousands of young students dreading the idea of wearing business casual in place of their true fashion sense.
This is understandable because graduation can be a momentous time of the year. So it’s important to feel confident and of course, be ready for all of the photos that will be taken. We promise there are ways to incorporate your individuality while staying within the relative bounds of your school’s graduation dress code. So, again what to wear for graduation?
We’ve gathered a few things to help you choose, and they’re all based on the latest fashion trends! In any one of these pieces, you’re guaranteed to strut across the stage just like Bella Hadid walks the runway! We’re here to help provide some graduation attire inspiration that will make you look great and feel great on this memorable day.
What Style Graduation Dress Should I Wear?
There are so many different types of dresses and outfits that you can wear underneath your gown. But here are a few of our favorites!
Pockets
Shop: Bodysuit | Cargo Pants | Chunky Heels | Arch Earrings | Handbag
Never underestimate the importance of the once-again trendy pockets, especially at graduation. After all, most schools do not let you take your purse with you doing the ceremony! You’ll definitely want a look that has a pocket–or several–to tuck away your necessities.
Who says you can't wear your favorite cargo pants just because it’s Graduation Day? This Y2K fashion can be easily made to look business casual and dressy enough for graduation ceremonies when paired with a bodysuit, statement earrings, and wedges that’ll give you heel height without the discomfort. After all, you’ll probably be walking nonstop throughout the day so you’ll need to be comfortable.
Image: Revolve
Sophia Belted Mini Dress
Superdown
A mini dress with pockets just may be the ideal graduation dress. I mean, it’s as cute as it is functional. You can hide gum, candy, and your cell phone in your pockets. Plus, this mini dress has a belt to snatch your waist.
Image: Lulus
Meet For Tea Bustier Midi Dress
Lulus
This pale yellow dress has a flattering silhouette that will make you reach for it over and over again during the warm months.
Image: Akira
Metallic Patchwork Skirt
Akira
This gold-coated patchwork skirt will make you feel like a walking bar of gold, and you deserve that feeling for this day.
Image: Reformation
Maggi Cargo Midi Skirt
REformation
Wearing a cargo skirt for graduation means that you’ve found a way to be business casual without compromising your personal style!
Asymmetrical Hems
Shop: Vest | Denim Maxi Skirt | Heels | Earrings | Bangles
The road to a degree is full of twists and turns. So why wear something clean-cut when you can wear something more symbolic–an uneven hem.
This jean skirt is a chic combination of several of 2023’s hottest trends: 2000s fashion, the midi skirt, and an asymmetric hem. It's a Y2K-inspired denim skirt with a split that will make your walk as easy as it is fashionable. And, just because you’re wearing a denim skirt, it doesn’t mean that your look has to be casual. This piece could be styled for a special graduation look with a sleeveless vest for springtime, cute heels, and ultra-cute jewelry, like a Y2K style bracelet for a fun grad look!
Image: Nordstrom
Floral Print Halter Neck Dress
Eliza J
This halter dress has all the makings of a classic graduation outfit: a floral print for spring, chiffon fabric, and ruffles. You’ll love how beautiful you’ll feel in this graduation dress!
Image: Showpo
Eureka Asymmetrical One Shoulder Set
Showpo
Make your shopping less stressful by buying a two-piece set. This black graduation outfit idea says you mean business and are ready to conquer the adult world.
Image: Nordstrom
Draped Long Sleeve Asymmetric co*cktail Dress
Addrianna Papell
This chic dress is the perfect graduation look to keep in your closet whenever you need to get dressed up.
Image: Urban Outfitters
Callix Ruched Cargo Midi Skirt
Urban Outfitters
What happens when a ruched skirt meets a cargo skirt? This midi skirt was born. And it's made for you–if you have earned your master's degree in grunge.
Relaxed Silhouette
Shop: Dress | Heels | Bracelet | Heart Earrings | Handbag
Our personal favorite thing about Gen-Z fashion is the pushback against needing form-fitting clothes to look appealing. Instead, young fashionistas have made loose-fitting clothes and relaxed silhouettes a stylish way to express confidence and individuality. This is a 2023 runway trend that is sure to make both you and your parents happy!
You can be a timeless bombshell for your graduation day–you already have the looks for it. This dress is elegant and vintage-inspired with a relaxed silhouette to boost your confidence. Kitten heels, simple jewelry, and a crossbody bag complete the outfit. The subtleness of this look will only maximize your natural beauty!
