When you celebrate your graduation, you should look and feel your best. After all, you’ve accomplished a lot. Luckily, there are many stylish options for every season. You’ll be fashion-prepared whether you’re taking photos for your graduation announcements, giving a graduation speech or celebrating with your closest friends and family. To help choose your wardrobe, we’ve put together 24 graduation outfit ideas. From DIY dresses to collared shirts, our list has something for everyone.
As you plan for this memorable time, remember to take plenty of photos. You can capture them all in a photo book or create a framed print.
1
Teal Dress
Your graduation is a big deal and you should dress the part. Consider a colorful, flowy dress that will match the joy of your celebration and style with a monogram gold necklace.
Source: Shutterfly
2
High-Waisted Pants and Blouse
Bring a sophisticated look to your graduation day. Wear high-waisted slacks and a breathable blouse. You’ll stay cool under your gown without sacrificing on style. Add some color with a beautiful DIY money lei to wear during the ceremony.
Source: Unsplash
3
Casual Wear
Whether it’s your little one celebrating their kindergarten graduation or you tackling a degree, aim for a cheery ensemble. A sundress or a button-up top with jeans are both great options for a spring or summer graduation.
Source: Shutterfly
4
Embroidered Skirt
Make your outfit stand out with a one-of-a-kind skirt. Decorate the front with an embroidery pattern and pair with an engraved cuff. You’ll love celebrating in something so unique.
Source: Unsplash
5
Neutral Tones
Blues, whites and grays are serene, sophisticated tones. You’ll look stylish and ready for your next step, whether that’s more schooling or a professional job.
Source: Shutterfly
6
Floral Jumpsuit
Aim for both comfy and stylish for your graduation outfit. Jumpsuits are back in style and come in a range of patterns, like florals and stripes.
Source: Unsplash
7
Spring Pastels
Looking for graduation outfit ideas for springtime? Opt for pastels, from pink to green. You’ll look carefree and timeless in your graduation photos.
Source: Shutterfly
8
Skirt and Top
Be fashion ready for your graduation party. Couple your favorite skirt with a sweater or blouse. Don’t forget to accessorize with cute shoes and a pair of earrings.
Source: Unsplash
9
Black Dress
Arrive at your graduation in elegance. Choose a black dress that matches your style and highlights your best features. Throw on a jacket or sweater if it’s a cooler day.
Source: Emily Young Photography
10
Knit Scarf
For winter graduation or a chillier spring day, accessorize with a knit scarf. Have it match your school colors for extra fashion credit.
Source: The Crafty Gentleman
11
Black and White Ensemble
Keep your outfit simple and cross it off your graduation party checklist. Pair a white top with a black necklace or tie. Add extra personality with a patterned skirt or pair of pants.
Source: Confessions of a Refashionista
12
Embroidered Shirt
Add personality to a shirt you already love. Embroider a flower, star or heart on the shoulder. Not only will your outfit be beautiful, but it’ll also have a personal touch.
Source: Jennifer Jangles
13
Patterned Sundress
College graduation dresses range in style — from elegant to casual. Go the more casual route with a floral or striped sundress. You can wear it again to all the summer parties.
Source: Kiku Corner
14
Embellished Collar
Enhance a dress shirt by sewing buttons to the collar. Choose a mix of colors and textures for extra flair.
Source: David Leon Morgan
15
Festive Earrings
Your accessories are as important as your clothing, especially since you’ll be wearing a cap and gown. Wear a pair of pom earrings with a unique grad cap design and catch everyone’s attention as you walk across the stage.
Source: The Outfit Repeater
16
Fun-Colored Pants
Step away from a typical pair of black slacks. With orange, red or pink pants, you’ll have instant personality. Your top can be just as festive or more neutral.
Source: Sew Altered Style
17
Ruffled Dress
This is one of our favorite dresses for graduation. With its ruffles, cowl back and sheer fabric, it’s both fresh and fun.
Source: Paper Michey
18
Printed Jeans
Not all graduation outfits have to be formal. Choose a neutral shirt to accompany a patterned set of jeans and tote bag — whether they’re decked with stripes, polka dots or an animal print.
Source: Emerja Design
19
Crocheted Scarf
Want graduation outfit ideas for the fall and winter? Crochet a scarf that you can layer on top of a dress or shirt. Add brooches and buttons for extra style.
Source: Petals to Picots
20
Striped Pants
Sew a pair of wide-leg pants for your graduation day. Choose a pattern like stripes or zig zags for a classy ensemble.
Source: 5 Feet of Style
21
DIY Dress
Transform a curtain into a cute graduation dress. Try a flared pattern for enhanced shape, like this box pleated skirt. A flared, calf-length dress also makes for a comfortable outfit to wear during any graduation games you have planned for your party.
Source: Paper Michey
22
Crochet Dress
You can crochet more items than just scarfs and hats. Test your skills with a crochet graduation dress. Try a gradient color scheme using multiple yarns.
Source: Wilma Estenberg
23
Striped Shirt
Instead of a solid-colored shirt, go for more personality with a striped option. You can make this a DIY project by using a t-shirt pattern and jersey cotton fabric.
Source: The Crafty Gentleman
24
Linen Dress with Rope Belt
For a vintage or rustic look, wear a linen dress and add a rope belt. Pair it with a simple necklace for a timeless ensemble.
Source: The Artisan Life
No matter which outfit you choose for graduation, the most important part is feeling like yourself. To personalize your outfit even more, consider adding a custom piece of jewelry.
