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Graduations are the only events harder to plan an outfit for than weddings. Graduates and attendees are typically required to adhere to a strict, specific dress code that varies for each school. Common requirements for graduates include: no jeans, no dresses longer than the length of the gown, minimal jewelry, and closed-toe shoes or those with backs. With all of these rules, most graduating students find it easier to dress in an office-ready, business casual style. There are probably thousands of young students dreading the idea of wearing business casual instead of being true to their own style. 

This is understandable because school graduation can be a momentous time of the year. 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, what to wear for graduation? There’s a way to maintain elegance, professionalism, and poise, without forsaking your fashion sense. Even if you’re not the one graduating and you’re only in attendance, these looks are just as comfortable, stylish, and appropriate to celebrate the graduates in your life.

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!

If You Love…A Suit & Tie

Okay, we don’t mean the full suit and stuffy tie. There’s a way to utilize the best parts while still making it your own with a modern twist. We suggest an oversized blazer and matching trousers. Complete the suit with a solid-colored button-up shirt and platform loafers–they’re a trendy style that you can wear during graduation that also provides extra support while standing and walking across the stage. Don’t be afraid to show off your style with the bottoms you choose, too, whether that is by wearing a skirt, cuffed dress pants, or this year’s trend: loose-fit pants. Wear a classic gold watch and minimalist accessories to complete this graduation-ready look.

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If You Love…Simple & Elegant

Graduation day is a perfect occasion to dress to the nines! If you want to wear a gown, go right ahead. We recommend a solid-colored slip dress paired with a thin leather belt at the waist and minimal accessories. The shoe options are endless, but pumps or open-toed heels will keep the elegance. This graduation is simple, elegant, and perfect for your graduation day.

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If You Love…Being Extra Comfortable

There is something about a one-piece suit or jumpsuit that makes dressing up easier and more comfortable. (Besides, it’s a worry-free outfit that looks great on almost anyone.) For added detail, accessorize the jumpsuit with a statement necklace or earrings to liven up the outfit, and wear a pair of flat mules or loafers to ensure comfort during the entire ceremony.  If the ceremony is outdoors, don’t forget to wear a pair of sunglasses to give some extra comfort to your eyes, too.

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If You Love…Floral Prints

Since a lot of graduation ceremonies take place in the late spring or early summer months, florals are the perfect choice for a classic, timeless print. If you have a floral dress that you’ve been waiting to style, this is your sign to wear it to your ceremony. Depending on your personal aesthetic, you can wear pumps or flats to complete the look. Be sure to wear a flattering gold or silver necklace for some extra shimmer.

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If You Love…Your School Colors

Graduation day closes out a significant period of your life and may contain memories from some of your most cherished years at school. I understand that this may not have been everyone’s experience, but if you loved your school–why not show some school pride on this big day, albeit in a high fashion way? Create a monochromatic outfit with your school’s colors and pair it with earrings and a leather watch to match. (Make sure the colors don't clash with your cap and gown, however!) This outfit will be an eye-catching, yet fun way to celebrate your graduation!

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If You Love…A Modern Aesthetic

Of course, you can never go wrong with a blazer, slacks, or a classic dress for your graduation. However, if you dare to be bold on this memorable day, choose a dress with a bright and festive pattern. Consider large bows or even puff sleeves. Don’t be afraid to stand out and let your creative eye for style show. Don’t stop at a cool dress, either, pick shoes that are just as outstanding, such as these jeweled heels. Complete the look with colorful makeup hues from your eyeshadow to bold lip color.

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If You Love…An All-White Look

White dresses are a big fashion trend for this spring and summer. Personally, I choose to see an all-white outfit as a fresh start–exactly what you’ll want to appreciate after years of studying, writing, presenting, and all of the hard work that you had to do to get to this day. A white dress is also a very classy option that still has a way of making a statement. If you don’t want to wear a dress, consider a formal white top and loose white trousers or an all-white jumpsuit instead. Style either ensemble with kitten heels and a gold watch before completing the outfit with a natural makeup look. This whole outfit is flattering and will be picture-perfect.

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If You Love…Metallics

This graduation outfit can be created with shiny metallics, such as silver, gold, or rose gold! We suggest styling a pleated silver skirt with a white top and black heels. This show stopping outfit is a modern upgrade to a traditional graduation look. With the skirt as the centerpiece, keep everything else more understated, although a touch of glitter to your eyeshadow and highlighter will keep the ensemble shimmering–just how you should feel after this major accomplishment!

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If You Love…A Dress For Summer

A sundress is a more than worthy option for a graduation ceremony, regardless of whether you’re the one graduating or you’re just there to celebrate. It’s both comfortable and flowy, allowing you to move freely between picture ops, and it can be easily accessorized to create any number of formal looks. Plus, many sundresses are affordable and can become great additions to your closet since they are versatile dresses that can be worn on repeat…long after graduation is over!

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If You Love…Your Favorite Denim

Over the years, the rules surrounding graduation outfits have become more lax, meaning that a great pair of jeans can be worn in an elevated, stylish way for this momentous occasion! Darker denim, when paired with a vest, has a trendy, business-casual feel, yet still creates a more polished look that is appropriate for the day. While some ceremonies may still require you to wear sleeves, a sleek off-the-shoulder sweater will look just as refined, if acceptable. Wear petite beige pumps, your gold watch and earrings, and of course, your graduation cap. You’ll be comfortable and ready for any graduation after parties! 

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