Image: Lulus
Cascading Crush Black Floral Tiered Dress
Lulus
This feminine dress is free-flowing and perfect for even after the graduation party!
Image: Boohoo
Printed Plisse High Neck Shift Dress
Boohoo
You’ll love twirling around with joy in this colorful dress. Its high neckline makes it an especially flattering dress for broad shoulders.
Image: Nordstrom
Halter Neck Jumpsuit
Julia Jordan
A jumpsuit with comfortable wide legs is the fit we need for all those hot summer months.
Image: Amazon
Eyes Print Sleeveless Dress
Choies
You deserve to wear something fun and attention-grabbing to celebrate your graduation, and this A-line dress puts the eye in eye-catching, literally!
Classic
There are so many fashion trends, but there is nothing wrong with an ultra classic graduation look. Think of collared tops, loose slacks, or a flowy dress. We suggest a comfortable midi dress, wedges perfect to walk in, and a small clutch easy to carry. Style the graduation look with simple, hug-hoops, a gold choker, and voila! This outfit is classic, and more importantly, easy to wear all day. It is picture-perfect, ready for all the photos you’ll be taking and comfy enough to wear to all parties and events after the graduation ceremony.
Image: Lulus
Paulina Bodycon Midi Dress
Lulus
Oh-so-simple, this dress will be in your closet for years to come (in any of the colors that it comes in, too!).
Image: Lulus
Loveliest Looks Tie Strap Dress
Lulus
We can’t get enough of the delicate floral pattern. Save this for after graduation if you have plans as a summer wedding guest.
Image: Lulus
Westwood Black Sheath Dress
Lulus
A little black dress might just be one of the most versatile clothing essentials to have in your wardrobe. We love the simple look—planning outfits as we speak!
Image: Lulus
Nicole Sweetheart Neck co*cktail Dress
Dress The Population
Cover your shoulders under your graduation gown during the ceremony for a modest look, and then remove it for a party-ready look in seconds.
What Color Should I Wear To A Graduation?
Once you’ve figured out what style of graduation outfit that you want to wear, now it’s time to choose a color!
Y2K Denim
You already knew this was coming, didn’t you? Y2K style has been the biggest resurgence trend for several years now. You might have even been sporting this nostalgic aesthetic this year while working hard for your degree! So it’s a must to embrace Y2K fashion during the commencement ceremony, too.
What can I say? Buying sets will save you time, stress, and money, too, when choosing your graduation outfit. This set may be a little more on the late ‘90s side than purely Y2K, but it’s still perfect for you if you have a flair for the classics or loved Clueless! You could make this inherently preppy two-piece set feel retro by adding chunky heeled boots, a big bracelet, flower earrings, and a resin bag.
Image: Nordstrom
Smocked Bodice Midi Dress
Tahari ASL
Denim doesn’t have to be a stiff, thick material. This dress will look great with espadrilles for summer.
Image: Reformation
Joanne Belted Denim Dress
Reformation
A sleeveless mini-dress is always the perfect summer dress. With some denim, it’s a Y2K style dress that you’ll grab attention in during your graduation celebrations
Image: Akira
Dinner Date Flare Maxi Dress
Akira
Be formal, but make it trendy. This denim maxi dress will make sure that all eyes are on you.
Image: Anthropologie
Sere Jumpsuit
En Saison
Not a fan of dresses? Why not take the denim graduation look another step with a jumpsuit in an unexpected twist!
Green
Shop: Jumpsuit | Flats | Necklace | Earrings | Chain Belt
Speaking of green, that just may be the color of Summer 2023–and we understand why. It’s vibrant, flattering on all, and symbolizes money and prosperity. If you’re still thinking of what to wear to a commencement ceremony, those are all the reasons why you should be wearing green on your big day!
Every soon-to-be graduate needs to at least try on a jumpsuit. There is a strong chance you’ll love it once you put it on. With the elegance of formal wear yet with the functionality of pants, this vivid green jumpsuit is all you’ll need to stand out. Although, it wouldn’t hurt to add some colorful jewelry for extra razzle-dazzle, flats for practicality, and a statement belt that highlights your personality.
Image: Nordstrom
Catalina Fit & Flare co*cktail Dress
Dress The Population
A classic co*cktail dress style with pockets. Consider us sold!
Image: Amazon
Pleated One Shoulder Party Dress
BTFBM
A long dress is the essential graduation dress that looks amazing on literally every figure. You’re sure to look effortlessly flawless in this co*cktail dress, especially with the simple tie belt highlighting your figure.
