Your Go-To Guide
For Graduation Dressing

Now that we mention fashion, identifying the fine line between underdressed or overdressed for graduation can be tricky. How formal do you take it? Where will you be celebrating after the ceremony? Do I want to feel timeless or on trend or mark the occasion? All questions worth asking. 

Finding the perfect graduation dress is just one thing. Pulling off the right accessories is another.

On the other hand, as a guest or parent, you may want to dress appropriately, but the stakes can be high. In the first place, the word "appropriate" is relative.

So whether you're the one wearing a cap and gown or you're attending someone else's graduation, it's time to plan your outfit.

Here's your ultimate go-to guide for graduation dresses, whether you’re the one in the limelight or you’re helping to celebrate the occasion.

Matching The Dress With The Grad Gown

If you're a graduate, chances are you've already got your gown. But what about the dress? If you plan on wearing one, there are a few things to consider when pairing things up. 

First up, colour.

The colour of your gown will largely dictate what colour you wear for your dress—but don't feel like you have to stick with the same shade. Instead, look at complementary colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel.  

For example, if your gown is burgundy, try pairing it with a teal or mint-green dress. These colours will help draw attention away from any spots or stains in your gown so that everyone else can only see how beautiful you look in it.

Next up, patterns.

Patterns can be tricky when it comes to matching them with a graduation gown—so we recommend keeping things simple and sticking to solid colours (like black or white) or stripes (like pinstripes). 

Last but definitely not the least, comfort. 

You might wonder why you should wear a comfortable dress beneath your graduation gown. The answer is simple: because it's the only way you'll survive the ceremony until the after-party. You've got to be able to sit comfortably, stand up straight and tall, and dance the night away without feeling like you're wearing a corset.

The perfect accessories to go with your grad gown. 

A necklace can greatly impact your look, but keep it simple so that it doesn't clash with your gown. Earrings are also great for adding sparkle without being too flashy. And don't forget the watch—you'll need something to keep track of all those important moments! 

For your footwear, you may want high heels for your walk across the stage, or you may prefer shorter wedges for dancing at the party afterward (or both!). Match it with the Blakely Croc Chain Bag for a hint of luxe and class, just perfect for the occasion.

On-Trend: The White Graduation Dress

If you've been paying attention to the fashion world over the past few years, you might have noticed that white graduation dresses are everywhere.

And why wouldn't they be? 

White is classic, timeless, and easy to wear. It's also a colour that works for just about any skin tone. They're also light and airy—a great reflection of your carefree attitude toward life after graduation. And the colour scheme is so versatile: you can go for a crisp white or a soft cream. Either way, you'll look gorgeous.

Shoes to match. 

The white graduation dress is an iconic staple of a commencement experience. When you step out on stage in front of your friends and family, you'll be wearing a white dress as bright as your future.

 But what are you going to wear on your feet? It's not every day that you get to make such an impression with your shoes, but when you do, it's important to make it count.

If you want to make sure your graduation day is one for the books, we suggest wearing  KAILANI Platform heels in metallic colours, specifically gold. Bold neutrals like the MESHKI black  MONROE criss-cross heels are also a foolproof choice as they contrast exquisitely in white.

Mini, Madi, or Maxi? What is Best for a Graduate?

When you're planning your graduation OOTD, you want to make sure that you look like a million bucks (or maybe keep it understated). 

But how do you pick the perfect dress? 

It all depends on your vibe and personality. Are you more of a mini-dress kind of gal? Or maybe you're more of a maxi-dress or midi lover. 

Or maybe you're a beach lover fond of swimwear. Anyway, let's keep the swimwear for the graduation after-party.

The great thing is, there are dresses that fit any preference out there—you just have to know what makes you feel good and go with it. 

Here's a guide to help you decide.

 A Cheeky Mini Dress

The mini is a style that hits right above the knee. 
When you're trying to pick out the perfect outfit for your big day, you want something that will make you feel comfortable and confident—and that's exactly what a mini dress does. Take it from our EVERLEIGH Strapless Sequin Mini Dress. This mini dress will help you shine effortlessly, which is exactly what you want on the day when everyone is going to be looking at you.

A Cute Midi Dress

The midi is a style that falls somewhere in between those two extremes of a mini and a maxi, hitting right above or below your calves. 
One of the very reasons why midi dresses are great for graduation is that they're comfortable. If you're going to be sitting in a folding chair for hours on end, it's important that your clothes give you freedom of movement without sacrificing style.

Check out our ASPEN Back Keyhole Knit Midi Dress for inspo, or get it now from our shop.

Go Extra With A Maxi Dress

The maxi is a style that reaches all the way down to your ankles. It's perfect for those who are feeling extra feminine or who just like wearing dresses with long slits in them. 
They're versatile enough that you can wear them anywhere from the ceremony to cocktail hour, and they won't get in your way when you're trying to make an impression on potential employers or grad school admissions committees. If you love this idea, we bet you'll fall in love with our SYDNEY Straight Neck Slip Maxi Dress in khaki or if you want to look golden, get it in yellow!