Shopping for a happy occasion is the best, which is why figuring out what to wear to a graduation is so fun. The sheer joy at a graduation ceremony is just so palpable! Your clothes should reflect that.
If youâre finishing school in the coming months, congratulations, and give yourself a pat on the back for all your hard work. And if youâre in attendance? Itâs always a delightful experience to see someone you care about achieve a major life accomplishment such as graduating from high school or college. Whatever your situation is, if thereâs a graduation date on your calendar, youâll want to pick out an outfit for the special day soon so you have time to shop for any pieces you need.
Before you do that, double-check where the ceremony is taking place. If itâs inside an auditorium with the AC on full blast, a long-sleeve dress or suit may be the way to go. (No one wants to shiver during the memorable moment.) Alternatively, should the venue be outside in the heat, something breezy and lightweight is a must for graduation attireâespecially if youâre prone to sweating.
The dress code is also important to keep top of mind when selecting a graduation outfit. Anything sheer or super-short likely wonât cut it, and itâs best to leave jeans and sneakers at home. Regardless of whether itâs a formal ceremony or something more laid-back, you still want to show respect for the graduates by dressing up for the special occasion. But by all means, have fun with your look and sport a bold print or vibrant color. Matching to the school colors is also a fun way to show your pride (if youâre the grad) or support (if youâre the guest).
And if youâre still scratching your head on what to wear to a graduation ceremony, weâve compiled some outfit ideas for the big day below.
A matching set
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A celebratory occasion calls for something statement-making, like a matching set in an eye-catching print. Look to a two-piece in silk or linen, as the fabrics will keep you comfortable throughout the dayâespecially if youâre a grad and wearing it underneath that stuffy graduation gown. As far as styling goes, put all the attention on the outfit by finishing with minimal jewelryâperhaps diamond stud earrings?âand sleek pumps or a block heel. Just make sure to pick shoes that youâre comfortable in. Nobody wants to trip on stage or walking up bleacher steps!
A minidress
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If the graduation day is on a steamy, sweltering afternoon, stay cool in a minidress. The style doesnât matter as muchâitâll be under your gown anyway, if youâre a gradâso even a little black dress from your closet could work. Have fun with it by going all-out on bejeweled earrings, stacks of rings, and cuff bracelets in your preferred metal. Finally, level up the ensemble by way of flat or heeled strappy sandals and a little bag or clutch (an oversized tote likely isnât necessary for this occasion).
A maxidress
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To avoid any unwanted bunching underneath a graduation gown or while youâre sitting on a bleacher, opt for a form-fitting maxidress. A style rendered in a bright shade like red, orange, or pink will stand out in a sea of neutral numbers. From there, punctuate the outfit with a beaded necklace, and off to the ceremony you go. We recommend a more formal shoe than pictured aboveâa block heel, for example, is walkable and will keep the dress from dragging.
A suit
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Ditch a traditional graduation dress in favor of a slouchy suit for something unexpected. A black or gray suit will, of course, always exude sophistication. However, if youâre seeking a set thatâs less business casual and more playful, go for an of-the-moment butter yellow style. (Itâs the color trend that won’t quit!) Should you wish to give the roomy look some shape, cinch it in with a coordinating beltâthis styling trick can truly make all the difference at balancing oversized blazers and wide-leg pants. Also, a vest set is a good alternative for any warmer weather events.
A floral midi-dress
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Most college and high school graduation ceremonies take place in the spring or early summer, so itâs never a bad idea to match the season with a sleeveless floral dress in dreamy pastels. Shoes in a bright, playful color will stand out underneath a graduation gownâor in photos, if youâre a guestâand a sheer or lightweight jacket can be nice to have as an extra layer if you get chilly in the AC.
A denim dress
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A denim dress, particularly one in a longer hemline and splashed with a fun floral print, feels apt for an outdoor graduation ceremony. Steer the outfit in an elevated direction by doubling down on leather accents, such as a burgundy or brown handbag with Mary Jane flats. And chic sunglasses are nonnegotiable on a sunny afternoon.
A blazer + pencil skirt
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Have a graduation at 3 p.m. and a celebratory dinner at 7 p.m.? Choosing an outfit thatâll transition into the evening is key. If youâre toasting at an upscale restaurant, dress to the nines in a collarless blazer and a pencil skirt. Add a little personality to the outfit via trendy leopard-print heels and a structured bag.
A Slip Dress
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A hero piece in every wardrobe, a satin or silky dress is primed for virtually any special outing, including a graduation. Because the polished look already oozes elegance, thereâs no need to go overboard with accessoriesâa leather bag and dress shoes should do the trick. Pack a cardigan in case itâs chilly in the auditorium or the restaurant.
A jumpsuit
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Are you a guest who decided a bit last-minute to attend a graduation ceremony? Or maybe traveling to a college graduation and need space in your suitcase? Reach for a one-and-done jumpsuit, like this understated white iteration. The styling possibilities with a pared-back neutral piece are truly endless. If youâre a minimalist, take notes from this look and pile on your go-to gold (or silver!) jewelry. For the maximalists reading this, a colorful necklace and printed clutch are definitely more your speed, no?
Dress pants
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A pair of dress pants are always a safe bet for a graduation guest outfit. And while the sleeves pictured above might be too extreme for your nieceâs high school ceremony, you can take inspiration from the monochrome look applied here. A button-down silky top or a blouse with ruffles and a high neckline will keep things dressy and elegant.