They go beyond a little white dress!
Walking across the stage to receive your diploma is a once-in-a-lifetime moment—so why not make it count? After years of dedication and hard work, you deserve to be celebrated in style. That’s why your outfit should be just as memorable as the day itself! When picking what to pair with your cap and gown, choose something that makes you feel confident, polished, and ready to shine when your name is called. To help you look your best, refer to this list of stunning graduation outfits—including plenty of cute graduation dresses—so you can step into your next chapter feeling fabulous.
The best part? If your school doesn’t have a commencement dress code, you can pretty much wear whatever you want! Feel free to express your own personal style under your gown in a pretty and polished way. That means you can wear anything from floral dresses and little black dresses to sleek blazers, pantsuits, jumpsuits, and rompers. We’ve included all of that and more—plus inspiration from Alex’s graduation and Paige’s graduation.
Stick to tradition and wear a timeless white dress or mix it up a bit with bright colors and patterns. It’s your day, so have fun with it! (That also means decorating your cap with the cutest graduation cap ideas). When paired with comfortable heels or sandals, most of these ensembles can even take you right from the ceremony to your graduation party and will, of course, look great in post-commencement photos. Just be sure to use one of these graduation Instagram captions with them!
1. The White Boat Neck Bowknot Satin Mini Dress
Talk about beauty and brains! This chic dress has an elegant leg slit adorned with three little silk bows. You can keep it simple or easily add a pop of color with your shoes.
2. Mare Mare Chinoiserie Fit & Flare Midi Dress
Who says you can’t wear a patterned dress under your gown? It’ll add an exciting look to an already exciting day. Just be sure to stick with a print that doesn’t clash with your gown, like this pale blue and white toile number with a fit-and-flare silhouette.
3. High-Neck Draped Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits offer a unique way to switch up typical ceremony attire while still looking polished. This one features a timeless high neckline and draping details along the bodice with easy wide-leg pants.
4. Cream Floral Burnout Tie-Strap Mini Dress
After all the hard work you put in to achieve this milestone, your outfit needs to be worthy of the day—and this classy yet playful pick certainly is! Pink satin straps on a straight neckline, a fitted bodice, and a sheer floral burnout pattern adorned with a subtle green leaf print throughout make up its fun design.
5. Alleia Satin Two Piece
If you don’t want to go the traditional route—don’t! This super-soft set is made up of a crinkle texture, satin strapless top and trousers. Plus, the butter yellow hue is so on point for spring!
6. Mock Neck Satin Romper
When you look your best, you feel your best—and that’s certainly something you want on graduation day. You can do that by getting all dressed up in this pick. The romper has an elegant satin fabrication paired with a mock neckline and asymmetrical sleeves.
7. Petal & Pup Laurel Dress
Wear this pretty pick as you receive your diploma and you’ll also receive a barrage of compliments. Just look at it! Along with lovely tie straps, the mid-length skirt will cascade beautifully along your figure while the subtle side slit gives extra oomph to its prim and proper design.
8. Westwood White Half Sleeve Sheath Dress
Here’s another white dress that would be great for graduation and beyond. Yep, it’s perfect for the office after you secure your first big job! Notice the princess-seamed bodice atop a modest pleated sheath skirt complete with half sleeves and a crew neck.
9. Black Midi Dress
The best thing about a black dress? It’ll match any color cap and gown as well as any academic stoles you may have earned. Just ask Paige! She looks so chic in this midi length style that she wore during her senior pictures at The University of Arkansas.
10. Satin Ruched Wrap Dress
We’re already imagining the photo ops you’ll have in this one once the commencement ceremony is finished. You can’t go wrong with a satin fabric for important occasions—and when paired with delicate ruching and a tie waist, it’ll be hard to top. Along with this sage color, it comes in fifteen others, too.
11. White Lace Dress
A white dress is a popular pick for graduations. Though not required, the tradition of wearing white actually dates back to the 19th century. Add a unique touch to yours with eyelet detailing and lacy trim like Alex Drummond did when graduating from Texas A&M University.
12. Power of Love Magenta Strapless Jumpsuit
We’re loving the Elle Woods vibes of this eye-catching ensemble. A strapless V-bar bodice with a fluttering tier atop wide pants—all done in a bright pink hue—will definitely give you that “wow” factor you’re going for.
13. The A&F Giselle Clasp-Back Pleated Midi Dress
Pleats are back and better than ever! Stick to the trends for your commencement or graduation party with this popular number. The flowing silhouette and asymmetrical hem adds just the right amount of whimsy—especially for those spring graduations.
14. White Puff-Sleeve Dress
Here’s some more white dress inspo—courtesy of Paige Drummond. A flowy silhouette with subtle tiering that’s also adorned with puff sleeves gives charming flair to an otherwise understated ensemble. The shoe and accessory options are endless!
15. Social Sensation Burgundy Square Neck Mini Bodycon Dress
Here’s an idea: Wear this dress under your gown with a pretty pair of heels for the ceremony, then change into cute sneakers for your graduation party after. The stretchy crepe fabric is so versatile and just as cute thanks to the square neckline and princess-seamed bodice.
16. Always Beautiful Rose Pink Sleeveless Tulip Midi Dress
After you cross the stage in this dress, you’ll be two degrees hotter—one for the diploma and one for this outfit. It’s flirty and fun while still perfectly poised thanks to a fitted waist that falls into a tulip midi skirt.
17. Sweet Like You Blush Ruffled Mini Dress
Hint: You don’t have to match your school colors. This lovely number will have you looking pretty in pink as you walk across the stage. And when the gown comes off after, frilly ruffled sleeves and a draping skirt offer the most darling details.
18. Petal & Pup Devlin Top
This set embodies an effortlessly chic and polished look. The separate pants and top will keep you comfy throughout commencement thanks to the linen fabrication while the square neckline with wide leg pants adds trendy style.
19. In the City Black Surplice Sleeveless Jumpsuit
This jumpsuit gives the ultimate welcome to the real world! It’s made of a lightweight woven fabric with a sleeveless bodice that sweeps across the front and into paper bag waist pants. It’s finished off with pleated details, a tie belt, and pockets.
20. Little Black Dress
Perhaps the most timeless dress for any event is the little black dress. There are just so many designs to choose from—and they’ll all look stunning under your gown. The LBD that Paige wore to her graduation party is certainly head turning with those cut-out details. We’re definitely sold!
