4 Game-Changing Graduation Outfit Ideas For 2023 (2024)

Girl, you did it! All the years you spent studying late at night, all those notebooks stacked up on your desk - it’s finally paying off. The day has finally come when you get to celebrate your achievements, and of course, you want to look stunning while it happens.

Remember the fun of choosing what to wear for prom, and you’ve probably already thought about what to wear to your graduation. I mean, there’s just so much to choose from, right? Vibrant and bold colours? Classic black and white? Textured patterns? The possibilities are endless. And while that’s exciting, navigating through all the options could be confusing. You just earned a stressful degree, so there’s no need to stress about what to wear to graduation too!

That’s why we’ve curated a list of some inspo looks to help you with your graduation outfit ideas. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach with this, so feel free to mix and match these looks for a graduation outfit idea that suits you the best. After all, this day is all about celebrating you!

4 Graduation Outfit Ideas To Help You Decide What To Wear To A Graduation

It’s easy to get lost in the wormhole of all the graduation outfit inspo you see online, so we wanted to make it easier for you to decide what you wear to your graduation. Use these 4 inspo graduation outfit ideas as your template!

The Timeless All-Black Outfit

You already know what we’re talking about - the high-fashion, couture, classy look. If you’ve been looking up ‘graduation outfit ideas’ on Pinterest and your feed is filled with black dresses, there’s a really good reason for that. There’s just no way you can go wrong with black. It matches your robe and cap, giving you a clean all-black look. Pair it with killer fox-eye makeup and red lipstick, and you’ll make heads turn during your graduation party. It’s powerful, feisty and timeless, exactly what you want.

4 Game-Changing Graduation Outfit Ideas For 2023 (1)

The Centre-Of-Attention Look

This look is bold, bright and eye-catching, with vibrant colours or textured patterns that make a solid first impression. Admittedly, it’s not a graduation outfit idea many go for, but it’s worth experimenting with.

If you want to be the centre of attention, there’s no better way to do it than with stand-out colours. The best way to do that is to pair complementary colours. It could be through either subtle patterns or textures, especially if you’re looking for a graduation dress for winter, then add those woollen textures. But suppose you’re looking for some real out-of-the-box graduation outfit ideas. In that case, you can also try wearing completely contrasting dresses and footwear - like adding fuchsia elements to your green dress. If you’re outgoing and bold, this look will suit your personality too.

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The Classic White Dress

If you asked your mum what to wear to a graduation ceremony, she would probably suggest the classic white dress. It’s the perfect option for what to wear to a graduation ceremony as a mother too! And you know, she’s not wrong. Who doesn’t love white dresses? They’re classic, probably why white graduation dresses are the most popular choice. But let’s not confuse its simplicity for boredom. There’s so much you can do with a white dress. You can experiment with the sleeves, try differently-styled necks and incorporate flairs to add a touch of intrigue to your outfit. Classic, yet modern, a white dress is a go-to for a graduation dress idea.

The Soft Feminine Look

If you’re in the phase in your life where you want to embrace your femininity, or you just gravitate towards pastel shades, this look is your answer to the question, ‘What to wear to a graduation ceremony.’

From sage-coloured dresses to subtle pastel pinks and purples, these colours for your graduation outfit ideas will bring out the minimal and gentler side of you - a good break from all the crazy ambitious stuff you’ve been doing! These shades usually look great when paired with diamonds or rose-gold jewellery and matching footwear. It’s also the perfect look to wear to a graduation as a guest, check out how to wear a slip dress to embrace this style.

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Do You Have To Wear A Dress To Graduation?

Of course not! It’s 2023, and we’re so over the dresses-only stereotype. Now more than ever, it’s time to embrace the strong, independent woman you are and let her decide what to wear to graduation. Of course, if she wants to wear pants, she should.

In fact, wearing a two-toned look with different-coloured pants and a top is a great way to make your outfit stand out. But that’s not all. Why not try a jumpsuit? They’re super in right now and will give you the comfort of wearing pants while keeping your look stunning. But hey, don’t even think twice if you want to go for the classic suit-and-tie look.

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What’s The Ideal Length For Graduation Outfits?

There’s always the looming question of your graduation dress length. Can graduation dresses be long? Well, traditionally, there’s only one rule. It should be shorter than your robe. But no one’s policing around, making sure you follow it. If you choose to wear pants or a jumpsuit, there’s no need to worry about the length of your outfit at all!

Have You Decided What To Wear To Your Graduation?

It’s so exciting that you’ve achieved a new milestone in your life, and it’s great to know you will look stunning while you do it. Hopefully, we’ve helped you understand more about what type of dresses to wear to a graduation and curated a list of graduation outfit ideas to take inspo from.

