What to Wear to Graduation: For Grads & Guests

Wondering what to wear to a graduation? Whether you’re the grad or a guest, these graduation outfit ideas are perfect for celebrating in style.

It's hard to believe that the school year is already coming to an end! Whether you’re accepting a diploma or cheering on your friends and family from the stands, it's time to dress up for the graduating class. From ceremonies to parties, it can be difficult to know what to wear to graduation. You’ll want to look springy and chic, yet appropriate and put together. Depending on the type of celebration you’re going to, you’ll want an Instagram-worthy outfit that’s comfortable enough for long ceremonies, garden parties, and everything in between.

There are lots of ways to create stylish graduation outfits that are as comfortable as they are fabulous. From classic white graduation dresses to chic matching sets, we’ve rounded up our favorite graduation outfit ideas for grads and guests.

What to Wear to a Graduation Ceremony

Formal can still be fabulous! Graduation ceremonies tend to be more dressy than the parties that come after them, so aim to look classic, chic, and put together. It's also a good idea to stay on trend in a white mini dress. However, that doesn't mean you still can't add a hint of flair! Whether you’re the grad or a guest, keep reading for our stylish graduation ceremony outfit ideas.

For Grads:

From the long ceremony to unpredictable spring weather, it can be difficult to know what to wear under a graduation gown. A white dress is an effortless graduation staple, especially when paired with chunky neutral heels.

For a fun twist, pair a white midi dress with a bright wedge for a pop of color, or a floral mini dress with off-the-shoulder detail to show off your collarbone when the gown comes off. Or, let your personality shine on your big day in a sparkly sequin mini dress. For an elevated look, a classic little black dress is sure to work well with any cap and gown.

Another fun idea is to coordinate dresses, colors or patterns with your group of friends. Maybe you all opt for wearing bright florals, like an off-the-shoulder mini dress or a flowy printed midi dress. Or, each wear a shade of your favorite pastel hue: julep green, daffodil yellow, ocean blue and opal pink are just a few shades that will stand out under your gown. Either way, the pictures will turn out fabulous!

For Guests:

Choosing a graduation guest outfit is like putting together an outfit when attending a wedding. You’ll want to avoid dressing in the school colors, wear something appropriate, and be sure to not take attention away from the grad. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still look chic! Either way, graduation ceremonies are a perfect occasion to add that spring-forward dress to your cart.

For guests, opt for a bright strapless maxi dress or a pale pastel mini dress with subtle cut-outs, paired with simple gold jewelry and a comfortable wedge heel. Or, try a knit midi dress that hugs you in all the right places. If you’re going for a sophisticated look, you can never go wrong with a midi or maxi dress with elegant ruffles or floral accents. Paired with colorful heels, a flirty wrap mini dress will be sure to impress.

If you're more into pants or separates, opt for a chic matching set with flat sandals to keep you comfortable through the long ceremony. Jumpsuits and matching sets also make a fabulous graduation guest outfit for a comfortable and stylish look.

What to wear to a graduation party

Some of the best graduation celebrations happen in friends’ backyards. Whether you're attending a soirée post-ceremony or a few weekends after, it's always fun to switch up your look and wear something a bit more festive than your graduation ceremony outfit.

For Grads:

Celebrate your hard work in an outfit that is stylish yet comfortable enough to wear throughout your entire party. Shine for your big moment in a mini dress with wedges, or try a bright, colorful midi style with sexy cut-outs. For a more comfortable look, opt for a stylish romper and low block heels that won't sink in the grass. Or, opt for a smocked mini dress that will be sure to be a closet staple long after graduation is over.

More comfortable in separates? An off-the-shoulder blouse or cropped tank top paired with printed mini shorts is the perfect option for a summery, flirty look. Pair a subtle, silky style with a chic blazer for a sophisticated look, or simply wear a long sleeve top with dressy shorts for a stand-out moment.

For Guests:

Just like any party, you’ll want to consider the dress code when selecting your graduation party guest outfit. If the party calls for a semi-formal dress code, opt for a ruffled midi dress with statement heels and a chic clutch. A light and airy wrap dress is perfect for a backyard party, especially when paired with flat-bottomed wedges. For a springy look, wear a maxi dress in a bright hue that can be dressed up with gold jewelry and neutral sandals.

If you’d rather wear pants, figure-flattering jeans or silk pants but will have you looking put together for any kind of graduation party. Pair with an effortless one-shoulder top or high-neck halter top, but don’t forget to bring a sweater or light jacket in case the weather turns torward the end of the evening.

Which Graduation Outfit Idea Will You Choose?

Depending on the dress code for all of your celebrations, graduation season creates an opportunity to style endless outfits, whether you’re going for a romantic, classic, or formal look.

Grads can pair a classic white style with comfortable wedges, or a fun and flirty floral dress under their gown. Guests should style a colorful midi dress with simple accessories, or dress up a classic silky top and figure-flattering jeans. No matter what look you're going for, start envisioning your perfect outfit for this season’s graduation ceremonies and parties. Congrats to the graduating class!