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Last updated 5 months ago.
Graduation is a huge milestone that you’ve worked hard to achieve. This big day is much more than what’s written on paper. It’s about celebrating a personal achievement that you’ve spent years moving towards. The big event usually includes a cap and gown ceremony. You may also be attending a party your family or friends hold afterward. Whatever the plan is, you want to look the part in a gorgeous graduation dress.
Be it a high school or college graduation event; the dress code remains the same – a semi-formal dress is usually the most appropriate option. That means anything from short to a midi length – a floor-length gown being too formal. A very short mini-dress is also probably not appropriate.
It can be hard to know what to wear to your graduation ceremony. You want a dress that looks great in photos, works for any party and is comfortable with the cap and gown you need to wear.
With those points in mind, we’ve put together our favorite grad dresses for the occasion. These stylish designs are fashionable, unique, and perfect for graduation.
Blush Scuba One Shoulder Tea Length Cocktail Dress 1306
Tea-length – falling just below the knee – is a great choice for a graduation dress. A short style may look too much like you’re ready to hit the club, and the slightly longer length adds a sophisticated edge. This gorgeous blush piece is quite minimal and simple, but not without details that make it pop.
We love the light pink blush shade and the streamlined one-shoulder cut. Add the statement shoulder ruffle and neckline, and this piece is hard to beat.
It will look beautiful, teamed up with strappy sandals or heels, natural makeup, and a loose or a half-up hairdo. You can show off your curves without being too sexy and take the chance to highlight your own beauty. This scuba dress will team comfortably with your cap and gown and look great in photos on its own too.
Ivory Fit and Flare Boat Neckline Cocktail Dress 3318
White is a popular color choice for graduation, as it’s a traditionally worn shade for these ceremonies. That doesn’t mean you have to pick a white dress – these days, it’s common to pick any color you like, but it can make for a classic and chic choice.
This gorgeous fit and flare option is a simple white design with a low boat neck that shows off your shoulders but also includes three-quarter length sleeves and a fitted bodice. The flared skirt drops below the knee, making it a great length and flowy style for your ceremony.
We love an A-line silhouette; this piece is about getting the perfect fit. It will draw attention to your waist and highlights some flattering elements without being too flashy.
If you want to add a touch of color or sparkle, you can dress this up with bold or bright accessories. You can keep it muted with black or nude heels and a clutch.
Rose Gold Fit and Flare Sleeveless Pleated Short Dress 4664
If you want to add a glamorous edge to your graduation, we recommend this shimmering rose gold short dress. It’s perfectly appropriate for your cap and gown ceremony, with a high sleeveless neck, belted and beaded waist, and flared skirt.
If you’re a petite girl, midi or tea-length dresses can be harder to find in a style that flatters your shape. Going for a dress that falls just above the knee adds balance and elongates your legs. This design is the perfect choice in that scenario, with a pleated skirt that isn’t too short for a graduation event.
The beaded waistband draws in your figure, creating an hourglass shape that is soft and feminine. It’s also suitable for most body types.
We suggest teaming this style with a cute shoulder bag and strappy heels in gold, white or beige. A bold red lip and curled hair would add a vintage twist.
Black Long Sleeve V Neck Jovani Short Dress 68749
If you want to flaunt your figure, this black jersey dress achieves your goal in just the right way. The stunning design includes a plunging neckline with a ruched bodycon skirt just above the knee.
The waist is highlighted with a contrasting beaded belt and has long sleeves, making it a great choice if your ceremony takes place in Fall or Winter instead.
This classic little black dress highlights your curves with sophistication and class. The jersey fabric is stretchy and body form, making it very comfortable to wear as you sit through the long list of names being called out.
The best part is that this LBD can be styled in almost any way you wish – go glamorous in chandelier earrings and an embellished clutch, or opt for minimalism with black heels and a polished up-do hairstyle. Take the opportunity to stamp this outfit with your own personal twist.
Pink Multi Boat Neck Short Sleeve Cocktail Dress M2948
Adding a little texture to the mix, this gorgeous multi-color woven dress will stand out as unique at any graduation. It includes an easy-to-wear boat neckline, short sleeves, and a short fitted skirt.
There are sparkling silver beaded details over the design that will catch the light and give further depth to this ensemble. The short sleeves and high neck are elegant choices for a graduation ceremony. It’s a modest style but still ensures your body shape is flattered and not drowned out.
The beautiful texture catches the eye and makes this dress stand out on its own. For that reason, we suggest playing it simple with accessories. Add nude heels and a clutch to complete the look.
A glossy natural makeup option is always a good choice for hair and makeup but add a statement cat-eye or eyeshadow. Hair can be up or down; just make sure it’s well-groomed and semi-formal for the graduation ceremony.