Image: Boohoo
Eyelet Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
Boohoo
This romantic dress has just the right amount of puffy sleeves. You will feel beautiful wearing it under your graduation gown without having that bulky or uncomfortable arm look poking out.
Image: Anthropologie
Pleated Cargo Skirt
Mare Mare x Anthropologie
A long skirt is the best base piece for any graduation outfit. This pleated skirt is guaranteed to make you stand out any way you style it!
Silver
Shop: Sequin Suit Set | Heels | Handbag | Earrings
One of our favorite 2023 fashion trends is all things sparkling silver! It feels like New Year's Eve all year long. That’s why this trend is the one you’ll love wearing for graduation. I mean, Graduation Day is basically the real New Year's Day anyhow.
A pantsuit is the right way to show off this sparkling trend. This eye-catching suit could be paired with clear heels to show off your graduation pedicure, simple statement jewelry (such as a long necklace), and a bag that glitters as bright as your future. You’ll truly be a shooting star walking across the stage!
Image: Neiman Marcus
Nadine Pleated Metallic Midi Dress
Dress The population
A shimmering option that will look just as good on the dance floor.
Image: Free People
Silvia Sweater Convertible Maxi Skirt
Free People
If you’ve been torn between wearing a skirt or a dress for your graduation day, there’s no need to stress. You can decide the morning of when you choose this maxi dress that can be pulled down into a long skirt and fit comfortably any way you style it!
Image: Showpo
Long Sleeve Sequin Mini Dress
Showpo
A true NYE feel, wearing this sequin dress is how you start fresh in style.
Image: Lulus
Turn Up Silver Metallic Jumpsuit
Lulus
A daring graduation ceremony dress, but also a striking after-party look, this cut-out jumpsuit will keep the spotlight on you no matter where you wear it
Wear The Tried-and-True Colors Under a Graduation Gown
Still not sure what to wear to your graduation this year? These colors will always be chic options that you likely already have in your closet. (And if not, it’s time to add one of these timeless pieces!)
Black & White (Or Just White)
If you would describe your closet as sensible, then black and white combination outfits might just be your favorite. And, a perfect combo to wear for graduation! This color combination flatters any skin tone and every body shape. There are hundreds of ways to style a black and white look for your special graduation outfit. Stay true to yourself and keep the look simple, yet no less eye-catching.
Image: Amazon
Colorblock Sheath Dress
VFSHOW
A flattering sheath dress, the colorblocking pattern accentuates your waist and can also be worn to any job interviews, too!
Image: Lulus
Simplicity and Sweetness Sleeveless Dress
Lulus
White dresses have always been a graduation staple and an undeniably chic look. It’s traditional, but new and just for you!
Image: Lulus
Rise To The Occasion Midi Wrap Dress
Lulus
Another white dress in a classic shape. Pair it with a bright pair of shoes.
Image: Lulus
Darling Daylily Floral Dress
Lulus
This vintage floral pattern gives off the most romantic vibes with just a touch of sass.
All Black
If you love a good all-black look, then you are in good company. Solid black seems to be the preferred color scheme of just about everyone. It’s said to be slimming, dramatic, and it can hide sweat stains easier (important to keep in mind on such a nerve-wracking day). Despite it just being one color, all-black ensembles are extremely versatile, so you should have no problem finding solid black looks that fit your unique style perfectly. Everyone needs a little black dress in their closet. Why not wear it for graduation? Be very minimalistic. Wear a chunky heeled shoe that’s comfortable enough to stand and walk in for hours. If you can’t live without accessories, add simple jewelry like a small pendant necklace and matching stud earrings for an extra touch of elegance.
Image: Nordstrom
Gloria Front Zip Sheath Dress
Dress The Population
For a chic, yet formal feeling dress, we love this simple option. Another versatile dress that can be worn to a variety of events or even the office.
Image: Lulus
Moment For Life Halter Jumpsuit
Lulus
The best part about a jumpsuit is that it does all of the work for you. Just pair it with your favorite accessories, and you’re ready to step out onto the town.
Image: Nordstrom
Faux Wrap Ruffle Long Sleeve Dress
Fraiche By J
A wrap dress is a flattering shape on all different body types and the long sleeves will make it easy to wear even as the weather gets colder.
Image: Nordstrom
Luna Lace co*cktail Dress
Kiyonna
We couldn’t leave a great lace dress off the list. Modest, yet with just the right amount of detail.
Fashion
Sielo Coleman
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