We’re always looking forward to seeing how you style your graduation outfits, so don’t forget to tag NA-KD in your posts. And hey, all the best for your next milestone. We’re so proud of you!

4 Game-Changing Graduation Outfit Ideas For 2023 (2024)

FAQs

What to wear to college graduation 2023? ›

If you're graduating in the spring, I'd recommend choosing a dress in a spring-y or summer-y solid color, or a bright, fun floral or other print. If you are graduating in the fall or winter, choose a dress in a darker solid color (but something still colorful — don't just default to black!) or a darker floral print.

What color to wear to graduation as a female? ›

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.

What should a female guest wear to graduation? ›

Go with a nice dress, jumpsuits, or fun co-ord set. 2. Wear something comfortable - Graduations are usually pretty long, so you will want to wear something comfortable. Try to steer clear of anything heavy, itchy, or too tight!

What to wear to graduation ceremony parents? ›

Despite a continuing trend toward more-relaxed dressing in most settings, graduations in the U.S. are still a time for business attire or at least smart business casual.

What is the best color to wear to graduation? ›

Wear White or Light colored outfits for a classic look

Your graduation sash and robes will typically be much darker or feature intense colors – it helps to have a lighter base to contrast and highlight the school colors that you might also be wearing on top.

What is the style for 2023? ›

In 2023, instead of a fresh pant width or rise length, denim skirts took over the streets. With nostalgia for the indie era of the early aughts on the rise, it would've been easy to assume that the denim mini worn over opaque tights or cropped leggings would become the trend du jour.

How to pick a graduation outfit? ›

Color is a critical factor when picking out your graduation outfit. Since graduation isn't an entirely formal event, it's best to stick with hues that are not too bright and not too dull. Some of the best color choices include black, white, peach, blue, silver, and grey.

What color is the most common graduation dress? ›

There are a few different colors that are typically used for graduation robes, but the most common ones are black and white. Sometimes, other colors like blue or green are used as well, but it really depends on the school and their traditions.

What not to wear under a graduation gown? ›

Women are best wearing either dress pants or a shorter skirt underneath the gown, while men should choose khakis or dark-colored dress pants. Avoid brightly coloured bottoms if you choose to wear dress pants or a longer skirt, as they can be seen below the hem of the gown and stick to darker colours.

What not to wear to a graduation as a guest? ›

I would avoid wearing anything too low-cut or casual, like frayed t-shirts, ripped jeans or flip-flops. Remember, it's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed! Being a guest at a graduation ceremony is such a special occasion.

What do family members wear to a graduation? ›

A good rule-of-thumb when deciding what to wear to a child's graduation is to aim for what will look nice while also satisfying comfort and not overshadowing the graduate. A nice dress, slacks, or a suit will meet any unofficial dress codes.

Can I wear jeans to a graduation ceremony as a guest? ›

Can you wear jeans to a graduation ceremony? If the dress code is smart casual, yes. Elevate the denim with a classic blazer and pointed pumps, or add on statement bling like a chunky chain necklace.

What should parents give as a graduation gift? ›

Something personal

The best gifts are often those that are personalized, like an engraved necklace, photobook, a family cookbook or custom wall art. Consider fun memories you've made with the graduate, as well as their hobbies, passions and even future career field.

What does a mother wear to her daughter's graduation? ›

A Dress is Always Appropriate

Timeless silhouettes work well, such as a sheath, shift, wrap, or fit and flare dress. This is not the time to experiment with unusual cuts and funky clothing since your child's friends and parents will be there, and you want to ensure they are comfortable.

Do kids bring gifts to graduation parties? ›

Your teen may decide to give gifts or tokens of appreciation to friends who are graduating. You may want to honor some of your teen's close friends as well. However, there's no need to give expensive gifts or give a gift simply because your child received one from someone else's parents.

What to wear to attend college graduation? ›

There is no official dress code for graduation ceremonies, but most people dress in semi-formal or formal attire. Many women choose to wear dresses or skirts, but shorts are also acceptable.

What do family members wear to a college graduation? ›

A nice dress, slacks, or a suit will meet any unofficial dress codes. Fall graduations are typically held indoors, so weather doesn't pose as much of a factor. It's a good idea to layer for these ceremonies to account for all temperatures.

What is college graduation attire? ›

This could include a dress, a suit, a skirt and blouse, dress shoes, heels, elegant sandals, etc. Some students may choose to get their hair and makeup done, or get a haircut and a shave. At the end of the day, though, you can wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.

What to wear to an outdoor college graduation? ›

If you're wondering what to wear to an outdoor graduation ceremony as a guest, you can't go wrong in a colorful summer sundress. You'll be sitting outside for awhile, and depending on where the school is, it can turn into a bit of a sweatfest. A sleeveless pick will help keep you cooler.

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