Everything is leading up to graduation, the day you get to walk across the stage to be rewarded with a diploma for all of your hard work. In some ways, choosing your graduation outfit is easy, right? You’ll be wearing a graduation gown in your school’s choice of color, and one of those weird square caps. Not exactly the fashion statement of the century.
While the traditional graduation gown might not be the most exciting thing to wear, it being a blank slate actually works to your advantage! You can wear whatever you want under your graduation gown, and style your graduation outfit based on your vibe and personal fashion preferences.
Remember, you’re stepping into the next part of your life, so make sure you dress in a way that makes you feel confident. Ahead, check out aesthetic graduation dresses (and more) that’ll have you looking stylish and feeling like your best self as you take that all-important commencement walk.
Graduation Outfit Ideas
The ‘All Eyes On Me’ Grad
If you’re the type of person who craves the spotlight, try wearing something bright, bold, and eye-catching. Choose a color that makes you feel like your best self, then look for a dress, jumpsuit, or two-piece set in that color family!
You can also choose a bold hue based on the color of your graduation gown. For example, if you have a neutral white or black gown, go for a green, pink, or purple look. If your school has chosen a colorful graduation gown, try wearing a different hue of the same color to create a dynamic, bold monochromatic look, or choose a contrasting color to really stand out.
The Y2K-Obsessed Grad
If you’re graduating this year, you probably didn’t get to enjoy Y2K fashion to the fullest–you were just a baby, after all. Pay homage to your birth decade, and wear a graduation look inspired by the retro-futuristic vibes of the early 2000s!
Rock a 13 Going on 30 style slip dress with kitten heels, a handkerchief top and matching skirt, or go full Spice Girls with a shiny mini dress and platform shoes.
The Divine Feminine Grad
Femininity is powerful and can be expressed in any number of ways! If you’ve been exploring your divine femininity and want to embrace it, use graduation as an opportunity to channel your inner fairy princess.
There are all sorts of ways to go (traditionally) girly. Choose a dress in a floral print, a look with ruffles or tiers, or something featuring delicate details like lace trim or embroidery.
The Boho Grad
You have an easygoing vibe, an artistic soul, and a reputation for wearing eclectic colors, patterns, and fabrics: You’re a total boho babe. Choose a crochet or knit dress that you can also wear to a gorgeous beach event, or pick wildflowers in, and pair with espadrilles to complete the earthy aesthetic.
Bohemian babes love to accessorize. While you’ll need to wear your graduation cap until you throw it at the very end, there’s no reason you can’t bring a backup (more fashionable) hat to wear after the official ceremony!
The Classic Minimalist Grad
Whether you’re graduating top of your class or just love a timeless minimalist vibe, dressing in a simple, classic look is a sophisticated way to celebrate graduation! Simple monochromatic looks like a sleek LBD or the more modern LWD are always a good choice, and can’t miss no matter the color of your graduation gown or how you accessorize.
If you’re into the academia vibe, you could even go the tailored business-wear route by wearing slim trousers with a blazer and/or a button-down shirt. Give the look extra powerful vibes by adding a pair of feminine strappy heels.
The ‘Coastal Grandma’ Grad
Sail into the seas of your future in a laidback, “coastal grandma” style outfit! Nautical, beachy looks are a fun alternative to the more serious academia vibes but still have that sophisticated preppy feel.
Stripes, blue and white combos, natural fabrics like linen and cotton, and simple accessories are all hallmarks of this style. Try bringing a light cardigan to toss over your shoulders after you’ve taken off your gown, and accessorize with simple gold jewelry.
We want to see your graduation outfit ideas! Show us onInstagramorTikTok@lulus using #lovelulus! Still shopping? Head to our Graduation Dresses Shop to find your commencement ‘fit!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a fashion expert with years of experience and a deep knowledge of graduation outfits, I can confidently guide you in choosing the perfect attire for your special day. Graduation is a momentous occasion, and your outfit should reflect your personal style and make you feel confident as you embark on the next chapter of your life.
When it comes to graduation outfits, the traditional graduation gown may not be the most exciting garment to wear. However, it serves as a blank canvas that allows you to express your individuality. You have the freedom to wear whatever you want under your gown and style your outfit according to your vibe and fashion preferences.
Let's explore some graduation outfit ideas that will make you look stylish and feel like your best self as you walk across the stage.
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The 'All Eyes On Me' Grad: If you enjoy being in the spotlight, opt for something bright, bold, and eye-catching. Choose a color that makes you feel confident and look for a dress, jumpsuit, or two-piece set in that color family. You can also select a bold hue based on the color of your graduation gown. For example, if your gown is neutral white or black, go for a green, pink, or purple look. If your school has chosen a colorful graduation gown, try wearing a different shade of the same color to create a dynamic, monochromatic look, or choose a contrasting color to stand out.
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The Y2K-Obsessed Grad: If you're graduating this year and missed out on the Y2K fashion trends, now is your chance to pay homage to the early 2000s. Embrace the retro-futuristic vibes by wearing a slip dress with kitten heels, a handkerchief top and matching skirt, or go full Spice Girls with a shiny mini dress and platform shoes.
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The Divine Feminine Grad: Express your divine femininity by choosing a graduation outfit that channels your inner fairy princess. Opt for a dress in a floral print, a look with ruffles or tiers, or something featuring delicate details like lace trim or embroidery. There are countless ways to embrace femininity, so choose a style that resonates with you.
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The Boho Grad: If you have an easygoing vibe and an artistic soul, the boho style is perfect for you. Select a crochet or knit dress that you can also wear to a beach event or while picking wildflowers. Complete the earthy aesthetic by pairing it with espadrilles. Bohemian babes love to accessorize, so consider bringing a fashionable hat to wear after the official ceremony once you've tossed your graduation cap.
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The Classic Minimalist Grad: For those who appreciate a timeless minimalist aesthetic, dressing in a simple, classic look is a sophisticated way to celebrate graduation. Opt for a sleek little black dress or a modern little white dress. These monochromatic looks work well regardless of the color of your graduation gown or how you choose to accessorize. If you prefer an academic vibe, consider wearing slim trousers with a blazer and/or a button-down shirt. Add a pair of feminine strappy heels to enhance the powerful vibes.
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The 'Coastal Grandma' Grad: If you want to exude a laidback yet sophisticated vibe, consider a "coastal grandma" style outfit. Nautical and beachy looks offer a fun alternative to the more serious academia vibes. Experiment with stripes, blue and white combinations, and natural fabrics like linen and cotton. Keep your accessories simple and consider bringing a light cardigan to throw over your shoulders once you've removed your gown. Simple gold jewelry adds the perfect finishing touch.
Now that you have a range of graduation outfit ideas, it's time to find the perfect ensemble that represents your personal style. Remember, this is your moment to shine, so choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and ready to take on the world. Don't forget to share your graduation outfit ideas on Instagram or TikTok by tagging @lulus and using #lovelulus. Happy shopping and congratulations on your upcoming graduation!
